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: power train
136 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, May 16, 2025
I was headed out of town and stopped in the neighborhood at a stop sign. As usual, the Auto Stop/Auto Start feature turned the engine off and when I lifted my foot off the brake pedal to reengage the engine, the truck started rolling backward. The engine would not start even though all the gauges and systems were working as if the engine was on. I had the truck towed to my mechanic and after troubleshooting, they determined the engine was locked up and would need to be totally replaced. My truck has the 6.2L gas engine and have since learned that GMC is recalling later model trucks with this engine in them due to engine failure. If my engine failure had happened anywhere other than at a stop sign in a neighborhood, it could have caused a significant accident. I can't find a new engine because of the GMC recall and the cost to replace the engine with a lower mileage, used engine is approximately $16,500.
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)
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
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2025
Bought used 2019 Denali Oct 2024 with 41 k miles on it. 1200 miles later started feeling vibration under load on highway. Took to dealership and they said I needed to replace torque converter. After that the transmission went out during test drive. Then waited 45 days for new transmission to find out the unit was defective. Now we’re going on 5 months and the truck still waiting on a replacement transmission. GM hasn’t acknowledged any of my complaints about this and said that they’re doing the best they can for me and is going to award me 10000 reward points for future use! What a joke! 5. months to replace a transmission? GM has completely failed its consumers, at least this one!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 18, 2025
I had engine failure two weeks after a schedule maintenance that included a tune up. When the engine failed all the components made the vehicle impossible to operate much less bring to a stop safely. I had to get the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the engine (6.2 V8) has a known documented issue. The vehicle is at my dealer with the engine being disassembled. There weren't any warnings as I stayed on the maintenance schedule that the dealer mapped out since my purchase. The problem began [XXX]. After researching the issue I found this online. That is how I found your web site. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Apr 16, 2025
I bought this vehicle at 80k miles and I have had an on going issue with the transmission. I have done research online and found that GM had put the wrong fluid in the transmission from the factory that has caused internal issues with the transmission leading to hard shifting and transmission shuttering. On my dime I have changed the fluid twice already and also the torque converter as well. This issue has gotten better but still a problem. This has caused me to not be able to trade my truck with out being upside down because of the dealers telling me they would have to put a new transmission to sell it. So now my trucks value has dropped as well. Now I am stuck in a truck that is not safe to drive. Thanks GM for not helping me.
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.
Power train, Apr 10, 2025
Transmission has been failing for the life of this vehicle. Shuttered shifting and hard shifting are the norm. It is available for inspection. Vehicle does not shift properly when vehicle is in motion. Shifting is often delayed resulting in temporary loss of power. I have had the vehicle in to a transmission shop they have been able to reproduce the events. There are no warning lights visible to indicate an issue.
Power train, Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle occasionally downshifted or unintendedly came to a stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, the vehicle started to turn off unintendedly at traffic lights. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the valve body software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on another occasion, the vehicle started to vibrate violently while driving on the highway. The vehicle was taken to the original dealer and the dealer replaced the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with torque converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Power train, Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated and the transmission experienced a hard shift to first gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while driving at slower speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Power train, Mar 30, 2025
Transmission hesitates. Transmission jerks when shifting. Possible torque conversion issues. Mileage is 35,623.
Power train, Mar 26, 2025
Transmission started fluttering around 60k miles. Per GMC Dealer - this is due to water getting into transmission from fluid put in at the factory. Even though dealer admitted that it's a defect from the factory, the warranty wouldn't cover the repair. This is a well known issue in the 5.3L 8 speed trans.
Power train, Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle shook violently. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, but after shifting into drive(D), and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal "roaring" sound. The contact stopped the vehicle and had the vehicle to be towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the valve body on the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part to complete the repair was on a national back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was the second transmission failure. The contact had the transmission replaced in 2024 by the same dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 15, 2025
valve train/camshaft fairlure which damaged entire engine - happened at 99,650 miles
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.
Power train, Mar 2, 2025
Bad torque converter with 56000 miles and a month out of warranty and GM says to bad.
Power train, Feb 18, 2025
accelerating from a stop, 1st and 2nd gear hard shifts. gm previously changed program and type of fluid. said this was normal
Power train, Feb 15, 2025
The transmission failed and GM will not provide parts to repair the truck. Only has 57000 miles
Power train, Feb 14, 2025
My transmission keeps on jerking all the time when we are driving
Power train, Feb 11, 2025
Took truck to dealership for transmission issues such as hard shifts and shuttering on highway. Waiting 2 months for parts that didn’t fix the issue. Now waiting on another transmission which I’m being told is on back order!
Power train, Engine, Feb 1, 2025
Unknown mostly. Water pump ended up cracking while running. Power failure notice had come up on dash and then vehicle shut off while running. Dealership made repairs but unable to identify root cause.
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
Transmission has had shifting, shudder and failure to go into gear from day 1 of owning the truck. Has been to the dealer on several occassions for the same issue just to be told that they either could not reproduce the issue or it was normal. On another occasion the dealer was able to notice some shudder and shifting issue and replaced the valve body under warranty. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty I’m being told the vehicle needs a complete transmission rebuild and torque converter at an out of pocket cost to me of $8500. I know of many others with the same issues from the onset of owning these vehicles.
Power train, Jan 20, 2025
The transmission is experiences periodic rough shifting, a shudder and droning noise between 1,000 and 1,500 RPM. An independent transmission specialty shop states the transmission is starting to fail. The transmission, differentials and transfer case fluids were changed at 53,000 miles and again at 104,000 miles.