Used GMC Sierra 1500: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 2,647 complaints across these 8 years; the 2019 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Sierra 1500 from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
Engine	39	172	118	178	144	126	106	15	898
Transmission	111	106	70	95	73	58	40	12	565
Electrical	30	63	44	45	55	34	28	11	310

Sierra 1500 generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

Fifth generation
2019–now
Fourth generation
2014–2018
- 2018

Mileages where Sierra 1500 problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
645–23,283 miles	Brake and ESC warning cluster	2019
1,185–5,200 miles	Early catastrophic engine failure	2025
2,000–5,600 miles	Airbag warning light	2021
4,775–10,672 miles	Transmission valve body failure	2024
7,000–31,904 miles	Early lifter failure	2021
10,000–20,000 miles	6.2L engine seizure	2024
11,000–80,000 miles	Engine bearing failure and seizure	2022
13,100–50,000 miles	Grille molding flies off	2022
15,000–28,275 miles	6.2L V8 engine seizure	2023
16,000–22,000 miles	Rear brake pad wear	2022
21,539–22,500 miles	Brake master cylinder failure	2021
22,000–28,000 miles	Transmission valve body failure	2023
22,000–63,000 miles	Transmission shudder and harsh shifts	2019
27,500–36,700 miles	Upper grille molding detaching	2024