NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 72 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 527 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. Its crash-test results are strong, but the vehicle’s safety profile is tempered by six recall campaigns and a near-zero avoidance-tech score. This presents a mixed, but not alarming, safety picture for the model year.
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 received a 5-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks 87 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 72 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 527 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 87 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500?
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including a perfect 5-star score in side impact protection. This strong performance in crash protection contributes to a crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70. However, the vehicle's overall Safety Index stands at 72 out of 100, a two-point decrease from the 2021 model year's 74. This decline is largely attributable to its defect record, which earned a sub-score of 8.5 out of 20, reflecting six active recall campaigns. A significant factor in the lower Safety Index is the avoidance technology sub-score of just 2 out of 10. Neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning systems are equipped on this configuration, a notable omission for the model year. Among the recalls, a specific issue concerning grille shutters affects only 2022 Sierra 1500 vehicles fitted with chrome front grille deflectors, indicating a year-specific manufacturing concern. The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 thus presents a safety profile characterized by robust passive safety, but with limited active safety features and a substantial recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's crash-test regimen. Side protection earned the highest possible rating at 5 stars. Both frontal and rollover protection were rated 4 out of 5 stars, with the latter category indicating a 20 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16862
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. Six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components addressed include automatic transmission control module software (two separate campaigns), internal engine hard parts, active front grille shutter attachments specific to 2022 Sierra 1500 chrome-grille trims, and a lighting control module software fix delivered via over-the-air update. No do-not-drive order appears in the data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has received 527 unverified owner-reported complaints for the 2022 Sierra 1500. Alleged problem areas include the Engine (212 reports), Power Train (97), Structure (93), Electrical System (78), and Service Brakes (29). Ten alleged crashes and six alleged fires are among the unverified allegations on file.
527 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500?
Six recall campaigns are on record for the 2022 Sierra 1500. Shoppers considering this model year should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. Confirming which remedies have been completed at a GM dealer is the single most important safety step for the 2022 Sierra 1500.
- The 2022 model year carries a grille-shutter recall unique to Sierra 1500 trucks equipped with chrome front grille deflectors, a campaign not shared with other model years in the same generation.
- Two separate transmission control module software recalls affect this year, meaning a used example may require verification that both distinct campaigns have been remedied.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this tested configuration, a meaningful gap compared to competitors in the same model year.
- With 527 unverified NHTSA complaints on file, the Engine category alone accounts for 212 alleged reports, making powertrain-related allegations the most frequently cited concern owners have submitted for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 places
The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 GMC Sierra 1500 safety questions
Was the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 527 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sierra 1500 years
Rivals in Sedan (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16862), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Sierra 1500 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 87 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.