Watch the engine — this is the first year of the big 6.2L failure recall, on top of the ongoing lifter issue.

If it's the 5.3L, the lifter issue rides on. DFM can deactivate any of all eight cylinders, and mechanics say its lifters fail more often and earlier than the older AFM — a tick, misfire, power loss, and a $3,000–$10,000 repair with no recall, only a class action and reactive warranty repairs. A DFM disabler (~$150) is cheap prevention and a cold-start tick is the walk-away sign. Between the two engines, the 6.2L's risk is largely covered by the recall while the 5.3L's lifter risk is not — factor that into which one you buy.

The 8-speed can still shudder and shift harshly, but the expensive control-valve failure is covered on this year by GM's 15-year/150,000-mile Special Coverage (from the in-service date, regardless of ownership) — a new valve body free, with reimbursement for prior repairs. The 10-speed on other trims is the stronger unit. Test-drive for shudder and hard shifts, and confirm the truck is inside the coverage window.

On 2019–2022 crew cabs, the power sliding rear window can leak where the sliding pane meets the frame, wetting the headliner and floor and sometimes the window electronics — with mold, a dead defroster, or a shattered pane in bad cases. GM replaced windows under warranty via service bulletin, but leaks can return. Check the rear headliner, floor behind the seats, and window tracks for staining and musty smell.

GM ran a Customer Satisfaction Program for certain 2021 trucks whose eBoost brake unit assemblies could develop brake-function issues over time, replacing the unit free. It's a targeted program rather than a widespread failure — worth a VIN check to see whether it applied and was done.