NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 GMC Sierra 1500
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck, not a sedan, competing in one of America's most contested segments against rivals like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. It targets buyers who want a capable, professional-grade hauler with a premium edge. From the 2019 model year through 2025, MotorCaliber has tracked its safety record closely, and the picture is mixed enough to deserve a careful look before you sign.
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Sierra 1500 as a well-appointed, capable full-size pickup that competes strongly on interior quality and towing refinement within its segment. Most acknowledge that GMC positions it as the premium alternative to the Chevrolet Silverado, though some note that the breadth of powertrain and trim choices can make cross-shopping complicated for buyers focused on value.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16862
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE26V083000
Risk: Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on Febr
Reported 2026-02-12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V274000
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevro
Reported 2025-04-24
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS:ACTIVE SHUTTERS/GRILL25V060000
Risk: A detached front grille deflector may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reinforce or repair all attachment points on the chrome front grille deflector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2025. Owners may call GM customer service for GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242490120.
Reported 2025-02-06
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE24V797000
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-80
Reported 2024-10-24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V903000
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous
Reported 2022-12-08
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS22V463000
Risk: An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the installation of the accessory bar and provide the correct vehicle wiring, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 10, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 27, 2023. Owners may contact GM's customer service on 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020..
Reported 2022-06-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
527 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.