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 of the 2018-2026 Sierra 1500 express a mix of strong appreciation and significant frustration.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentDFM/AFM lifter failure on 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines
Multiple owners report cylinder lifter collapse, repeat failures, and engine replacements, with one owner experiencing a 6.2L engine blow at 22,000 km.
- RecurrentCarPlay/Android Auto connectivity issues
Owners report intermittent disconnections, failure to initiate CarPlay, and phone recognition problems, often resolved by resetting the infotainment system, using factory USB cables, or waiting for phone/radio software updates.
- RecurrentInfotainment system glitches (2022+ with Google Automotive)
The built-in Google Assistant fails to recognize contacts for calling, requiring workarounds or awaiting updates.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedIntermittent electrical failures (2018-2021)
One owner reports a recurring issue with Service 4WD, Stabilitrak, and power steering warnings combined with no-start conditions, which dealers could not diagnose or replicate.
- IsolatedRough transmission shifting (2022)
One owner reports hard shifts starting at 1,300 miles on a 2022 Elevation.
- IsolatedRandom engine compartment debris
One owner found an unidentified metal bracket in the engine bay; other owners dismissed it as non-critical or a road hazard.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The 2022+ AT4 and Denali trims with the 3.0L Duramax receive the most positive individual comments for fuel economy and ride quality, but no single configuration is universally recommended.
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 of the 2018-2026 Sierra 1500 express a mix of strong appreciation and significant frustration. The 2022 refresh is widely praised for its dramatically improved interior, digital gauge cluster, and large touchscreen, with many calling it the best-looking truck interior on the market. The 3.0L Duramax diesel earns consistent praise for exceptional fuel economy (owners report 24-30+ mpg). However, recurrent engine failures tied to Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) and Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter collapse, particularly on the 6.2L and 5.3L V8s, generate deep concern and distrust. Early model years (2018-2021) are criticized for dated interiors and electrical gremlins, while the 2022+ models are seen as more competitive but carry forward powertrain reliability worries.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners frequently cross-shop the Sierra against the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. The Ford F-150 is often seen as offering more features for the money (adaptive cruise, lane assist, more power from the 3.5L EcoBoost) and a higher-quality interior feel at comparable trim levels. The Ram 1500 is praised for its superior interior and the 5.7L Hemi, which some owners view as more reliable than GM’s 6.2L V8. The Toyota Tundra is noted for its all-new platform but owners point out GM sells over ten times as many full-size trucks, so anecdotal reliability complaints are skewed by volume. The Sierra’s 3.0L Duramax diesel is a unique advantage not matched by competitors in these discussions.
Recommended configurations
Owners advise considering the 3.0L Duramax diesel for its excellent fuel economy (24-30+ mpg reported) and smooth operation. For the 2022 refresh, the AT4 and Denali trims are highlighted for their upgraded interiors. Some owners specifically chose the Elevation trim for its color options and standard all-weather floor liners. Avoid early 2022 Limited models (carryover 2021 design) if the new interior is desired.
General recommendations
This generation is best suited for buyers who prioritize a premium interior (especially 2022+), diesel fuel economy, and traditional truck capability. Owners strongly recommend avoiding the 6.2L and 5.3L V8 engines unless a comprehensive warranty is in place, due to recurrent DFM/AFM lifter failures. For 2018-2021 models, be prepared for potential electrical issues and a less competitive interior. The 2022 refresh is a major step up in interior quality and technology, but powertrain reliability concerns persist. Always verify service history for AFM/DFM-related repairs and consider aftermarket AFM disablers (though these may void warranty).
Remarks
The 2022 refresh is widely considered a necessary and successful update, with the interior finally matching or exceeding competitors. However, the persistent DFM/AFM lifter failures on V8 engines are the single most discussed reliability concern, with owners advising deletes or extended warranties. The 3.0L Duramax diesel is a standout powertrain with no reported issues in these discussions. 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.