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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 645

Of the 2019 reports, 13 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.

Primary concernEngine305 reports · 47% of complaints
Owner complaints645Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Engine305
  2. Power train136
  3. Service brakes115
  4. Electrical system95
  5. Other or unspecified44
  6. Steering42
  7. Engine and engine cooling25
  8. Fuel/propulsion system23

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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: engine

322 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Engine, May 14, 2025

    My engine suffered a catastrophic failure, at 139468 miles. 2019 GMC Sierra Denali 1500. I had the engine replaced with a new engine date June 2024 GMC 6.2 engine failures is happening with more than just 21-24 models years.

  2. Engine, May 13, 2025

    I am writing to formally document an ongoing and serious issue with our 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ), which I strongly believe may be related to the current GM recall involving L87 V8 engines—despite my vehicle not yet being included. Early last year, our family experienced a sudden and frightening loss of power while driving at full speed on a curve, with our children and their car seats secured in the back. The vehicle lost power abruptly, accompanied by a loud ticking noise from the engine. This incident could have easily led to a serious accident and was terrifying for all of us. Since that time, the truck has spent more than half the year in and out of repair shops. The initial repair estimate was nearly $20,000—unmanageable for us, especially since the vehicle is paid off. Fortunately, a family friend was able to repair it for significantly less, but the problems have persisted. Most recently, the check engine light returned and we experienced another episode of reduced power, suggesting an unresolved or recurring failure likely tied to internal engine components such as the long block, crankshaft, connecting rods, timing chain, or camshaft. This truck is essential for our family’s daily life—including commuting to work and school, and especially out-of-town travel. Our other vehicle, a 2007 Honda Accord, is much smaller and insufficient for our growing family. This ongoing issue has caused substantial disruption, stress, and financial strain. It has also delayed our ability to upgrade to a larger family vehicle, something we had planned and budgeted for before this ordeal. Given the severity and duration of the issue—and its apparent connection to the same engine problems affecting newer models—we want to ensure this situation is documented with the NHTSA and GM. We sincerely hope that the scope of the current recall will be expanded, and that appropriate relief or support will be offered to affected vehicle owners like us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  3. Engine, May 9, 2025

    I was driving on the highway at 60mph and the engine shut off. I was fortunate enough to be able to get the truck off the road without incident. The instruments instructed me to try to start the vehicle again. Upon doing so the engine made very loud and erratic knocking noises and I shut it off. I towed the truck to the GMC dealership where they told me the engine had thrown 2 rod bearings. They told me this was VERY common with the 6.2L engine. The truck was extremely well maintained with all services at the dealership, and only had 70,000 miles on it. GM quoted me $15,436.00 to replace the engine. I did open a case with GM when the incident occurred. Case # [XXX]

  4. Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2025

    I’m contacting you regarding my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine. The vehicle is currently experiencing a cylinder 8 misfire (code P0308), accompanied by engine backfiring, ticking noise, and exhaust fumes inside the cabin. Additionally, the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning light is on, and performance is noticeably affected. To date, I have: •Replaced all spark plugs and fuel injectors •Verified proper ignition coil function •Had an oil change on September 23, 2024, during which I reported early concerns about engine performance (shortly after the powertrain warranty expired) •Had a transmission flush on March 17, 2025, in an attempt to resolve continued drivability issues Despite these efforts, the issue persists. Given the known issues with AFM lifters and camshaft wear on this engine, I suspect a mechanical failure related to that system.

  5. Steering, Power train, Engine, May 6, 2025

    2019 GMC SIERRA 1500 AT4 2019 VIN: [XXX] On 10/31/2023 the transmission was replaced at Mileage: 72,875. The transmission at Jim Ellis Buick, GMC, after the truck would not drive over 40 miles in speeded. 12/23/23, 86788215, Engine Oil Cooler Hose had to be changed. Truck had to be towed from a public parking lot to the mechanic. The engine is burning oil, the warning messages say add oil, I have been adding oil once a month 1 quart. The steering wheel was locked and the truck had to be towed from a public parking lot to the mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  6. Engine, May 5, 2025

    2019 GMC Sierra AT4 with 6.2L engine failed while driving 45 mph. No warnings and no check engine lights prior to engine failure. Coasted off the road, engine would not restart. Upon attempted restart the check engine light came on showing code P0016 for crankshaft/camshaft position sensor. Towed vehicle to dealership where engine replacement was required.

  7. Electrical system, Engine, May 3, 2025

    Just purchased this vehicle, at 84000 miles had engine failure and electrical issues while traveling down interstate with my family. Lost power steering and all warning lights popped up. Safely exited busy interstate -- avoided major accident. This engine should have been included in the recent GMC recall - After a diagnostic $7000.00 plus to fix. UNSAFE ENGINE ISSUE!! Please help the consumer!!

  8. Service brakes, Engine, May 1, 2025

    6.2L v8 the same as 2021 to 2024 engine built the same way and im experiencing the same issues and the dealership wont fix it , i would like to get a response if this will be included or should i file a lawsuit and take legal action thank you

  9. Power train, Engine, May 1, 2025

    While driving down the highway I experienced a sudden lose of power with check engine and other associated warning lights immediately illuminated. It has been confirmed by my independent service center and a GMC dealer that the engine lifters and camshaft failed. I have documentation to prove the vehicle has been traded to a GMC dealer. My safety and the safety of other divers around me was put at risk as I abruptly lost power at highway speeds and this caused traffic around me to slow very quickly and swerve to avoid collision. Serious personal and public injury or death was narrowly avoided due to the quick response of other drivers. I had to limp the vehicle to a safe place to exit the highway and avoid further danger. After speaking with the dealer and my independent maintenance professional I can say that the problem was showing eminent failure, for about a year there was a tik I was hearing that in the past had been described as the "GM TIK" some mechanics said it was normal others said it might be a problem but none of them ever recommended a repair. I believe this is related to the problem reported by my local news agency on 4/30/2025

  10. Power train, Engine, May 1, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unintentionally downshifted into first gear. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

  11. Engine, May 1, 2025

    During city driving my L87 engine losses power during acceleration. The start and stop feature makes loud scratching noises when it starts up.

  12. Engine, May 1, 2025

    I was driving my truck from lunch and out no where the truck stalled and did crank back had it towed to the dealership and said needed new engine because the timing had jump..

  13. Engine, Apr 30, 2025

    Trucks engine died going down the interstate no warning lights just died. Had it towed to the GM dealer where they told me the engine failed and the oil pan was full of metal. This was after I spent $5000 at the same dealer repairing it because it wouldn’t start. It’s at Ross downing gmc in Hammond Louisiana now for the 2nd week.

  14. Engine, Apr 30, 2025

    My gmc truck was stopped on a red light on a city street and suddenly the engine just shuts off, I have to restart the truck. This is not the first time that it did that. I can't imagine if this does happen on the freeway.

  15. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 30, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and was shaking abnormal. The vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the battery was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that lifter #7 had no compression and that the crankshaft was bent. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who also determined that the crankshaft was bent and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000 .

  16. Engine, Apr 30, 2025

    Engine failure and loss off control resulting in me almost getting into an accident from lifter problem identification from a certified mechanic. Resulting in a $4100 repair

  17. Engine, Apr 30, 2025

    I was experiencing rough gear shifting jumps and low power/acceleration but it was spotty and not continuous. While I was traveling on cruise control, my truck started misfiring. Once I got home the whole truck was shaking in place. I popped the hood and noticed the engine itself was shaking on the motor mounts. On the way to the mechanic, several lights (including check engine light) came on (the codes thrown were P0300-P0308). The mechanic attempted to clean the fuel injectors (that were replaced 30k miles go due to failure as well), but that did not solve the misfire. I was told the cylinder was dead, and upon inspection of the oil filter there were metal shavings throughout it and the engine, as well as a bent cam shaft. All symptoms and issues I've experience, which resulted in a complete engine swap, are similar to those of the 2021-2024 GMC Sierra 6.2L engines that were just recalled. I would like to know how many other 2019-2020 5.3L engines have had failure before 90k due to similar issues and if there is a larger concern here.

  18. Engine, Apr 30, 2025

    Engine failed while driving on the interstate. No warning lights and no known mechanical issues. Dealership maintained vehicle. Towed to nearest GMC dealership to be inspected and repaired. Tech told me before looking at it that it was probably an engine failure. He disclosed that my model engine was problematic and engine failure was common. He was right. My family could have been killed had I not been able to guide a powerless vehicle off the road out of traffic. A replacement engine was quoted for 15k. However GM did not have any and no eta on when they would. A used engine with 80,000 miles and only a 12,000 miles warranty was offered for 11k. I could afford neither as I’m still paying 1k a month for the vehicle. They are recalling vehicles with the same engine but only back to 2021. I’ve spent over 15k to get my truck back functional. I believe good morning should be held accountable. This known issue was never disclosed to me pre purchase or I would not have paid 80k for a truck to last only 120,000 miles

  19. Engine, Apr 30, 2025

    While driving on the interstate and picking up speed from 50mph, the vehicle suddenly shuts off without any warnings and causing a safety issue of stopping immediately in traffic in the middle of the expressway.

  20. Engine, Apr 29, 2025

    Engine 6.2 liter needed to be replaced. Connecting rod and the engine froze up.

  21. Engine, Apr 29, 2025

    Engine issues at 35000 37000and failure at 65000 miles V8 6.2 L engine. Cans and lifters replaced at $6100 GM refused to cover. Car immediately traded in for 2024 Silverado same occurrence on exit ramp 15000 miles engine replaced this year under warranty. Would like recall extended warranty to 2019 or before and be reimbursed for $6100 at a minimum

  22. Engine, Apr 29, 2025

    2019 gmc sierra 5.3L engine had lifters collapse at 81k miles causing internal damage and forcing the dealership to have to replace the engine at my cost-have heard there have been many folks with the same issues

  23. Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 28, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the vehicle lost motive power. There was an abnormal exhaust odor and smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The engine and fuel lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5, and the exhaust lifters and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

  24. Engine, Apr 26, 2025

    I was driving back from getting breakfast and the truck started to smoke and the truck just shut off on the street. As soon as the truck shut off, I received an alert on the dash that told me not to exceed a certain speed, but the truck was not moving at the time. I tried to restart the truck and I received another alert that said to put the truck in neutral and I ended up having to push the truck to a safe space. I call a tow truck to take the vehicle to the dealership for evaluation. I later spoke with the representative at the dealership and she told me that my 6.2L V8 engine had seized up. She could not tell me why it happened.

  25. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 25, 2025

    While driving My 2019 GMC Sierra I heard a loud Bang And lots of Misfires. The vehicle immediately slowed on its own causing me to pull off the road and endanger myself and traffic around me. Engine light came on and the traction control light was flashing. The Vehicle was brought to Dealer where they Diagnosed the problem all lifter rods were frozen and the cam shaft was cracked. The Dealer has the affected parts.The vehicle was in the repair shop for over two weeks and close to 7,000.00 in repairs.