Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
WT / Custom / LT / RST / LTZ / High Country (T1XX, 2019–present)
Low Risk

The T1XX-platform Silverado (2019+) is a significant upgrade from the K2XX. The 2.7T is surprisingly capable for daily use; the 5.3L V8 is the workhorse choice. AFM (Active Fuel Management) on the V8s can cause lifter failures on extended highway use — same pattern as Colorado and Suburban. The L87 6.2L is the standout but commands a price premium. Well-maintained T1XX Silverados are strong used truck buys.

Items to check
11
Open recalls
6
NHTSA complaints
380
Top concern
Engine (AFM lifters) / Electrical

AFM Lifter Failure (V8 models)

5.3L / 6.2L AFM lifter failure

High Risk on high-mileage V8
Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) causes accelerated lifter wear on sustained highway driving at 55–75 mph. Symptoms: AFM tick or knock after warm-up. Very common failure at 80k–120k miles.
Warm engine fully, then listen at idle for a ticking/knocking sound. Any persistent tick = AFM lifter damage possible. Ask if AFM has been disabled.
Est. cost: $2,500–$5,000 lifter replacement + DOD delete Source: GM AFM/DOD lifter failure pattern

AFM disable tune or Range AFM device

Low Risk
Many informed owners disable AFM with a Range AFM Disabler ($60) or tuner. A car with AFM disabled and documented = significantly lower lifter risk.
Ask if seller has disabled AFM. OBD port dongle or tune = good sign for lifter longevity.
Est. cost: $60 Range AFM Disabler (preventive) Source: GM V8 owner best-practice

2.7T I4 Turbo

2.7T (L3B) — capable choice for lighter use

Low Risk
The turbocharged 2.7T is smooth and torquey. No AFM issues. Best for buyers not doing heavy towing.
Standard oil and cold-start check. No turbo smoke expected.
Est. cost: Routine maintenance Source: GM L3B reliability data

Recall & Electrical

Recall check (seat belt / electrical)

Monitor
T1XX Silverados have had various recalls. Run VIN to confirm all are closed.
Run VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Est. cost: Free dealer repair Source: NHTSA

Documentation

Oil change records + AFM history

High Risk on V8 without
On V8 models, oil change frequency and AFM usage are the key predictors of lifter health.
Request all oil change records. Ask explicitly about AFM disable history.
Est. cost: n/a Source: AutoVetting editorial

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

25V-274
6.2L V8 Connecting Rod / Crankshaft - engine failure
2021-2024 Silverado 1500 built with the 6.2L V8 only: connecting-rod and crankshaft manufacturing defects can damage and destroy the engine. Dealer inspects and repairs or replaces it; trucks that pass get higher-viscosity oil, a new oil filler cap and a new filter. This is the most expensive item on this page by an order of magnitude - on a 6.2L truck, confirm by VIN that it was inspected or the engine replaced before any money moves. 5.3L and 3.0L trucks are not in scope.
24V-797
Diesel Transmission Control Valve - rear wheels lock
2020-2022 Silverado 1500 with a diesel engine only: the transmission control valve can fail and lock the rear wheels. Dealer installs new transmission control module software, and GM covers the transmission repair where that software finds a defective valve. Gas trucks are outside the scope.
26V-083
Re-repair of 24V-797 - done wrong the first time
2020-2022 Silverado 1500 that may have been repaired incorrectly under 24V-797, leaving the control valve still able to fail and lock the rear wheels. So a seller saying the transmission recall was done is answering for 24V-797 and not for this one - both have to read closed. VINs became searchable 2026-02-12 and owner letters went out 2026-03-06, so a truck sold before that will not have it.
22V-903
Daytime Running Lights Stay Lit With Headlights
2022-2023 Silverado 1500 among eleven GM lines: body-control-module software can leave the daytime running lights on when the headlights are on, glaring oncoming traffic - an FMVSS 108 failure. Dealer or over-the-air software update.
22V-463
Accessory Sport Bar Blocks the High-Mount Brake Light
2022 Silverado 1500 and Sierra fitted with the accessory sport bar: the bar high-mounted brake light may not work and the bar can block the factory high-mount lamp - an FMVSS 108 failure. Only applies if the truck actually carries that bar, so look at the bed before chasing it. Dealer supplies the correct wiring.
22V-873
Airbag Module Left in Manufacturing Mode
Certain 2022 Silverado 1500 whose sensing diagnostic module was never activated at the assembly plant, so the airbags would not deploy in a crash - an FMVSS 208 failure. Closed before first sale: the trucks went back to the GM plant and no owner letters were mailed. Listed here so a used buyer recognises it as already settled rather than an open item.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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