GMC Sierra 1500: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly After 50,000 miles!

[@patricklavictoire3235]

I have the at4 with the 6.2 and i love that truck,would def buy another one,the one thing i dont like on the new ones is the insane price,

[@nikkicovack]

The prices are getting out of hand for sure!

[@EdMiF]

Prices across the board are insane.

[@Carpenter95]

How bad is the gas mileage?

[@patricklavictoire3235]

Gas mileage is no worst than the 5.3

[@mauriciocastro6363]

I have the same truck, but double cab with the Duramax.Highway I'm getting 27-29 mpg. Combined 23-24. I put a 2.5 lift front, 2" lift back, Motofab, looks great, and no impact on the ride uality. Love the truck, drives like a boss on the highway. No issues.

[@nikkicovack]

That’s what I would like to do! Switch to the 3.0 and lift it a few inches. Great to hear you are enjoying yours!

[@jessec377]

Just bought a 2023 new with the 5.3L and the x31 off road package and I absolutely love it. Plenty of power rides great. Probably over the new few years I’ll put a cold air intake, better exhaust, and maybe change the shocks out like you suggest but overall fantastic truck!

[@nikkicovack]

Glad to the 2023 is still a solid truck and you are liking it! Definitely a good all arounder

[@ronaldtorrisi8329]

I have A 2015 and love it but had to replace the transmission at 149,000 miles . It has good mid range power I’m still getting 17.5 mpg . I’m saving money to put new shocks and struts on it . I mainly drive highway and short stints in the city for shopping. I love my gmc Sierra I take it fishing everywhere I go . It’s been an awesome truck for me .

[@RT22-pb2pp]

trans died at 150k LOL they used to last 300k truck crazy expensive and less reliable than 20 yr old truck.

[@ronaldtorrisi8329]

@@RT22-pb2pp well I’m not arguing that point the truck still performs well .

[@dailygrinders89]

GM has always had issues with the trans

[@ronaldtorrisi8329]

@@RT22-pb2pp there’s currently a class action against GM for installing faulty transmission on many of their trucks.

[@RT22-pb2pp]

@@ronaldtorrisi8329 well lol you never owned a goid trucking this is performingv well to you. Truck should not need major parts before 300k miles teams is major part

[@oscarsandoval4328]

Agreed! I have a 2022 limited- same body and interior and I love it! Agree on the shocks, them ranchos are ok..

[@jrighteous1984]

Man you drive a ton ! My 2015 Sierra only has 65k miles , but i do live in the city

[@MAGATANTRUM]

I’m at the 150k mile mark with the 2015 5.3 sierra and working through the usual oil leaks…new oil pan this week. Prolly will tackle the transfer case next. The truck is gonna need to last into the 200k miles because at today’s prices I’ll not buy another one.

[@justinflott5133]

The torque on the new 2.7’s is crazy for what it is. I know a lot of people are gonna hate on this comment but I truly think the 2.7 is impressive since GM cranked up the boost.

[@nikkicovack]

I agree it’s an impressive little motor! I wish it got better mpg though, but it is nice to have a more affordable option in the lineup too

[@justinflott5133]

@@nikkicovack - I just went on an 800 mile road trip and averaged 23.3mpg

[@discoverlight]

Dream rig for me! Love it.

[@alp3781]

I just got out of the dealer, yesterday to lease 25 SLT, short bed. I walked out after sitting down with sales. Simply INSANE. I just can't justify it. I do not want the 4 cyl Turbo on such a heavy truck. I wasn't even considering the 6.2 L and no crazy options either. They can keep it.

[@nikkicovack]

Prices really are crazy these days. I’m Happy with my new ‘24 elevation deal I got, still a pill to swallow though

[@gabeulrickson2496]

The rancho shocks are used because while they do ride like you're on rails on pavement they are extremely durable shocks when you live on a super messed up road and offroad a LOT

[@thomasturnquist118]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@carlosrondero2077]

It's the brake dust. Gets caught into the break pads. Once the truck warms up. You burn it off

[@TheHardeyFamily]

2020 6.2 at4 carbon pro on king coilovers and rear kings on 35/12.50r18 toyo mts….run in L9/v8 full time and have 50k miles with no issues. Are y’all doing the recommended transmission service? Old heads say leave it alone. New techs say do the flush.

[@norm379]

GMC PICKUPS..STEERING SHAFT BREAKING..TAILGATE OPENING WHILE DRIVING..BRAKES APPLIED WITH NOTHING IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE..CRAPPY TRANSMISSIONS..BRILLIANT..

[@JoseRodriguez-wr9lq]

I had a very very similar noise with my new sierra 4,000 miles it drove me crazy and i started looking and found a pebble stuck inside the fin of the brake rotor on the front driver side..poked it out with screwdriver problem solved

[@andrewbiro9499]

Thanks for the review, I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on the Elevation w Duramax - this was super helpful

[@nikkicovack]

Awesome! I'd love to have a duramax with that mpg!

[@Roberto-gp3yx]

I’m glad I’m not the only person putting a lot of miles on the new Sierras My 2.7 2021 Sierra currently has 75k+ and I love it Leveling mine next week as i put the pirreli at + tires

[@nikkicovack]

How do you like the 2.7 so far? Got my eye on those zr2 / at4x Colorado / Canyons with the 2.7 too

[@Roberto-gp3yx]

@@nikkicovack I like it it’s prefect for what I need it for.. the only thing I dislike is the crazy amount of plastic components main one is the oil pan The only defective parts were the oil control pump that’s located inside the oil pan and the transmission oil control pump inside the transmission, lastly the purge valve also was defective from factory Luckily extended warranty covered those But the factory warranty covered the oil control pump as it failed shy of the 30k mile factory warranty Aside from those small hiccups the truck runs great and I do the oil change every 5k miles using royal purple oil

[@fdiaz86]

I got the Pirreli AT, smooth and quite for being beefy.

[@TX24k]

My truck does the same squeaking noise sometimes in the AM as well

[@fdiaz86]

The sound!! i have it too and been trying to find out where its coming from. I think its the brakes but havnt really looked into it cause it goes away.

[@nikkicovack]

Glad to know I’m not the only one with it! Yeah it sure sounds like the brakes. May end up swapping for some power stop brakes at some point and see what that does

[@aaronharris5877]

Does it have a combination disc/drum where the drum is the parking break? My grand Cherokee has that typical setup and I have a similar but not as bad sound sometimes when first driving off. I figured out it was the parking break by operating it while moving which rarely happens. But does this truck have an electric parking break and can you operate it while moving? How would you use that in an emergency 🤔

[@Mike-ff7ib]

That sound first thing in the morning could be the radiator fan clutch fully locked causing a rush of air during acceleration. After it warms up it may begin to free up making it quieter. If its an electric fan, then I dont know what it could be.

[@vadimyakus]

The sound is the brakes.

[@scottburns2657]

What size of leveling kit do you have?

[@nikkicovack]

This is a 2” spacer leveling kit. If I did it again I would have done bilstien 5100’s though for the better ride for not much more $

[@gnd111]

Refreshed model dont allow cylinder deactivation so they wont last

[@3012tex]

What leveling kit did you use?

[@TheSlugger76]

I have a 2022 limited too love my also. Special cause it doesn’t have auto start stop.Yes I agree rancho sucks… had an 2007 I used KYB shocks on that what a big difference. About noise did you change diff oils?

[@nikkicovack]

Dealer found an issue with my brake wear indicator and they moved it away from the rotor. Haven’t had an issue since fortunately

[@gregorm9732]

Mine creaked. It was the rear spring front bushings. Dry from new. Warranty fixed it.

[@nikkicovack]

Thanks, I’ll take a look and see if that’s contributing to the creaking!

[@JimmyJames-om2uw]

​@@nikkicovackany update on the squeaks?

[@nikkicovack]

I haven’t had them again after the dealer adjusted the break wear indicator back a bit further. Seemed to resolve it

[@Jrbettis]

oxidation on rotors?

[@nikkicovack]

Very well could have been!

[@S_slxx]

I am a uni student and I want to get a Sierra do you recommend ? I am having hard time thinking about it.

[@nikkicovack]

There are lots of variables that make that decision. What do you need it for? 4x4 needed? Just a commuter truck? Budget? Gotta compile all that information and pull out the wants vs what you need. I know uni budgets can be tight. Don’t make the same mistake I did and buy too much truck before you have the budget for it… it will set you back years of progress

[@osbildmendoza2660]

Hope you done fix it by now but that sound at end is the rear brakes i had mine checked out 3 different times i. The dealer until one guy caught it kept telling me same nothing noticeable

[@nikkicovack]

Yeah it was my break pad wear indicator but it was just too far out. They moved it back and no more problems after that!

[@RigmorTalonbeard]

I have the same issue with the squeaking brakes or whatever tf it is. Did you figure it out? It doesnt seem like it should be so hard for the dealership to figure out.

[@nikkicovack]

Yeah it was the brake wear indicator, they moved it back and no problems up to 100k miles after that

[@shughes911]

Great review

[@Brandon-z8s]

I have the same truck and I like it. Mine does the morning noise exactly as described in the video. My only issue is it makes an awful howling noise through the passenger vent driving in high winds. Anyone have that or a solution to the problem ?

[@stevecanyon9689]

Nit sure what the noise sounds like- I had an 2022 F-150 where the IWEs were bad. Might be an option to look at.

[@anthonys1965]

I have the same rig the brakes have been my only issue i am on my 3rd set of brakes and im only at 39k miles the factory rotors and pads were replaced because of noise/pulsation i had new ones installed still factory parts less than 10k later had to do them again because the were warped already, i am now on my 3rd set this time i went with Powerstop drilled and slotted rotors with better pads and they work perfect no more issues, Thank goodness because i was about to get rid of the truck but the factory rotors and pads are trash buy a good aftermarket set and all your problems will go away dont put OEM back on unless you want to do them again shortly after learn from my mistake... overall i love my truck though i put a Cognito 3" lift/level kit with elka shocks aftermarket wheels and tires, S&B cold air intake and Pulsar LT and the truck is awesome cant wait for my baja designs lp4 pillar lights and AWE OFG exhaust and she will be basically done haha.

[@nikkicovack]

That’s wild that many times at 38k mi! I agree, I have always loved powers stop products too. I would have looked at trading it at that point too lol

[@vt1340]

That Squeak, did it start after you bottomed out?

[@J_pearce01]

I’m thinking about getting a used Elevation at the end of the year. Leaning towards Duramax with the premium package so I can have some leather seats

[@MarkR973]

Thanks for the video! Hey guys, to owners out there, any issues with your GMC Sierra or specifically the 6.2lv8 1500? I'm considering buying it new in 2025, i love the Denali ultimate, and I keep my cars a long time, I have a Toyota Avalon with 182,000 miles I bought new in 2011....so wondering, would the gmc last long outside of the warranty period? I will not be towing with it just taking long drives occasionally and no off-road, perhaps an occasional ride to the beach for the sunrise. Seeking honest feedback, Thanks

[@bigcartoonyIIV]

The brakes squeek is a GM thang. All my silverados done it from 2001 to 2009. Im looking to get a 2023 on on the edge by the v8 vs 4cly.

[@nikkicovack]

I’ve had a few really positive comments about the 4 cylinder recently, I can’t speak to it personally but probably worth giving it a test drive!

[@karlschauff7989]

My 2014 and 2019 never did it.

[@roccmontana]

@4:30. It could be your hub assembly squalling like that

[@RigmorTalonbeard]

He said it wasnt

[@prodigyxl]

I like this truck!

[@jakemyers9765]

I have a 2017 elevation and it’s been in the shop 12 times in one year, im not mad about my purchase because it’s all under warranty and it’s been a decent work truck and weekend warrior, it came with a stock 2in lift and I’m thinking about leveling mine as well, and I have the ranchero shocks and I will say they are stiff like I can put around 85 60 pound bags of concrete in the back and she barely sits down.

[@wyatthaskell9988]

I know I’m late to this video but have you had any issues with the 5.3? My Silverado trailboss was misfiring and I didn’t even have it for a year.

[@nikkicovack]

I have not, I am just about at 90k miles … knock on wood. Really has been a trouble free truck on my end. It seems like everyone’s experience is different but I think it can be tied back to production dates and when they corrected bad suppliers over the years

[@raulvaldez9737]

I’m close on pulling the trigger on 2021 5.3 Sierra it has a small ticking noise, which has me slicking worried. When do you know which years are good years for the 5.3?

[@santijr007]

Looking to get one thanks for Review

[@mauriciocastro6363]

I have exactly the same truck, but with the 3.0 Duramax and extended cab, not the crew cab. I put a Motofab 2.5" at the front, 2" at the back. Love the truck. averaging 23/24 mpg. When on the highway can go up to 30 mpg. I put the katzkin leather covers, they are great. 2 years salready and they hod up great. 27k miles in 2 years. Thank you for the shock advise, I htink I'll change them as well. Ranchos are too bouncy, thye truck can easily become unstable, which I don't like.

[@nikkicovack]

I am hoping to try the duramax next go around, everyone always talks about the great mileage. You will love replacing those ranchos for sure

[@mauriciocastro6363]

@@nikkicovack Did you replace the front shocks?

[@blue_spruce_joe]

Good looking rig.

[@nikkicovack]

Thanks!

[@andrewpytel2927]

I've got a 22' silverado with the 6.2. just rolled over 50k. no real complaints. consistently will get over 20 mpg but every time i change oil there is a crazy noise that sounds like the top end. definitely not piston slap, so i assume lifters. and i try to change oil at 4k. we know the lifters will fail at 60,001 miles so ill get to pay for it!!!

[@nikkicovack]

Are you getting 20mpg with mid/premium or base fuel? That’s interesting that it happens during oil change… hopefully it’s not a lifter!

[@Motagraphy]

I know this is a year old.. But you’re the first person that experiences the same thing as me. Every time I change the oil it sounds like the lifters ticking really loud. Did you ever find a fix for this? The only thing that has stopped it for me was to pre-fill the oil filter. And then let the truck sit overnight before starting it.

[@Aroryborealis1]

what leveling kit did you put on it? I think the stance with those tires looks great

[@nikkicovack]

Thanks! This is the readylift 2” leveling kit…. Not sure if they still make this one but most 2” leveling kits will get the same result

[@Aroryborealis1]

@@nikkicovack great thank you. just the 2' up front right? nothing in back?

[@nikkicovack]

@@Aroryborealis1 Yep, that is correct. The rear is stock height

[@mickeybrumfield764]

The Sierra 1500 is only rated at 8.1 inches of ground clearance with an approach angle of 19 degrees. Do you think these low numbers relative to the F 150 at 9.8 ground clearance and approach angle of 23 degrees is due mostly to the air dam up front or do you think the stock Sierra 1500 is just that bad and needs a lift kit if your going to be going very far off-road? Thanks for the review.

[@nikkicovack]

The standard Sierra is quite low relative to other models, but it is also part of the reason you can potentially get better mpg than other brands. I think they went this route since GM offers the at4 with the 2" lift option from the factory. I put a leveling kit and 33" tires on mine and have had no issue offroad. In my work, I have to drive places before roads are built in remote areas and can generally navigate everything. I think a 3" lift and 34s would be ideal but this is close enough for a fraction of the cost. I have shopped around recently and would 100% end up with another Sierra or Silverado after looking at what you get for your dollar.

[@karlschauff7989]

Ford is doing something strange with their ground clearance measurements because it varies from 8.2" to 9.8". The Tremor is only rated for 9.4" of ground clearance when Ford claims it has an additional inch of ground clearance. The ones with 9.8" of clearance are probably XL's that are lighter than normal so the suspension isn't squatted as much. The Tremor comes with 1" of additional ground clearance, so a standard F-150 like an XLT or Lariat probably has around 8.4" of clearance.

[@ia6980]

thank you for posting, like

[@phototac9287]

Ive got a 21 Chevy trailboss 5.3 love the truck the refresh is awesome I agree. I have 13.800 on my 21 bought it last year. Love to hear more about that cold air intake is it something I can install myself.

[@nikkicovack]

It can be done your self for sure. The box of the intake can take a little finagling to get set in the right spot, but definitely doable with basic hand tools.

[@aril2395]

Does the 5.3 v8 u drive , do the 4 cylinder shut off. Or did u use the bypass circuit to keep all 8 cylinders running at full stop

[@nikkicovack]

I didn’t bypass anything but in 2021 GM took cylinder deactivation off due to the chip shortage… so that was a plus!

[@aril2395]

@@nikkicovack o ok nice to know, thanks

[@thewiseguy7100]

What’s your opinion of a GMC Sierra V6? I want a large truck like that for the space and nice bed to pickup furniture and such.. I wanted a Tacoma but I feel it’s too small

[@nikkicovack]

I think they are fine especially if you aren’t planning to haul heavy loads. But generally their mpg isn’t that much better if at all from the v8 and diesel options. Main thing you’ll benefit from is being cheaper to purchase

[@sethb775]

I have a 22 Sierra AT4 that I ordered from the factory. The only issue I have had is the clock would get about 7 minutes behind. The dealership found a fix for it . Mine has 16,000 miles on it so far..

[@nicholasoconnell7732]

That noise you're hearing may be your door seals. I've worked on alotta those trucks to know how poorly they're made

[@nikkicovack]

I’ll take a look and see if that’s adding to it, thanks!

[@hpain6261]

They know what the squeak is but don't want to touch. Getting rid of mine even though it stopped after 75k.

[@SyrupCanuck]

I think if I bought a new gm it be with the 2.7 motor 😊

[@Mattman2500]

Worse MPG than my 2017 Ram Rebel. That thing had 3.92 gears. Now my friend had a Chevy with a 5.3. That thing felt soooo sluggish. So that friend with the Chevy . Is actually the reason I didn't buy a GM lol. His had so many problems. Was towed to the dealership 2 times in one year. Had lifter problems then coolant in the oil. Witch then got into the trans.

[@nikkicovack]

They can definitely be sluggish off the line. If I wasn’t hammering down everywhere I’d think 20-21mpg would be achievable. Those lifter issues hit a lot of people, I was lucky on my manufacture date that it was just after that production run

[@karlschauff7989]

Dude nobody cares about your Fiat trash lol nobody is impressed with your Hemi ticking cam lobe grinding Fiat with the junk air ride and upper ball joints that fall out of the UCA just sitting on the dealer lot.

[@ms1406]

@@nikkicovackwhat do you mean you were lucky on manufacturing date which years should i look for?

[@nikkicovack]

@@ms1406 generally speaking, manufacturers have part suppliers for windows of time, if one of the suppliers mess up on quality - a chunk of vehicles built could have an issue with that specific part. In my case, I was referring to the engine lifters which was a Covid era issue that ended in (build date) March of 2021. Usually you can look these up if your vehicle is affected by way of a recall check, dealer visit, etc

[@Meme4frogs]

f150 exists mate

[@tedbear6012]

A chevy is cheaper than a gmc . I have a loaded up rst w 56k 2020, it was a good truck. It's starting to give issues

[@nikkicovack]

Chevys are definitely more than a few dollars cheaper. I feel like rst is the way to go for features for the dollar if you don’t have a preference on appearance chevy vs gmc

[@andrewe.7907]

the truck isn't a morning truck... I understand..

[@RT22-pb2pp]

EXCUSE me when trucks cost what they do today after 50k miles there should not be any bad or ugly only good. Amazing what fools will pay for today

[@ubeuonly]

The answer to your shock absorber critique is that only a very very very small percentage of trucks will ever go off road.. the interior of your truck was universally hated and considered the worst of all domestic trucks by every magazine and every ratings service

[@nikkicovack]

Everyone does use their trucks differently; it is good to have the other types of owner viewpoints here as well, as you shared. It can only help others trying to make their vehicle decisions, thanks!

[@WyattBuckland-hc6vi]

54,000 miles on a GM product is basically half of its lifespan.. GM trucks have now become throwaway vehicles unfortunately.

[@nikkicovack]

I feel like that’s the unfortunate reality of most new trucks, especially after 2019

[@daveshugart2195]

I'm sure he will try to sell that truck soon.

[@ynrxk222]

Why u say that

[@AnymousTrader]

50k is nothing, mine Tundra is 800k now and run no problem!

[@jonathanchambers7305]

What year?

[@KurtMalalis]

Here in qatar only gmc and chevy pickup proven and tested

[@nickoverstreet5781]

What leveling kit did you go with?

[@nikkicovack]

This was a readylift spacer leveling kit on this truck 👍