GMC Sierra 1500 5th generation (2018–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
2,790
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2018–2026
38
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Overview
GMC Sierra 1500 (5th generation, 2018-2026)
Overall Sentiment
Owners praise the 2022 refresh for its dramatically improved interior, which many consider the best-looking truck cabin on the market, and the 3.0L Duramax diesel for exceptional fuel economy (28-30+ mpg highway). However, there is significant frustration with the 6.2L V8’s AFM lifter failures, which some owners call a “ticking time bomb,” and with intermittent electrical and infotainment glitches, particularly on early models. The 2022 refresh is seen as a major step up from the 2018-2021 trucks, which were criticized for a dated interior and poor value versus competitors.
Sentiment Confidence Level
High
Frequently Mentioned Competitors
Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra
Positioning vs Competitors
Owners frequently cross-shop the Sierra against the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. Many feel the pre-refresh Sierra (2018-2021) offered a lower-quality interior and worse value than the F-150 Lariat, which had more features for less money. The 2022 refresh is seen as closing the interior gap, with some owners calling it the best-looking truck interior aesthetically. The Ram is praised for its premium interior and the 5.7 Hemi’s reliability over the GM 6.2L. The Toyota Tundra is noted as having a bland interior and selling in far lower volumes, but owners acknowledge the Sierra’s higher sales numbers mean more visible complaints.
Best Version According to Owners
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The 2022 AT4X and Denali Ultimate are praised for their interiors and off-road capability, but their high prices ($75k-$80k+) are criticized. The 3.0L Duramax diesel is widely praised for fuel economy, but no single trim or engine emerges as the definitive best.
Recommended Configurations
Owners recommend the 3.0L Duramax diesel for its excellent fuel economy (28-30+ mpg highway) and smooth operation. For the 2022 refresh, the AT4 and Denali trims are noted for their upgraded interiors. Owners advise avoiding the 6.2L V8 due to recurrent AFM lifter failures, or at minimum ensuring an AFM delete is performed. The 2022 refresh is preferred over the 2021 and earlier models for its interior overhaul.
General Recommendations
The 2022 refresh (and later) is recommended over the 2018-2021 models due to the major interior upgrade. Buyers should avoid the 6.2L V8 unless the AFM system has been deleted, as lifter failures are a known and costly issue. The 3.0L Duramax is the most praised powertrain. Pre-purchase inspection should focus on the engine (especially AFM lifters on the 6.2L), electrical systems (infotainment glitches), and transmission (some owners report hard shifts on early 2022 models). The 2022 refresh is best for those wanting a modern interior; the 2018-2021 models are only recommended if bought at a significant discount.
Reported Issues
Remarks
The 2022 refresh is widely considered a major improvement, but the 6.2L V8’s AFM lifter issues are a persistent concern that overshadows otherwise positive owner sentiment. The 3.0L Duramax is the most consistently praised powertrain across the generation. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 407 | 3 | engine |
| 2022 | 1,056 | 6 | engine |
| 2020 | 435 | 12 | engine |
| 2019 | 599 | 10 | engine |
| 2018 | 293 | 7 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2023 · exterior lighting:lighting control module:softwarecampaign 22V903000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights ar
2023 · service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lampcampaign 24V674000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As s
2023 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V274000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead
2022 · exterior lighting:brake lightscampaign 22V463000
General Motors (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar. The accessory sport bar contains a high-mounted brake light that may not function. In addition, it may block the vehicle's existing high-mounted brake light. As such, these
2022 · exterior lighting:lighting control module:softwarecampaign 22V903000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights ar
2022 · power train:automatic transmission:control module:softwarecampaign 24V797000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to
2022 · structure:body:bumpers:active shutters/grillcampaign 25V060000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with chrome front grille deflectors. The attachments that hold the front grille deflectors in place may fracture, resulting in grille detachment.
2022 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V274000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead
2022 · power train:automatic transmission:control module:softwarecampaign 26V083000
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
2020 · tirescampaign 21V115000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the af
2020 · electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablescampaign 19V888000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.
2020 · seat beltscampaign 20V792000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row c
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.