The windshield defroster and heater blower speed reduces and/or shuts off shortly after accelerating to highway range speeds. Blowing snow from Alaska roads will melt and refreeze on the windshield reducing visibility creating a safety hazard. The truck has not been successfully repaired after multiple and lengthy attempts. The heated steering wheel also malfunctions intermittently. The blower…
2022 GMC Sierra electrical problems
moderate 66 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2fires
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 66 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2022 GMC Sierra trucks report widespread electrical failures affecting multiple systems. The most consistent problem is radio volume spiking to maximum without user input and controls becoming unresponsive—this happens repeatedly across dozens of complaints, often while driving at highway speeds. Owners cannot lower volume, power off the radio, or use steering wheel controls; they must pull over and shut off the vehicle to stop the noise. Several cite the Bose audio system being dangerously loud.
Engine stalling without warning appears in multiple narratives, with some vehicles refusing to restart. Two cases describe fires. One owner found metal particles and damaged rod bearings in the oil pan; another's engine seized at 75 mph on the highway.
Tailgate failures are pervasive—the latch opens unexpectedly while driving or parked, especially after car washes. Owners report it dropping into garage doors, damaging property, and risking cargo loss. While recall N232426400 exists, not all VINs are covered, and dealers say it's not a warranty item for excluded vehicles.
Additional failures include power running boards retracting while owners step down (causing injuries), telematics modules failing permanently with 2-year parts backlogs, front cameras disabling cruise control and safety features, and brake fluid leak codes without visible leaks. Blower fan speed drops sharply at highway speeds, fouling defrost. Dashboard glitches, electrical dropouts while driving, and battery drains from unexplained parasitic draws round out complaints.
Same GMC Sierra electrical reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalls and fails to restart
Engine shuts down without warning while driving at highway speeds or at low speeds, then will not restart. Vehicle must be towed. Some instances involve seized engine, metal particles in oil pan, damaged rod bearings and crankshaft.
When: Various speeds; one case at 75 mph highway, one at 20 mph, one during low-speed parking maneuver, one at 65,000 miles, one at 11,373 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly stops running; No crank on restart; Vehicle locked in park unable to shift; Strange abnormal sound from engine compartment before stalling; Smoke from vents, sparks from radio console and fire (one case); Oil pressure appears normal in initial test
Codes mentioned: P0606 (implied by seized engine case with battery harness short)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement, starter fuse replacement, fuse block replacement, oil pan removal, rod bearing replacement, crankshaft inspection, new engine ordered. One case involved 12-volt battery harness short-circuit. One case resulted in total vehicle loss due to fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; one case owner paid out-of-pocket; one case vehicle destroyed before repair could be completed
Infotainment system volume spike to maximum
Radio volume unexpectedly increases to full maximum with no user input. Controls become unresponsive. Bose systems are particularly loud. Happens intermittently, sometimes resolves after vehicle is shut off and restarted, sometimes persists until driver pulls over and shuts off vehicle.
When: While driving at various speeds; 50 mph, 75 mph, turnpike speeds, highway speeds; no specific mileage patterns documented
Symptoms owners cite: Volume suddenly jumps to 100% without user action; Volume knob unresponsive; Steering wheel volume controls unresponsive; Radio power button unresponsive; Volume bar on screen shows 100%; Issue sometimes resolves by switching to different audio output (phone/CarPlay pause); May persist until vehicle shutdown; Crackling noise in speakers; Periodic loss of all volume regardless of source (AM/FM, satellite, Bluetooth, phone); Audio issues worse when truck gets wet from car wash or weather
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. One owner reports dealership states manufacturer is aware with no resolution available. One case notes bulletin 23-NA-183 related to radio software glitch affecting blower fan, though that appears separate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership aware but no fix available; no recall or warranty coverage documented
Tailgate opens unexpectedly
Tailgate unlatches and opens by itself while driving, parked, or idling. No button press by owner. Occurs frequently after car washes or getting wet. Can damage property or cause cargo loss. One case involved damage to garage door when tailgate opened while truck was in garage.
When: While driving, while parked, while idling, especially after car washes or rain; 46,000 miles, 65,000 miles documented; repeats frequently same day
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate opens without user input; Tailgate opens while driving; Tailgate opens while parked; Tailgate opens while idling; Tailgate opens on its own multiple times in one day; Occurs after vehicle exposed to water/car wash; Garage door damaged when tailgate opened into it; Cargo at risk of falling out; No warning light or sensor alarm documented; Passenger side running boards extend to tire
Repairs/costs cited: Corroded wire and tailgate switch replacement noted in one case. Recall N232426400 exists but does not cover all affected VINs. One owner removed fuse to prevent further issues. Repair cost cited as $146.80 in one case, but owners report not covered under warranty for their VINs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N232426400 issued but does not cover all 2022 Sierra VINs. Dealer states failure not covered under warranty for some vehicles. No recall coverage documented for affected vehicles.
Power running boards malfunction
Power running boards retract unexpectedly while owner is stepping down, causing fall. Boards operate on their own when truck is parked and locked. Passenger side boards extend to tire. No warning lights present.
When: During entry/exit, while parked and locked, after dealer recent multi-point inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Running boards retract while owner stepping down causing fall with knee injuries; Boards operate on their own while parked and locked; Passenger side extends to tire; Operate erratically on both driver and passenger sides; No warning lamps present
Repairs/costs cited: Owner removed fuse to prevent further injuries. No dealer repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Antilock braking system warning and diagnostics alerts
Multiple brake-related warning lights illuminate including Service ESC, Service Trailer Brake System, Service Brake Assist, Steering Assist reduced, Brake System Failure with 43 mph top speed limit. OnStar sends diagnostic alert. Codes indicate potential brake fluid leak but no external leaks found.
When: While driving at various speeds; warning lights appeared after short stop
Symptoms owners cite: Service ESC warning light; Service Trailer Brake System warning; Service Brake Assist warning; Steering Assist reduced message; Brake System Failure message with 43 mph top speed limit; Check engine light on; Traction Control off; Brake light on; OnStar Advanced Diagnostics alert for ABS issue
Codes mentioned: P25A2 (stored and pending), C05B0 (Brake Fluid Leak)
Repairs/costs cited: No external leaks found. Brake fluid test passed 2 of 3 times. Master Cylinder Assembly replacement recommended but no replacement parts available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosis performed; GM has not provided parts; dealer unable to complete repair due to parts unavailability
Electrical system shutdown - battery and starter fuse issues
Vehicle experiences complete electrical shutdown or intermittent power loss while driving. Battery damaged repeatedly. Starter fuse opens due to engine lock and excessive amperage draw. After battery and fuse replacement, same failure recurs within hours.
When: While driving; vehicle stalls and will not restart; repeated failures within hours of repair; one case at 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off while driving; Will not restart after shutdown; No warning lights or symptoms before failure; Battery damaged; Starter fuse blown open; Engine locked up causing high amperage draw; Same failure recurs day after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement, fuse block replacement, full vehicle multi-point inspection completed but issues recurred. Root cause identified as engine lock causing heater damage and amperage surge, metal particles found in oil pan, rod bearings scratched and overheated, crankshaft scratched. New engine, oil cooler, and oil cooler lines ordered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Radio and electrical system failures
Radio and other electrical systems fail to function during driving. Systems become unresponsive. Check engine light may illuminate. Some cases involve issues worse when vehicle is wet.
When: While driving at various speeds; 16,000 miles documented; issues occur intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Radio fails to function; Other electrical systems fail to function; Systems unresponsive to user input; Check engine warning light illuminated; Issues worse when vehicle wet from car wash or weather
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; owner parked vehicle and did not drive; owner requested dealer towing but no response received
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner became aware of recall on their VIN but did not complete repair
Crash sensor system malfunction
Crash sensor system displays inoperative message on dash. Multiple related systems fail including driver seat vibration, automatic high beam, and lane change indicator. Dealership diagnoses glitch requiring system update.
When: While driving at various speeds; 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Crash Sensor System Inoperable message displayed; Driver's side seat vibration; Automatic high beam disengages; Lane change indicator inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: System update required. Repaired out-of-pocket by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer told owner issue was maintenance and repair at owner expense; not covered as recall or warranty
Windshield defroster and heater blower speed reduction
Blower fan speed cuts to 50% or below when accelerating to highway speeds, rendering defrost ineffective. Loss of power uncontrollable by owner. Issue linked to radio software glitch. Also affects heated steering wheel intermittently.
When: Shortly after accelerating to highway range speeds; winter months primary concern
Symptoms owners cite: Blower fan speed reduces to 50% or below; Blower shuts off shortly after highway acceleration; Windshield fogs, frosts, or freezes while driving reducing visibility; Blower speed returns partially when vehicle slowed to city speeds; Intermittent behavior; Heated steering wheel malfunctions intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Bulletin 23-NA-183 addresses radio software glitch affecting blower. GM will not complete as warranty/recall; demands owner payment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of issue per bulletin 23-NA-183 but refuses to cover as warranty or recall; demands owner payment
Engine coolant flow control valve failure
Faulty engine coolant flow control valve causes engine to enter reduced acceleration mode due to perceived overheating. Part on extended backorder. Creates safety hazard when vehicle cannot accelerate normally in traffic.
When: Not specified; multiple owners reported same issue
Symptoms owners cite: Engine enters reduced acceleration mode; Engine thinks it is overheating; Unable to accelerate normally
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty engine coolant flow control valve identified. Part on backorder taking months to arrive. Dealer allows driving vehicle while waiting for part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealer acknowledges issue but parts unavailable
Battery and key fob failure with engine fault
Vehicle fails to start with message displaying Battery and Key fob failure. After battery and key fob replacement, failure persists. Dealer diagnosis indicates engine fault requiring replacement.
When: Initial startup failure; 36,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start immediately; Battery and Key fob failure message displayed; Failure persists after battery and key fob replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Engine requires replacement. Vehicle not yet repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no resolution documented
Telematics module failure
Telematics module fails after software update, disabling GPS, OnStar, and other dependent features. Vehicle outside warranty by mileage but only 3 years old. Part on extended backorder with dealers unwilling to service.
When: Directly after software update; 3 years old
Symptoms owners cite: No GPS functionality; OnStar service disabled; Related features dependent on module non-functional; No warning of failure
Repairs/costs cited: Telematics module requires replacement. Multiple dealers quote 2-year backorder for part; some dealers refuse to even diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; GM parts supply severely constrained
Front camera and control module failures
Front forward-facing camera module fails, disabling cruise control and driver-assistance safety features. Failure repeats even after replacement. Multiple other control modules and sensors also fail and require repeated replacement without successful repair.
When: During driving; 73,000 miles for repeated failures
Symptoms owners cite: Front camera module inoperative; Cruise control disabled; Driver-assist safety features inoperative; Multiple control modules and sensor failures; Repeated failures after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Front camera requires replacement and recalibration. Multiple modules replaced on same vehicle but failures persist. Repair estimate approximately $1,150 for parts, labor, and calibration per one complaint; at owner expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealer reports repair cost approximately $1,150
Trailer brake system failure
Trailer brake system disabled while actively towing, creating dangerous loss of braking. System shows service needed message then disables brakes completely. Works fine with same trailers on other vehicles with electric brakes.
When: While actively towing 7000 lb trailer
Symptoms owners cite: Service Trailer Brake message appears; Trailer brakes disabled while towing; Brake function lost while pulling load; Problem persists across multiple trailers with electric brakes
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented. Issue specific to truck as other vehicle tows same trailers without problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Shift to park display malfunction
Vehicle displays Shift To Park message even though vehicle is already in park. Requires manipulation of shifter or repeated ignition cycles to clear. Affects locking function.
When: When turning off vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Shift To Park message displays despite vehicle in park; Shifter requires manipulation to clear message; Sometimes requires turning vehicle on and off multiple times; Remote locking works most of time but sometimes takes over 10 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Auto start-stop system shuts off during low-speed parking
Auto start-stop feature activates and shuts off engine while vehicle still in motion during low-speed parking maneuvers with front parking sensor engaged. Vehicle searches forward after restart.
When: During low-speed parking maneuvers in garages and parking stalls while using front park sensor
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off with automatic start-stop while still in motion; Occurs during low-speed parking; Vehicle surges forward when restarted
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Electrical gremlins - door locks, lights, and battery drain
While unlocked, passenger doors cycle through unlock phase causing door locks to click and parking lights to flash repeatedly. Tailgate opens on its own. Electric motor from underneath vehicle sounds continuously, draining battery even when vehicle is locked or unlocked. Requires constant battery recharger connection.
When: While vehicle unlocked; continuous occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger doors cycle unlock phase repeatedly; Door locks click on and off; Parking lights flash repeatedly; Tailgate opens on its own; Electric motor sound from underneath vehicle (possibly fuel pump or similar); Motor sound continuous whether doors locked or unlocked; Continuous battery drain
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle must be kept hooked to battery recharger round the clock to prevent battery drain.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Trailer connector and lighting module failure
Factory trailer hitch connector not functioning. Trailer daytime running lights do not work though brakes, turn signals, and four-way flashers work. Dealer found no issues with factory harness but other dealer mentions problems with factory trailer connector module.
When: Discovered one year after purchase when first attempting to use trailer; vehicle purchased September 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer connector not working; Trailer daytime running lights inoperative; Brakes, turn signals, four-way flashers work normally
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found no issues with harness. Another dealer states they have ongoing problems with factory trailer connector module. Still unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Check engine light and ECM failure
Check engine light illuminates very early in vehicle ownership. Diagnosis indicates ECM (Engine Control Module) is defective and requires replacement. Very limited parts availability.
When: At 458 miles on brand new vehicle; another case at 300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Over-shifting behavior and bogging down develop after one day; Vehicle brand new with minimal miles
Repairs/costs cited: ECM requires replacement. Parts on backorder. Owner needs loaner vehicle for extended period while awaiting parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer searching for replacement ECM; no expedited resolution offered
Check engine light triggered by rain exposure and electrical grounding
Check engine light comes on when driving in rain or after vehicle wash. Multiple complaints indicate grounding issues. Dealership replaced Body Control Module (BCM) but problem persists.
When: When driving in rain or after washing vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates during or after rain exposure; Check engine light illuminates after vehicle washing; Electrical grounding issues suspected
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replaced by dealership but issue persists. No further action taken.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaced BCM but no permanent resolution; not pursuing further investigation
Dashboard glitching and electrical dropout while driving
Dashboard constantly glitches with intermittent electrical dropouts while driving, creating sensation vehicle is turning off. Bluetooth connectivity issues. Electrical appears to shut off randomly requiring vehicle pullover in unsafe conditions.
When: While driving; ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard constantly glitches; Bluetooth fails to connect properly; Electrical randomly turns off appearance while driving; Feels like truck is turning off; Intermittent electrical dropout; Requires unsafe pullover
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Reported to dealership and manufacturer; gone unresolved
Safety features disabled - missing computer chips for ADAS
Vehicle delivered with computer chips promised via vouchers but never provided. Many safety features non-functional including parking assist and various warning systems. Owner forced to sign waiver releasing manufacturer from liability for safety issues.
When: At delivery; chips promised years ago never provided
Symptoms owners cite: Parking assist non-functional; Backup warning system non-functional; Multiple ADAS warnings non-functional; Safety features advertised at purchase do not work
Repairs/costs cited: Computer chips required but not provided. GM selling fully equipped vehicles with chips while leaving backlog of owner vehicles non-functional.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner forced to sign liability waiver for safety issues; GM not providing promised computer chips
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tailgate unlatched by itself, first time I was connected to a trailer and it damaged the tailgate. Multiple (4+) times afterwards while being parked in garage tailgate opens by itself all during the same day could not get this to stop. Called dealership today for appointment where they could get me in the shop in the middle of the week, but they told me that this issue is known but not covered…
Had electrical trouble with your 2022 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2022 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 66 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 66 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 45,339 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/GMC/Sierra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.