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 14, 2026
There was a catastrophic internal engine failure, due to cam/lifter/bearing issues. This caused the timing chain and tensioner to jump and the engine to be out of alignment. This caused the valves to all be bent as a result. I believe that this has been an issue for longer than what GM has originally recalled for, and I am submitting this complaint because I read that there is an active investigation into this.
Power train, Engine, Aug 12, 2026
At approximately 85,000 miles, the engine in my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 seized. The vehicle was parked when it occurred. Inability to start. This created a safety risk because an engine seizure can cause sudden loss of propulsion in traffic. Before the failure, I did not notice any red flags. The problem was inspected and confirmed by a GMC dealer, which diagnosed the condition as an engine seizure. The failed engine is not available for inspection. I am not aware of the precise internal cause beyond the dealer’s diagnosis.
Power train, Engine, Aug 12, 2026
At approximately 85,000 miles, the engine in my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 seized. The vehicle was parked when it occurred. This created a safety risk because an engine seizure can cause sudden loss of propulsion in traffic. Before the failure, I didn't notice anything that would raise any alarms. The problem was inspected and confirmed by a GMC dealer, which diagnosed the condition as an engine seizure. The failed engine is not available for inspection. I am not aware of the precise internal cause beyond the dealer’s diagnosis.
Power train, Aug 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a red traffic light, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, and the vehicle shuddered with an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle. The message "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was slipping, overheating, and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,098.
Engine, Aug 8, 2026
The lifters collapsed on cylinder 3 causing the camshaft to shed metal into the oil leading to bearing failure. Leaving us stranded 210 miles away from home. Motor has 85,909 miles. This is the same problem that the 2021 model year trucks have that has a recall. The 2019 model years have the exact same problems. I personally know 6 people who have had this happen. Check out the Facebook page. GM 6.2 Lifter and bearing failure.
Engine, Aug 2, 2026
Complete failure on Cylinder 3 after AFM system caused lifter collapse in 5.3L V8. Lifter fell into cam shaft and scored the shaft at 55mph. Truck started surging and shaking violently. Truck shaking had me swerve to the side of the road as I was coming up on a crosswalk with golf cart about to cross the road. Vehicle was inspected at Atwater GM in Aitkin, MN and component failure was identified. Two weeks later I paid $14,149 to have a complete engine replacement. There was absolutely no indication that this event would take place. Just months before I took this truck from [XXX] to [XXX] and back without an issue. GM should be held responsible for a complete lack of safety due to faulty AFM engines. Not only did this endanger my safety, but I also had to withdraw from my 401k to pay for the outrageous cost of a new engine replacement because of a single point of failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 30, 2026
I haven’t even owned my truck for2years
Engine, Jul 29, 2026
ENGINE DIED!!,Had it towed to local dealer and was told I have L87 engine failure ,but the recall dosen't cover 2019 models. Service tech says it only covers 2021-2024 6.2 engines. Is there any action I can follow to be added to the recall. Thanks for your swift attention.
Engine, Jul 28, 2026
The Lifter on my GM Sierra AT4 truck with a 6.2L (L87) engine collapsed and damaged the engine shafts and cylinders in the block. While driving, the engine started to lose power, and a ticking noise started to occur. I pulled the car over to the side of the road and called the dealer, which told me to have the truck towed into the dealership. Metal was found in the Oil. The entire engine has to be replaced for $12K. I have a life time oil change service with the dealer an also an extended warranty, but my mileage was over the warranty by 6K miles. The warranty ended at 106K miles and actual milage was 113K. I reached out to my dealer and also to GM to discuss goodwill assistance and GM pushed back indicating they cannot do anymore. I asked the rep to esalate the ticket
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 27, 2026
Subject: Event of engine failure • While driving on a level paved road at 15 miles per hour in a busy area my 2019 GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck stalled in the middle of a busy street. • Truck stalled in a heavy traffic area at an intersection putting myself and passengers in a dangerous area and situation. This obstructed the normal flow of traffic causing a danger to pedestrians and normal vehicle traffic pattern. Each had to go around my disabled truck into oncoming traffic putting them and normal traffic flow at risk. •Upon securing a towing service the truck was transported to the nearest GM dealership. This happened on a Friday afternoon and the truck got to the dealership after hours. I returned to the dealership the next morning and was told that they may not be able to check the truck until probably Tuesday. On Monday afternoon I called and they hadn't been able to get to it. I received a call the next day and was informed that the technician at the dealership had put a breaker bar to the crankcase and the engine would not move and therefore the engine is seized. • There were no warning lights that came on prior to the truck stalling in the street. There was no noise prior or any other symptom to give any indication that the truck was not operating in a normal fashion.
Engine, Jul 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated was informed that the engine failure was caused by rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the low oil pressure message was displayed. The engine oil cooler line had detached, and oil was leaking from the vehicle, causing the engine to seize. The contact associated the failure with General Motors Customer Satisfaction Program: N212326940. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 96,182.
Engine, Jul 15, 2026
Engine failure at random while operating. Dealership stated vehicle blew engine block fuse and crankshaft is now seized.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2026
TSB 19-NA-121. My truck is experiencing the exact issues detailed in the listed TSB. Randomly and quite often my truck feels like I am running over speed bumps. This just started about 3 days ago. The truck has been maintained. Oil is changed on time and there was a 100,000 mile service and I just had a 150,000 service done. Currently there are roughly $148,000 miles on the vehicle. Is there a way to have GM cover the costs of the repairs even though my VIN# was not listed. Also I am experiencing sudden power loss which is also mentioned in other bulletins. Basically it feels like the engine hesitates to accelerate.
Power train, Jul 14, 2026
Experienced the GMC shudder while driving on the highway. This is a known issue with GMC transmissions valve bodies and torque converters. I would like to know why my vehicle is not on the recall list 2019 GMC? 85,000 miles and has always shifted hard randomly when cold but was unaware of the problem until this shudder became an issue and started looking into it.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2026
Total engine power loss while driving 70mph on the highway in steady moving traffic causing a safety hazard, with 3 young children in the vehicle. No prior warning lamps, messages or symptoms to indicate a problem. Engine completely shut down while driving and will not turn back on. Had vehicle towed to the dealership. Certified GMC dealership did a full inspection and indicated that the engine assembly needs to be fully replaced. NHTSA Campaign 25V274 for vehicles 2021 and newer is for the same exact engine failure issue with the same engine size. I would appreciate you exploring the possibility of covering this catastrophic malfunction as an exception to the aforementioned recall campaign. Many other drivers have noted the same failure with the 2019 as was included in the recall for 21-24. Thank you for your consideration, please feel free to reach out to me directly to discuss further. I look forward to hearing from you!
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 13, 2026
The engine went into limp mode as I made turn leaving the damn I was is in town and it was a lot of traffic could’ve been bad if I didn’t pull into the median left me devastated and no crank no start I’ve only had the truck a year it went down a month from when I purchased it
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started knocking. The contact pulled over immediately and contacted an independent mechanic, who recommended continuing to continue driving at a slow speed. The contact resumed driving to the residence. The contact's son, who was a highly skilled mechanic, diagnosed that the left bank lifters had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted several times and informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Power train, Engine, Jul 10, 2026
I am writing to formally log a safety concern regarding my vehicle’s 6.2L L87 engine, specifically in relation to the known defects under NHTSA’s ongoing Engineering Analysis EA25007 (previously Preliminary Evaluation PE24004).While my vehicle is currently running and has 52,000 miles on the odometer, it falls squarely within the manufacturing window being investigated for premature engine failures due to defective connecting rod bearings and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifters.My primary concern is the severe safety hazard presented by a sudden, catastrophic engine failure. A sudden seizure or loss of motive power at highway speeds puts myself, my passengers, and other drivers at an immediate risk of a high-speed collision, especially if it occurs without prior warning lights or symptoms.Because GM’s previous engine recalls (such as 24V-418) excluded the 2019 model year despite utilizing the same vulnerable engine family, I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to expand the recall to include 2019 models. I want my vehicle's VIN documented as part of this vulnerable population so that a proactive, permanent remedy can be mandated before a dangerous highway failure occurs.
Engine, Jul 7, 2026
I believe I had a lifter failure as I was traveling up SR 393. Safety issue as vehicle lost power. Vehicle is at dealership now and confirmed possible lifter collapse. No dashboard lights were on or any power issues prior.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rumbling sound and stalled. All the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a nearby independent mechanic, who determined that the engine lifter and cylinder had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,003.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2026
Lifters (the part that opens and closes engine valves) fail prematurely. There was a loud ticking noises, rough idling. Took to dealership and they advise that yes the lifters are failing and not drivable at this time.
Engine, Jun 23, 2026
No warning lights, engine stalled in the middle of the freeway almost got killed by a semi truck was behind me, engine lost power and found that needed new engine because of the camshaft and internal damage.confirmed by certified mechanic
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 23, 2026
I am retired and have always bought GM vehicles which are taken care of with required oil changes etc. This one I have only owned 25,000 mi each year (I have owned two years). So, when purchased it has high 50,000 miles not sure of exact, and it has only been driven 2 years. When calling escalation at GM, they act as though it doesn't matter and too bad. 110,000 miles and the truck needs a new motor. This is what we are told and 10,000 more than the initial 1500 to tear it down. This truck is not broken due to us, this is a problem with the manufacturer and the responsibility needs to be addressed. My husband has a heart issue and he almost didn't make it home. I'm not accepting that nothing be done, since next we need a lawyer and a media appointment. This isn't right when you see thousands of people with the same GMC Sierra trucks online with complaints of the same valve and motor issues. This needs completely replaced and not by a customer, by the manufacturer. How can 1500 people new wrong on one sight stating the same as we have had. This person who is responsble for reporting and making sure we are safe needs to be fired. I am writing my representatives, senators etc to let them know this is going on. No one should pay for the mistakes of bad engineering. PERIOD.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed and the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was pulled over onto the shoulder and failed to restart. Roadside Assistance was called to the scene, and the vehicle was towed to the local service center, diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine Cam Actuator screws had failed causing metal shavings to enter the engine and turbo. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.