GM Recalls the GMC Sierra Because Grille Pieces Could Fly Off

General Motors has a small problem with grilles on the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck. The grille deflector—the top part of the grille surround—can unexpectedly detach. Parts flying off vehicles obviously creates a safety issue, which prompted a recall of 70,768 trucks.

Specifically, the problem affects the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 equipped with chrome grilles. According to recall documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there could be defects in the fasteners that hold this section of the grille in place. There are eight attachment points, all of which could fracture. Should all of them break, the deflector can come off. The trim piece may appear loose and rattle before it ultimately exits the scene.

The recall further specifies 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 pickups built after the mild facelift it received that year. At this time, the recall doesn’t extend beyond 2022. It also doesn’t apply to trucks that have grilles other than chrome. An exact reason for the attachment points fracturing isn’t given.

A GM employee initially notified the company of a possible problem after getting a complaint from a customer. An initial investigation was opened in early 2024 but closed approximately one month later because “no defect trend was identified.” In May 2024 a Reddit thread was posted describing the exact issue, with several other 2022 GMC Sierra owners chiming in. GM opened a new investigation in December 2024 due to a “rise in claim rates”

Subsequently, GM noted 1,225 field complaints received from vehicle owners between April and December. Four complaints allege a vehicle accident occurred as a result. GM isn’t aware of any injuries related to the problem.

The automaker is “developing a remedy” for the problem but at this time, there is no fix available. Parts diagrams show the deflector as a separate piece, but GMC Sierra 1500 owners on Reddit claim the only way to get it is to buy the entire grille. In the meantime, GMC dealers are instructed to stop all sales on affected 2022 Sierra 1500s, whether they’re still new or used. Dealer notification is already underway; specific owner notification will begin on March 24.