2019 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 645 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 13 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireDec 16, 2021
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 vehicles equipped with certain accessory road tires and a 17" spare tire. The 17" spare tire provided with the vehicle is not compatible for use with the accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) to not function properly under certain conditions.
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212346510.
Campaign 21V985000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresJun 3, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212336230.
Campaign 21V423000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresFeb 25, 2021
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Campaign 21V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsDec 17, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Campaign 20V792000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, driveline, driveshaftOct 22, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
Campaign 20V650000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assistJan 30, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. These vehicles received updated software for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). This software has an error, and as a result, the vehicle's electronic brake assist may be disabled. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268091.
Campaign 20V055000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, abs warning lightDec 12, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS) may become disabled. Furthermore, if this specific error occurs, the vehicle's diagnostics will not illuminate the instrument cluster ESC and ABS malfunction warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268090.
Campaign 19V889000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, 12v/24v/48v battery, cablesDec 12, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The battery positive (B+) cable rings may have been manufactured with excessive glue, potentially causing an intermittent electrical connection between the B+ cable and alternator.
An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the presence of glue or other contamination at the B+ cable attachment to the alternator and clean the connection and reattach the B+ cable connection, as necessary. If arcing has damaged the cable, nut, or alternator, the dealer will replace the damaged components. All services will be performed free of charge. GM issued owners an interim notification on February 4, 2020. GM issued second notice and the recall began March 9, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192273510.
Campaign 19V888000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, pretensionerNov 14, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2020 Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles equipped with carpet floor covering. When the front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas may vent through an opening in the pretensioner bracket, possibly igniting the carpet.
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192270600.
Campaign 19V814000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDec 6, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab and GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The passenger-side frontal air bag module may have been damaged during assembly, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly in the event of a crash.
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N182198820.
Campaign 18V868000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
95 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 11, 2025
Transmission keeps skipping missing gears and hard shifting, as well as jolting forward. When attempting to switch lanes vehicle transmission skips. When being placed from Park to drive or any other gear vehicle transmission hard shifts. Vehicle radio and screen shut off intermittently every 30 to 45 minutes. Vehicle screen goes blank and black and resets itself after 30 to 45 minutes.
Electrical system, Mar 27, 2025
When going to shut off vehicle, when you push the push start button the engine will turn off but the radio and all the instrument panel, gauge lights, and dinging noise are still on. It states on the screen to shift to park. The vehicle is in park and even sometimes has the parking brake on. It can stay on from 1 minute to numerous minutes, which is only running my battery and other things down on my truck. This has happened daily.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 11, 2025
Lifters in engine failed at beginning of March 2025 and destroyed inside of engine. Transmission failed in summer of 2024 and had to be replaced
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 11, 2025
While attempting to accelerate to get onto the expressway with no warning, the vehicle went into limp mode. Traction control, front end warning collision, auto/stop start functionality was all disabled and the engine light warning light on came on. The vehicle locked out and reduced acceleration. An attempt to pull over and turn the vehicle off for a few seconds was made. Once restarted, the vehicle continued running on limp mode at reduced speeds with the same indicators mentioned still disabled and locked out.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 18, 2025
While driving at 65 mph on a freeway, the engine failed and cracked a rod with fresh oil and all maintenance done regularly. Truck brakes would not work after engine failure. Truck was fully disabled and I was stranded on freeway @ 90,000 miles. Lights on exterior of the vehicle were dim after engine failed
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 26, 2025
Complete engine failure. Absolutely insane. All lights on dash, engine seized while driving!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelievable that GMC keeps making us fix issues and pay for it! They won't cover the cost. This has been happening too much and putting my family at risk!
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle before the vehicle jerked forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The contact also stated that the radio would turn on, but there was no image on the screen. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under an undisclosed Customer Satisfaction Program. The contact stated that the abnormal sounds and failure persisted, and the manufacturer was contacted again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire and that the brake lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 22, 2024
When accelerating it will over rev and then slip and then punch foward I had a diagnostic did and the sensor in the Transmission aren't working properly and then when just driving my etrak also randomly went out and I can no longer active cruise controll
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Nov 28, 2024
At around 28,000 miles the truck started having intermittent electrical issues. The head unit will show a blue screen. Safty systems will automatically disable. Camera system failures. Even though the truck is a 2019 model it only has around 31,000 miles on it and is now out of warranty and I can’t afford to have the dealership chase electric issues. GMC should be ashamed of putting out such an unreliable vehicle.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Lane departure, Sep 23, 2024
Rear window leaks as also reported by GM when truck was manufactured (GM Service Bulletin 18-NA-383). Water from leaking rear window gets into the electronics used for safety systems as well as rear camera and eventually disables safety systems.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 18, 2024, fire
While driving the vehicle caught engine fire later exploding within seconds.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 2, 2024
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT. Truck would not start on several occassions. By playing with brake, shift, and steering wheel truck would start again., Also would show warning notices, last one being {engine oil low-add oil}, even right after I just had the oil changed. This last time it would not start I paid to have my mechanic come to me to check it out. He tested a lot and thought it might be the starter so I then had to pay to have it flat-bedded to their garage. What he finally found was a BUNCH of wires worn through in a major wiring harness. It was caused by the wiring harness being next to the steering knuckle and the steering was wearing through the wires exposing bare wires. The mechanic and I see this as a major safety concern and a possible fire hazard. He has told me others have had similer problems . I believe this should definitly be a safety recall for these vehicles. My mechanic states that a new wiring harness olone is about $1500.00 plus a LOT of labor to install it. I do not believe that I should have to pay for a defect in GMC building this truck I have a picture of this mess of wires if you can help me with this. Don't know how to upload the photo I have but would gladly send it to you, Please respond back to this. Thank You Dennis Dorn
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2024
GMC of Vacaville California sold me a 2019 GMC Sierra that has a know back window leak issues. I was told by service worker GMC of Vacaville California sold me a 2019 GMC Sierra that has a know back window leak issues. I was told by service worker Brent Lewis/405 that is a common issue and GMC is aware of this issue that the vehicle was brought in before for this same issue prior from [XXX] but was not taken care of. I purchased this vehicle on [XXX] along with a 5k extend warranty that I was told is a bumper to bumper warranty. Come to find out it does not cover a manufacturer defected back window installation. My concern is that they are aware of these issues and water sitting on the inside of the cab due to a leak causes black mold and could cause serious illness to myself and my children. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 28, 2024
Complete system failure while driving. Lost control of vehicle, no breaks. Had it brought to dealership. Lifter failure and bent rod, top engine failure which caused everything to malfunction. Vehicle has 88K miles on it. This is a defect. We had taken it in for the ticking problem in the past and they did nothing for us. Everything is documented. We are afraid that bottom half of engine was compromised. Do not feel safe driving this vehicle anymore. I do not want it to blow or lose control of vehicle again. This is a known issue and must be addressed. There was a service bulletin put out for my engine and there is an exact part by part that needs to be replaced, however GM is unwilling to listen to us at this time. Please look into this because this will happen to more and more consumers. This is very scary. What is the cost of a life?
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2024
There is an issue with the drivers door locking mechanism. Something between the electrical and the mechanical components that lock and unlocks the door keeps breaking. So far you can always unlock the door manually by pulling the door handle but it sporadically will not lock or unlock by the remote or push button. Also it doesn’t always lock when put into drive like the rest of the doors do.
Service brakes, Electrical system, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the service brakes were inoperable, and the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The vehicle came to a complete stop on the highway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact called and made the dealer aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Additionally, the speed odometer was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 9, 2023
There is a water leak coming into the back cab of my 2019 GMC Sierra. My truck smells horrible the dealership can't find the leak. It smells very moldy and very concern for my children riding in the back breathing the unsafe air.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 15, 2023
Question #1- “Service Trailer Brake System”-“Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care”-Brake System Failure 43 MPH Top Speed”-“Service ESC” Question #2- I experienced a Complete loss of braking ability, myself, a friend and, a coworker, as well as the properties around me where placed at risk. Question #3 Not yet I am having towed to the dealer today. Question #4 Not yet the vehicle will be towed to the dealer where I purchased it today. Question #5 Not my knowledge I do not recall any warning lights.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2023
When shifting to Park the vehicle shuts down but message comes up to Shift to Park and electronics stay on. Vehicle is off but unable to exit vehicle and lock it since the Shift to Park messages keeps dinging.
Electrical system, Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jul 12, 2023, fire
The contact owned a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the A/C stopped working. Additionally, the contact smelled an electrical wiring burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then noticed smoke coming from under the glove compartment. The contact stated that he pulled to a carwash and exited the vehicle. An explosion occurred under the hood and the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the vehicle burned significantly. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A police report was filed. A fire department report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,653.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 24, 2023
Was driving around 70 MPH brakes started engaging and disengaging truck felt like engine was missing, brake light luminated and stated to stop vehicle ABS light luminated as I got to the emergency lane I had no brakes pedal went to floor and I came to a stop after coasting and pressing pedal. Once stopped trailer towing light luminated ( I was not towing anything). I exited truck and it was apparent this was a issue with the front brakes as they were smoking. Rotors appear to have marks in them when compared to rear. After about 30 minutes I started truck and there was no indication on dash of a problem had brake pedal. The truck has 50800 miles on it. Contacted dealer (Hendricks Chevy) this morning they said it was not covered and no recalls I discussed brake issues I read on line again they repeated no recalls in system for my truck, but would be glad to look at it in 2 weeks.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 5, 2023
Alarm codes P25A2 & C05B0 -Brake system failure 43mph top speed -Service trailer brake system -Service brake assist -Service ESC -Check engine light -Traction control light My vehicle is not showing any recall, but obviously I’m not the only one with this issue. A quick research on google revealed several people with the same issue. I’m having to pay for this out of pocket for an obvious issue with GMC & Chevy trucks.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Jan 1, 2023
Abs, traction control and trailer break system failure. Check engine light comes on and goes off after 5 cycles. It also says ESC warning drive with care and it flashes also and steering reduced
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2022
The rear window defogger is smoking and sizzling. The connection on the passenger side glass that connects the moveable harness for the center glass smokes and sizzles when the rear defogger is on. There is a recall on these vehicles in Canada for this issue. My concern is that it may start a fire. The connector is right behind the right rear passenger seat, imposing a threat to the occupant of that seat. Also, the rear defogger comes on automatically with heated mirrors when remote started. I cannot use remote start, mirror defogger, or rear glass defogger currently due to this defect. I noticed a sizzling sound while driving the truck. I pulled over and began searching. I found smoke being emitted from the connector attached to the rear glass on the passenger side. This is a serious issue. It is a fire hazard. The vehicle could catch fire while driving or while remote engine start has been activated in temperatures lower than 40 degrees. There is a difference in an uncommon electrical short and a known problem. General Motors is aware of this issue and there has not be a notification to owners in the United States nor are there any recalls or suggested repairs. The safety of consumers is in jeopardy with this known problem occurring in multiple lines of their vehicles. Any with a power sliding glass could be affected.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 29, 2022
The truck has 50,000 miles, purchased new. I don't tow or go off road. I take it to the dealer every 5,000 miles. While driving 65-70mph on the interstate (4-lanes), my dash lit up with five messages and the "Brake, Traction Control and Engine" lights illuminated. I applied brakes but the pedal went to the floor and the steering veered to the left causing me to move out of my lane. The truck then went to limp mode and I was unable to go above 43mph the remainder of the trip home. After taking it to my dealer the next day, I was told they "found air in the brake fluid system due to secondary seal failure in brake master cylinder, and was quoted a new cylinder (PN 86788482) for $1708.06. RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS: >Component failure: brake master cylinder (eBoost Brake Unit Assembly) / Brake System Failure >It was just me in the vehicle - brake failure on the highway put me and others on the road at major risk >Yes - After paying to diagnose, I was told this was brake master cylinder failure. ...GM issued a Customer Satisfaction Program (N202324120) for a limited number of MY2021 Silverado/Sierra trucks (mine is a MY2019) for dealers to replace the eBoost brake unit assemblies due to failure >Part has not been inspected by my insurance rep./I do not know if anyone else has inspected >The warnings illuminated on the dash at the time of brake failure while on the interstate 1. "Service ESC" 2. "Service Trailer Brake System" 3. "Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive with Care" 4. "Service Brake Assist" 5. "Brake System Failure 43 MPH Top Speed" 6. Also, the BRAKE, Traction Control and Engine lights illuminated