GMC Sierra 1500 5th generation (2018–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
4,240
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2018–2026
49
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
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).
6 problems reported (2 recurrent, 4 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Recurrent6.2L V8 AFM lifter failure (cylinder #1 collapse)
Multiple owners report repeat failures even after dealer replacement with AFM lifters, requiring a full AFM delete.
- RecurrentInfotainment/CarPlay connectivity issues (2018-2019 models)
Intermittent disconnects, failure to initiate CarPlay, often resolved by resetting the display (holding power button), updating iPhone iOS, or using a factory USB cable.
- IsolatedGoogle Automotive assistant not recognizing contacts (2022 models with 13.4-inch screen)
Voice assistant fails to read or recognize phone contacts, requiring a software update.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedTransmission hard shifting (2022 Elevation, 1,300 miles)
One owner reports rough shifting starting at low mileage.
- IsolatedIntermittent electrical failures
Service 4WD, Stabilitrak, Power Steering warnings, no-start condition (2018 model): Multiple system warnings and non-start, no DTCs stored, difficult to diagnose.
- IsolatedLoose part found in engine compartment (2018 model)
An unidentified metal bracket found; owners concluded it was not a critical component.
The version owners recommend
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.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra.
Is a 2018–2026 Sierra 1500 right for you?
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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.
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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73 | 2 | engine |
| 2025 | 118 | 1 | engine |
| 2024 | 367 | 1 | engine |
| 2023 | 485 | 3 | engine |
| 2022 | 1,186 | 6 | engine |
| 2021 | 582 | 7 | engine |
| 2020 | 475 | 12 | engine |
| 2019 | 650 | 10 | engine |
| 2018 | 304 | 7 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2026 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 26V114000
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
2026 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 26V289000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
2025 · equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:campaign 25V876000
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
2024 · 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 to engine damage and engine failure.
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 are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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 such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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 to engine damage and engine failure.
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 vehicles may fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
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 are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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 lock-up.
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 to engine damage and engine failure.
23 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
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.