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
645 reports, newest first.
Engine, Aug 20, 2025
Engine failure while driving.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was an audible chime heard, and the message "Stop Engine - Zero Oil Pressure" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was turned off and towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized due to a lack of engine oil. The contact was informed that the engine oil cooler line had detached from the crimp and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2025
Subject: Urgent Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2019 GMC Sierra Denali Escalating mechanical and electrical failures — many beginning before 100,000 miles, and continuing as of today, at approximately 110,000 miles. These issues have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to drive. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have had it serviced regularly and reported that it was driving rough, jerking into gear, and showing early signs of engine and transmission problems. These issues were noted during multiple multipoint inspection services, yet no lasting solutions were provided. Major issues have included: •Engine performance failures •Fuel injector malfunction •Serpentine belt and idler pulley damage •A/C compressor belt failure •Power steering malfunctions •Vehicle stalling at traffic lights •Loss of power on major highways •Rear window water leaks •Significant and ongoing electrical system problems •Shaking when brakes applied after having brakes and rotors replace in March •Screen monitor going out after paying over $ 900 dollars for updated software and repairs to the electronic component that cost over $2500. Despite continued maintenance, on Thursday, July 3, 2025, my truck began losing power and smoking heavily while driving on a busy highway in Georgia. My grandchild, who was riding with me, yelled, “Grandma, it’s smoking — please get out!” as we pulled off the road in fear of a fire. This terrifying incident left us stranded and emphasized just how dangerous this vehicle has become. I filed a formal complaint with the GMC Corporate Office, but no support provided or an investigation. Over the past six months, I have spent more than $5,000 trying to keep this vehicle operational. So many critical systems have failed, despite consistent maintenance, raises serious concerns. Finally, the fuel injector repaired 3 days later a message on dashboard displaying service Tire monitor system and steering wheel shaking when brakes are applied.
Engine, Aug 12, 2025
Check engine light came on for the first time. Engine started knocking, had loss in power, took it to the closest shop. Initial report was lifter failure, after taking apart the engine for lifter replacement they deduced the bad lifters also were accompanied by camshaft damage, and bad heads. Overall resulting in engine replacement being required. Again, first time the check engine light has come on.
Power train, Aug 6, 2025
Component/System that failed: The issue appears to originate from the transmission or drivetrain, specifically resulting in the rear wheels locking up and dragging at low speeds. It feels like something is seizing inside the drivetrain, making the truck very difficult to move. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How safety was put at risk: This failure presents a serious and unpredictable safety hazard. The vehicle begins locking up randomly when slowing down, such as in parking lots or residential areas. If this occurred at higher speeds or in traffic, it could easily result in a crash, loss of control, or pedestrian injury. It’s completely unreliable and unsafe to operate in this condition. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center? The issue is part of a well-known transmission defect affecting GM’s 8-speed automatic transmissions. There are multiple class action lawsuits and thousands of consumer complaints documenting identical symptoms. GM is fully aware of the defect but has refused to issue a recall, instead allowing the time-based warranty to expire even when the mileage is still well within the 60,000-mile limit. My local GMC dealer refused to offer a loaner or goodwill repair and quoted over a week just to diagnose it despite knowing that this is a known failure point. The symptoms are consistent with the known defect GM continues to avoid addressing. Has it been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance? No outside inspection has occurred yet. Given the widespread documentation of this defect and the consistency of symptoms, it should not be necessary to involve other parties. Were there any warning lamps or messages? No. There were no warning lights, messages, or alerts of any kind. The failure occurs randomly, and without any prior indication. That unpredictability makes the issue even more dangerous.
Power train, Engine, Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would intermittently hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light had flashed on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where the mechanic informed the contact that there was a miscommunication between the engine and the transmission. Two dealers were notified of the failure, and each informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was also given a diagnostic fee to determine the cause of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Aug 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the message "Battery Saver Alert" was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the battery gauge was reading 9V on the 12V battery. The vehicle was driven to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that a battery tender was needed. The contact asked the dealer to check the 12-Volt battery which was replaced 2 years prior by the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The contact was later informed that the battery fuse also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V888000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 43,742.
Engine, Aug 5, 2025
While traveling on the freeway at freeway speeds and with the cruise control on, on 7/22/2025, my vehicle abruptly start making an odd noise, the steering wheel started to vibrate / move as if I had a flat tire. I safely existed the freeway and pulled over to investigate, there was no flat tire yet the vehicle still made the noise and experienced issues when the throttle was applied. I proceeded to call a tow truck, and have the vehicle towed from Alpine, CA to Temecula and Temecula Valley GMC. While there the dealership gave me an initial diagnosis of "Miss fire in cylinder 8". We left the vehicle, and awaited more information. The next day I received a phone call stating that they needed to do an engine teardown to completely diagnose the issue, to the tune of approx. $1,500. In the dealers words, they needed to do the teardown to determine if "They could salvage the engine, or if it had to be condemned". The following day I received another call stating that the engine needed to be completely replaced due to a collapsed cylinder. The estimate for this work is over $13,000. the truck is 6 years old with 58,XXX miles.
Engine, Aug 3, 2025
Yates GMC Replaced my engine a couple of years ago under warranty and my truck has never been the same. I’ve been to the dealer multiple times. The drive, the way it operates always making cranking snapping sounds.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while reversing and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted to park(P), turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the starter was replaced, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Steering, Jul 31, 2025
Power Steering failure. Loss of power steering while driving the vehicle made any turns nearly impossible. Dealership identified root cause and a problem with a grounding strap. They reported that in addition to our vehicle, another GMC Sierra 1500 had come in the same day with the same problem. Loss of power steering while driving can lead to collision. This should be a safety recall.
Power train, Jul 31, 2025
Had to have transmission rebuilt found metal shavings and was shifting bad and shuttering. Vehicle Has 63,000 miles and is well maintained. Vehicle was taken to GMC but said their transmission person was on vacation for 2 weeks. Also parts dept Said they had no transmissions in stock and were back ordered. Truck was taken to AAMco and transmission was rebuilt And torque converter replaced . This is a common issue with GMC trucks.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jul 26, 2025
On or around July 12th 2025 at low speed of 2-4 mph my rear end locked up sending everyone in the vehicle hard stop forward. The vehicle wouldn't disengage leaving me no choice but to have it towed for the second time 1st time happened exactly the same about month and a half prior. Gmc service department department claims they couldn't find anything wrong after it sat for two days in there lot after having it towed they were closed weekends and looked at it that Monday morning finding no signs of anything wrong. After picking up my vehicle I strongly feel like if at higher speeds or even environment this issue will endanger myself passengers and bystanders. I need help with resolving this safety issues asap please. Gmc hasn't been much help service department nor Gm support options.
Engine, Jul 19, 2025
On 7/17/25 vehicle was taken to Star Buick/GMC in Easton PA for rear brakes and an oil change. This vehicle has 49,981 miles on it. I was told after the oil change the tech took the truck for a test drive. I was told he made it about 20 feet and the engine seized. Either the tech forgot to refill the crank case or it is another GM 6.2 disaster. Please advise as the dealer is quoting over 12K to replace engine.
Engine, Jul 16, 2025
My 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 truck exhibiting all the same signs as the recent call for the same 2021 truck recall according to the dealership. This is for the L87 V8 engine. The 2021 engine was used in the 2019 trucks but again the 2019 trucks are not a part of the recall. My repair bill is upwards of $10,000 and diagnostics is upwards for $4,000 even though all are aware of the recent recall and my truck having the same engine.
Engine, Jul 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
Vehicle motor suddenly stopped working. Vehicle was pulled into a driveway safely then wouldn’t crank anymore.
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the camshaft and lifters were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Engine, Jul 1, 2025
Truck is at the Jim Gauthier GMC dealership on Mcphillips in Winnipeg, Canada. Engine endured catastrophic failure and is currently waiting for a new engine.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2025
- 6.2 engine lost propulsion & warninng light on dash flashed about 3-5 times. After that the trucks engine completely malfunctioned. When this happened i was traveling at 70mhp on interstate I-69 when the the truck lost power to the engine, steering and power braking. The truck was inspected by a GM dealer and they found the engine had blown & with that it caused damage to the coolant system & to the catalytic converterin which all was replaced at full customer cost. Prior to the engine failure 2 other times it lost power and had a rough ilde and trouble starting . 1st time the dealer could not replacate the issue the next time found a camshaft postioning sensor was bad which was placed at customer cost.
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2025
I washed my truck on a Saturday and as I was driving later that morning my tailgate opened while in transit. I did not notice this until I had stopped. After a little digging I found the 2019 tailgate electric switch is prone to this problem when it gets wet. There were no warning lamps for this problem.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 24, 2025
I was driving with my wife about to merge into traffic on the interstate when I had a huge power loss. It was a busy part of the interstate where I could have been ran over. There was a lot of traffic and was fortunate the Semi driver was alert and slowed down. I was not aware of any failures of this motor or received any notices from GM. After conducting research I found that this was a know issue that GM failed to report. My truck has been serviced regularly and until that point had not given any signs of a upcoming failure, I have read that GM is looking into other years such as 2019 which mine is. I have had no luck with GM customer care with the only response being I need to crunch the numbers from my claim advisor. I have the 6.2 L87 motor and know of the clip failure do to poor assembly and parts and debris getting into the motor causing the failure. I am looking to report this and request any assistance available. My first stop was the dealership, then GM customer care
Back over prevention, Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the “Service Rearview Camera” message was displayed on the navigation display screen. The camera failed to activate while reversing. There were watermarks on the rear inside glass. The following day, the camera was operational. The contact was concerned about running over a pedestrian due to the camera being inoperable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound. The contact stated that the failure also occurred upon starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the camshaft and lifters were replaced, and other unknown required repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 52,029.
Engine, Jun 13, 2025
Driving down the highway at approximately 65mph, when I accelerated to 70mph my truck began to shake violently flashing a check engine light, service parking brake light, and service ESC light, the engine began to violently shake and make a rough knocking noise Had the vehicle towed to the mechanic where I was informed that the lifter on cylinder 2 had collapsed and that it would be $12,500 to replace all 16 lifters as well as the cam shaft on my engine My safety was at risk as my truck went into a “limp” mode and essentially shut off on the side of the road, others were at risk due to my truck becoming a hazard, the tow operator was at risk having to pickup my truck on the side of a 70mph freeway The only check engine code I had was a misfire on cylinder 2 Dealership stated that it was a known issue but that my truck was outside of warranty, and not apart of recall so there was nothing they could do Had truck towed to different shop that is repairing the problem Requested that all parts be kept in case of inspection request