2023 build quality. Mexico vs USA

[Jimbeau]

Hello,

I’m in the process of purchasing a new 2023 Sierra crew cab 4x4. I certainly wasn’t expecting the window sticker of the truck I picked to show its final assembly in Silao Mexico. Another, otherwise identical truck that I looked at has its assembly at the US Roanoke facility. What the heck? I know we’ve been building vehicles in Mexico for years but this is my GMC truck we’re talking about now! 

Question please…How’s the Mexican build quality these days? I’ve never owned a GM truck built anywhere other than the USA. Should I be concerned? I’ve read everything about the subject that I can find online. Problem is most all discussions are older posts. I haven’t found any recent data or customer feedback other than some 2022 union struggles in the Mexican facility. 
 

Appreciated! 

 

 

[gt tangerine]

My 22 refresh Sierra AT4 was build in Silao and I have no complaints. No out of wack body panels interior doesn’t rattle and fit and finish is fantastic. The same for my 2021 LT trail boss built in Mexico. My 2019 was built in ft Wayne and it was fine too as well as my 2016.

 

I would not be upset with owning another Sierra built in Silao. 

[Jimbeau]

Ok, that’s good to know! Thanks for info.
I’ve paid the deposit on my truck. It’s ready now, but I could probably still swap my deal for a Roanoke assembly if that’s best. Problem is, the Roanoke’s available at my dealership do not have the exact equipment installed that I prefer. The Silao one that I secured has everything I wanted on a new truck. 
 

I’ve been traveling to Mexico for work lately. Finding the aerospace industry to be insanely huge there. It’s the largest manufacturing I’ve ever seen. I guess if the quality is high enough for airplanes it should be for trucks as well.
 

I haven’t had a new truck in so long it’s pathetic. Definitely don’t want any quantity issues!!

 

 
 

[redwngr]

1500's are built in mexico, usa and canada.

First number of vin identifies assembly country.

 

1=usa (FtWayne)

2=can (Oshawa)

3= mex (silao)

 

HD's are built at Flint and Oshawa

 

Oshawa was is only building silverado (and I possibly just crew?) 

 

Dealer has no way to code an order for a specific plant.

 

Ordered a 2021 1500 denali 3.0 with the longer box -- it came from FtWayne

Ordered a 2023 1500 denali 3.0 with the longer box -- it came from Silao 

There is zero difference in build quality.

 

 

I don't know if all 1500 plants currently have capability to build all cab/box versions. 

Typically, low volume versions wouldn't have necessary tooling in all plants.

 

 

[BB68]

I was with JD for 20 years.. when they moved their Canadian plant to Mexico we got garbage afterwards of the production moved there. 

 

Now I have had 2 possibly 3 Mexico pickups. The 18 had some decal alignment issues. Other than that I didn't see any other build issues, but I never took them apart so if there was some that could cause a shortened life span I never seen them. It probably doesn't matter for me anymore that Im able to trade every few years. 

 

With my good GM experiences at hand, the JD experiences will always linger in the back of my mind... if I had the chance to have an identical pickup build from Canada or US I would do everything in my power to get it 

[Jimbeau]

Yeah, I get the random part. My buddy just bought the same truck with a full up USA build. Mine happened to be Mexican. I’m definitely concerned but not seeing any solid reason to switch away from a great deal on the exact truck I requested. 

[DSW1519]

I just got a 2023 Sierra that was built in Mexico that was an ordered truck. I had similar concerns as you. 

 

I had a 2021 SLT built in Ft Wayne and now have a 2023 Sierra built in Mexico. I have no issues with the 2023 Mexico build and feel the fit and finish is just as good if not better than the 2021 Ft Wayne build.

 

The 2021 had some issues. The windshield had scratches on the inside of the glass when it came off the truck (requiring replacement before I even picked it up), and within the first week the rear sliding window leaked. So far no issues at all with the 2023. Granted the 2023 has the new dash and interior, but it seems quieter when driving it. Very happy with the 2023 so far. 

 

I hope this helps. 

Edited July 22, 2023 by DSW1519

[Jimbeau]

It sure does help! Great to hear this. When was the 2023 purchased and how many miles do you have on it now. Thanks!

[DSW1519]

I've had the 23 for a month now. Just under 1k miles. Love it so far. The 21 was an SLT Premium Plus. The 23 is an Elevation Premium package. Both trucks have the 5.3 10 spd. Honestly the 23 feels more like a luxury truck than the 21. Crazy to think it is the same platform but the 23 is quieter and rides better. 

[Jimbeau]

Awesome! I’ve done one hell of a detailed comparison against the equally equipped Ford and others.  Aside from the little Mexican surprise this new GMC just makes sense. And that’s coming from a satisfied Ford guy. Previous GMC’s but that was 8 years ago. 
The dealer will swap for a Roanoke build but I’d have to give up some desirable options. Looks like I’ll be in a Mexican truck. 

[DSW1519]

I've owned GM, Ford and Ram trucks over the last 20 years. All purchased new. 

 

Prior to the 21 SLT, I had a 2018 F150 Platinum with the 3.5 Ecoboost. I had issues with that truck (door latches freezing, massaging seats didn't work, moon roof rattled from new, engine cam phasers replaced at 20k miles just to name a few). Given it was a platinum the build quality was poor. I think the F150 was built in Kansas City. 

 

Honestly the fit and finish on my GMC's is significantly better than the F150. I was really disappointed in that F150. I know everyone has their preferences and opinions, but I so wanted to love that F150. Prior to that one I owned a bunch of other F150s in the past, so that wasn't my first one. I typically keep my trucks 3 years or so. 

[Wiggums]

Mexican robots are not lazier than the American robots.

[Jimbeau]

I think the trick with the Ford’s is to stay away from sunroofs and and anything less than a V8. Probably a good rule for any truck actually! The Ford I’m getting out of has 260,000 miles with only a couple random trips to the shop. Can’t complain at all.
My last Chevy was a somewhat of a maintenance hog and I bought it new. Prior to that had a couple GMC’s, which were great. 
Mexico just makes me uncomfortable but hopefully it’s a good one. Seems to be plenty of excellent examples of trucks from the Silao factory.
Does anyone know if they publish quality control stats for the different plants? 

[Jimbeau]

23 minutes ago, Wiggums said:

Mexican robots are not lazier than the American robots.

Funny! I think there’s still quite a bit of manual work involved though. Mexico might even have us beat in that regard as well. I will the day, the folks down in Mexico that I deal with in my industry are excellent. And I deal with them personally down there regularly. 

[redwngr]

If Silao was a brand new plant with brand new people it might be an issue (same as any other brand new plant) til they got some experience -- but GM has run than plant for nearly 30 years.