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, Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the side of the road where the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be repaired. The engine was rebuilt. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,660.
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.
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.
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
The truck engine experienced catastrophic failure while driving at 30 MPH. There was no warning or dashboard indication problem prior to the failure. Loud ticking noises were coming from the engine compartment just before full power loss while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanics found bent valves, damaged pistons and connecting rods. The mechanic replaced the the engine with a GM Longblock. The cost of this repair was just over $10,000.
Engine, Jan 19, 2025
Engine has a bearing failure. Just purchased the truck it started to tick so I was being proactive stopped driving the the truck to prevent lock up.
Engine, Jan 17, 2025
While driving the vehicle, had a sudden “thud” from the engine compartment and immediately started getting error messages on the dashboard. When the codes were pulled, it said a misfire from cylinder number 8. The initial shop it was taken to was unable to diagnose the problem and referred me to the dealership. Upon inspection at the dealership, they stated that the camshaft and all the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle is still at the dealership waiting for this to be done. Upon doing some research, I have found that lifter issues are a very common occurrence in these vehicles. I was reading this morning about the investigation that the NHTSA has started into issues with the L87 engine, which my vehicle has. If the investigation is concentrated on another issue, I would recommend that the lifter issue gets looked into as well. There is no reason that a vehicle with just over 100,000 miles and has had all the oil changes done on time, should suffer a failure like this that costs thousands so dollars to fix. I apologize for not including videos of the issue, I can’t save the ones that the dealership took. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information or if I can be of further assistance. Thank you.
Engine, Jan 17, 2025
So August 29, 2023, at 46,000 miles, my engine failed completely with no warning or anything, while driving to work, was at the dealership until October 4th. Then December 10th, 2024 with 83,000 miles my engine failed again while my little brother and I were driving home late that night, on the highway at 70mph , suddenly losing power, causing us to be stranded on the side of the highway at 2am. Has been at the dealership since December 11th, with no eta in sight, and we're at 36 days and counting. A spac case was opened to escalate getting a part. This truck has been a problem and I want to get rid of it as its a safety hazard to myself, family members, and other on the road. GM customer service has also been giving me a runaround as well.
Engine, Jan 17, 2025
My 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 - Driving home from work on the highway car lost sudden power, All engine notifications appeared on dash and a very loud screeching sound happened. Was able to pull it onto the side of the road barely. Diagnosis from nearby shop was a lifter failure in cylinder 5 causing metal shavings to lock crank up. Total engine replacement. Car has 122,000 miles and every oil change done at 3,000 miles by GMC service technician since new and documented. GMC offered nothing when notified about the issue.
Engine, Jan 17, 2025
Engine failure with no prior warning 11/21/2023. We were on the highway. Truck made some noises and hesitated and stalled within 2 minutes. Thankfully, there was an off ramp and we were able to roll into a gas station. Had it towed to a GMC dealer. GMC dealer confirmed engine was blown. Dealer confirmed it's a known issue.
Power train, Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, an abnormal sound was coming from under the floorboards. No warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission oil pump had failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Power train, Jan 8, 2025
My truck has had two lifters fail at different times which ended up ruining the camshaft Now my truck feels like it’s going over a rumble strip on the highway at low rpm’s. During this speed the trans is slipping and can not pick a gear. Other gmcs had a service bulletine to change trans fluid but my did not. I have emailed twice to gm and have not heard anything back. I have close to 10000 in repairs and my truck has been down for 4 months.
Back over prevention, Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the rearview camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the image on the screen was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview camera module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Engine, Jan 2, 2025
I was driving and my vehicle started to give me warnings to pull over due to low oil. When I safely pulled over and check. the engine oil cooling line was detached from crimp joint and leaked all the oil. Called the tow truck and took the truck to the dealer (Charles hardy chevrolet in Dallas GA) And they telling me that the engine is locked and it need to be replaced. There is a recall for the part but they telling me that my vin number is not part of it. Even though is exactly what the recall said it would happen
Steering, Dec 30, 2024
Incident 12/29/2024 while making a stop at a Stop sign while making a left turn steering wheel broke free with no resistance what so ever??? Turned off the vehicle opened the hood discovered the intermediate steering shafts had separated??? retaining bolt missing causing shafts to slip out of each other, putting my life & passenger's at high risk how this happened there is no explanation to this factory defect.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 MPH the vehicle proceeded to jerk and shift into the lower gears, the vehicle's acceleration speed was reduced to 15 MPH. The service parking brake and the ESC light were illuminated. The contact proceeded to drive to their residence, whereupon parking the vehicle the contact proceeded to inspect the vehicle from outside, the contact noted that there was a distinct smell of something burning, and upon inspecting the rims of the vehicle they were very hot. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed the contact was advised that there was nothing to be found wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.
Suspension, Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the upper control arm and ball joint on the passenger’s side fractured, and the wheel partially detached from the vehicle and was sticking out. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and the failure was confirmed; additionally, the driver’s side upper control arm and ball joint were also fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mile was approximately 71,000.
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
Power train, Dec 21, 2024
Subject: Potential Issue Related to Recall N202314870 for GMC Sierra 1500 Problem Description: I own a 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 (VIN# [XXX] ) and have identified a potential issue related to the drive shaft. Although my VIN does not appear in the official system as affected by recall N202314870, the vehicle exhibits the following symptoms: 1. Unusual and consistent vibrations in the drivetrain while the vehicle is in motion. 2. Noises coming from both the front and rear differentials. 3. Concern regarding the integrity of the drive shaft, as these issues align with the details described in the recall. Given that this issue potentially affects the safety of the vehicle, I kindly request a review to determine if my unit should be included in recall N202314870 or any other related campaign. I appreciate your consideration of these symptoms for a proper evaluation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Dec 19, 2024
I have a 2019 gmc sierra 1500 elevation. The dash indicated low oil with 60lbs of oil pressure. I stop park my vehicle and see there is a puddle of oil underneath my truck. It appears to be leaking (extremely high flow rate) from the oil cooler lines where the rubber has given way from the metal crimping. Apparently after calling the dealership and reading online there isn't any type of recal for this issue even tho there is a Customer Satisfaction Program N212326940 implemented for Alaska and Canada due to the cold weather climate causing the failure. I live in western Pennsylvania and currently had a cold snap of 11°F. The dealership wants me to pay out of pocket and take my vehicle in to get diagnosed for service , which also means paying to have it towed to the dealership since it is un-drivable . Then pay for the very obvious service and file to see if I can be potentially reimbursed. This vehicle has less than 70,000 miles on it and is outside of the warranty. However this is a reported common issue online and even through the service department in Zelienople Pennsylvania because the tech. Told me they have the parts in stock because they do alot of them when I was inquiring into the issue.
Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the tailgate erroneously opened causing a metal toy to fall out of the truck bed onto the highway. The toy was run over by a second vehicle causing damages to the front-end of the vehicle and destroying the toy. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 72,500.
Steering, Dec 2, 2024
The steering wheel locked up with no warning while driving and truck shuts down and displays no power steering assist service. ERC warning twice in one week.
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.
Power train, Air bags, Nov 26, 2024
Issue 1: Driver side front seat airbag connector separated disabling the airbag. (repaired at my cost) Issue 2: Transmission (10 speed auto) developed stutter and skip consistent with complaints resulting in recall of 2020 (next model year truck) due to risk of rear wheel lock up. GM needs to include the 2019 models that were built as 2019 (as 2020) in one of the plants while they continued to build the 2018 as 2018 "classics" during the changeover. My cost to repair will be $3600 and there is not guarantee that the new valve body is any better or if GM is simply giving me another 46k miles to wait for another failure.
Power train, Wheels, Nov 22, 2024
My end of year 2019 produced GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 V8, 4WD X31 4 door truck had a serious malfunction that could have caused great harm. I was driving down my driveway at approximately 20 mph when the truck's rear wheels locked up, stopping the truck instantly, sending me into the steering wheel narrowly missing the windshield with my face. After a moment, I attempted to drive again to move the truck out of the travel path. When I did, the truck back wheels completely locked up again (when I reached 6mph). I had the truck towed to my local shop and was told that it was the transmission locking up making the wheels lock up. The part (transmission) that was ordered for repair was on national backorder and took over two months to get my truck repaired and functional again. I was fortunate to have a warranty (now expired) and pay a percentage of the repair fee, however, the total repair fee was near 12,000. This was paid for by myself and my warranty company. Considering the part was on national backorder, I know that these types of problems are occurring with many of these trucks. I learned of the recall for this same problem that my truck had and checked the recall for my vin. To my complete surprise, my truck was not listed as being recalled, even though the EXACT same problem occurred with my truck. I would like to get the cost of the repairs refunded considering it took GM so long to recall the problem leaving me to pay for their errors. This is not a cheap automobile and was expected to be built well. I am very fortunate that I was not on a major highway or traveling at a high rate of speed when this happened. It was a very scary ordeal being propelled into the windshield of your vehicle when driving due to abrupt, extremely unusual 100% mechanical failure of no fault of your own. This recall should be expanded to include ALL vehicles that have the faulty transmission, including mine. Repair receipts can be provided. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Power train, Nov 20, 2024
When the transmission downshifts the rear wheels lock up and the truck skids out of control. I have to be very careful with gas pedal pressure to not allow the transmission to downshift by 2 or more gears. This is virtually impossible in mountain terrain, where I visit routinely.