The Lemon Index

All cars · GMC Sierra

2022 GMC Sierra.

The 2022 GMC Sierra is worse than average by owner complaints: 476 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 161, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 15 to 26 mpg combined. The best GMC Sierra year is 2010.

161Lemon Index · 100 = average car

Worse than average. 1.6× the average car's complaints.

Best year 2010 · Worst year 2015

GMC Sierra
Photo shows a 2019 GMC Sierra. Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · background removed

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.

Owner complaints476first 3 years
Fuel economy15–26 mpgcombined, EPA
Crash test★★★★★NHTSA overall

How serious. Out of 671 owner complaints, owners reported:

13crashes
6injuries
7fires
44tows

What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.

engine35%
body structure17%
electrical16%
transmission & drivetrain16%
brakes7%

Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.

Transmission problems in every GMC Sierra year →

When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.

half by 37K
0K50K100K150K200K

Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 67K miles on the car (112 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.

  • engine complaints mostly came at 26K–79K miles
  • transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 18K–80K miles
  • electrical complaints mostly came at 15K–67K miles

Recalls 6

  • transmission & drivetrain 2026

    The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.

  • engine 2025

    The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

  • body structure 2025

    The attachments that hold the front grille deflectors in place may fracture, resulting in grille detachment.

Show all 6 recalls
  • transmission & drivetrain 2024

    The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

  • lights 2022

    The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.

  • lights 2022

    General Motors (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar.

Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.

Check a VIN for open recalls

Problems GMC told dealers about

GMC sent dealers 1773 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:

  • This service bulletin provides information on Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines

Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.

Government investigations

  • OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
  • OpenUpper grille deflector detachment2026
  • OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
  • ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026

NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.

Safety

Stability controlStandard
Collision warningNot offered
Lane departure warningNot offered
Crash test details
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WDnot ratednot rated★★★★★★★★★☆
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WDnot ratednot rated★★★★★★★★★☆
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 2WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 2WDnot ratednot rated★★★★★★★★★☆
GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 2WDnot ratednot rated★★★★★★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines

About $3550–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.

In owners' words

Engine locked up while driving down interstate. Found out it’s the 2nd engine that has been replaced. On its 3rd engine now. GM 6.2L

2022 GMC Sierra owner · NHTSA complaint 11638953
More owner reports

The front upper grille deflector/hood bulge flew off randomly while driving. No signs of it previously detaching or anything. Just came off.

NHTSA complaint 11682558

The engine seized up at approximately 20,000 miles while exiting the highway. I took the vehicle to GM and they needed to replace the entire engine. I was told it was a common problem with the 6.2 engine by the service manager.

NHTSA complaint 11637538

Quick answers

Is the 2022 GMC Sierra reliable?

No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 161; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Sierra year by this measure is 2010.

What are the most common 2022 GMC Sierra problems?

In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (35%), body structure (17%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.

How many recalls does the 2022 GMC Sierra have?

6 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2022 GMC Sierra get?

15 to 26 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).

Is the 2022 GMC Sierra safe?

NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.

At what mileage do 2022 GMC Sierra problems start?

Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,000 and 67,400 miles. The middle report was at 37,900 miles, from 112 complaints.

Does the 2022 GMC Sierra have transmission problems?

Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.

How much does the 2022 GMC Sierra cost in fuel a year?

About $3550 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.

What engines does the 2022 GMC Sierra have?

3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.

What GMC Sierra year is better than the 2022?

By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2013.

Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data