The 2014 K2XX launch and 2019 T1XX launch are the worst recent Sierras. Add AFM lifter failures across many years and the MultiPro tailgate issues on 2019-2021 trucks and you have the main risks to avoid.
Avoid: 2014, 2019 launch years
Buy Instead: 2017-2018 Sierra
Scores 1-10 based on NHTSA complaint volume, severity of reported issues, recall history, and class-action exposure. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Summary | Top 3 Problems | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 5/10 | GMT900 launch. AFM lifter failures common. | · AFM lifter Dash cracking Speedometer cluster |
AVOID |
| 2011 | 6/10 | AFM still major issue. | · AFM lifter Oil consumption HVAC actuator |
CAUTION |
| 2014 | 6.5/10 | K2XX launch year. | · AFM lifter 6L80 shift IntelliLink crashes |
AVOID |
| 2015 | 7/10 | New 8L90 brings shudder. | · AFM 8L90 shudder HVAC |
CAUTION |
| 2017 | 8.5/10 | Best K2XX year. | · Minor AFM HVAC actuator Battery drain |
BUY |
| 2019 | 6/10 | T1XX launch. MultiPro tailgate problems begin. | · Tailgate hinge wear Plastic quality Software |
AVOID |
| 2020 | 7/10 | Year 2 of T1XX. | · Tailgate hinge Recall 20V-318 Software |
CAUTION |
| 2022 | 8/10 | Refresh year. Best T1XX Sierra. | · Minor electronics 10L80 (improved) Diesel emissions |
BUY |
Cylinder deactivation destroys the camshaft. Lifter ticking, misfires, dropped cylinders. AFM disabler module is the proven preventative.
More on this issue →Innovative six-position tailgate but hinge pivots wear and fail to latch. GM TSB 19-NA-103 issued. Class action filed 2022.
More on this issue →First-year K2XX 6-speed had hard shifts and shudder. Updated calibrations help but the 8L90 in 2015+ is preferred.
More on this issue →Clicking from dash. The actuator behind the glove box fails. $30 aftermarket part.
More on this issue →Trailer brake controller software issue. 2020 trucks. Dealer reprograms.
More on this issue →10-speed automatic shudder addressed via TCM reflashes. Most cases resolved by 2022 software.
More on this issue →Run a $5.99 AI diagnosis tailored to your exact vehicle. Get the most likely cause, repair estimate, and OBD2 code interpretation in under 30 seconds.
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The 2007-2014 GMT900/early K2XX years for AFM lifter failures, and the 2019 T1XX launch year for MultiPro tailgate and software issues.
It is the riskiest modern Sierra. New T1XX platform, MultiPro tailgate problems, and software glitches keep complaint volume elevated.
Install an aftermarket AFM disabler module ($150-250) and keep oil changes at 5000-mile intervals. This combination has prevented lifter failure in most documented cases.
GM issued TSB 19-NA-103 and has been replacing hinges under warranty. The class action filed in 2022 is ongoing.
Yes. The 2022 refresh updated the interior, improved 10L80 calibration, and resolved most software complaints. It is the best T1XX Sierra to buy used.
The naturally aspirated 5.3L L83 V8 with AFM disabled. The 6.2L L86 is also durable but uses more fuel. The 2.7L turbo is too new to call.