We’re looking at a potential issue on the radar for the GMC Sierra 1500. It’s a great truck, but like all vehicles, it’s not perfect. The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 could be struggling with engine and transmission problems, so let’s dig in. 

Does the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 have engine problems? 

Maybe. According to Pickup Truck Talk, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 has increasing reports of engine failure and no-stating issues. These problems include the gas-powered engines and the diesel option. 

The 6.1-liter V8 engine could be facing engine lifter problems. Owners of General Motors V8 engines with Active Fuel Management (AFM) systems aren’t strangers to stuck or collapsed lifters. 

Trucks with about 4,000 miles on them have been prone to failure. When the AFM or dynamic fuel management (DFM) system deactivates a cylinder, lifters can collapse, and the camshaft won’t open the valve. 

You may notice this issue if you hear the engine ticking or knocking. The engine may shudder, run rough, or shut down. Also, to correct this Issue, GM may need to replace the damaged lifter, pushrod, and head gasket.

What is going on with the GMC Sierra diesel engine? 

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 is available with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine, but it seems to be prone to long cranking if it even starts up at all. 

Drivers will push the start button only to have their trucks crank for about 15 to 20 seconds, and it doesn’t start up. Sometimes if they wait about 30 seconds, they can get their struck to fire up. 

This issue caused General Motors to place a production halt on the manufacturing of this engine. It’s currently unclear how long the freeze on the 3.0 Duramax diesel engine will last, but a recall hasn’t come out either. 

It seems like a bent, or warped camshaft wheel is causing the problem. If it doesn’t make contact in the right places, then you might have to wait for the wheel the make enough contact to turn over, but the engine still might not start. 

To make matters worse, this isn’t an easy problem to fix. It takes about 40 to 50 hours to lift the engine out and completely remove the cab to replace this part. 

How reliable is the Sierra 1500? 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 has an incredibly low predicted reliability rating. This score is based on problems that owners of previous models reported, and it looks like engine problems and transmission issues are the largest concerns. 

On average, GMC Sierra trucks can reach 250,000 miles before needing significant repairs. If you drive about 20,000 miles a year, you could get about 12.5 years of use on the road. 

However, the transmission is prone to needing a replacement around 130,000 and 180,000 miles. With proper care and quality replacement parts, your truck could survive much longer. Some models have made it to 500,000 miles. 

These engine problems don’t seem like a dealbreaker for the GMC Sierra 1500 unless you wanted the diesel engine. GMC could be working on a solid fix for these issues. Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the Sierra’s performance.