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 27, 2026
On January 15, 2026, my wife was driving our 2019 GMC 1500 Sierra Denali and the lights on the dash came on with the truck losing power. I made to my wife later in the day and was able to drive the truck to the dealership only achieving 15mph for about 5 miles. The Mike Bell Chevrolet Dealership in Carrolton GA stated that my engine was knocking and needed to be replaced. I took my truck the John Thornton Buick GMC dealership on January 22 to get a second opinion and they stated the exact same thing stating the engine needs to be replaced. The dealership is stating the remanufactured replacement issue is over $10,900. My truck has over 271,000 miles.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2026
This vehicle shudders and vibrates during shifting and acceleration at different speeds. Transmission shifts out of gear quite often leaving me stranded at times trying to make it safely out of traffic.
Service brakes, Engine, Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the braking system had erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the failure was caused by an engine malfunction of the number six cylinder. The vehicle was repaired. No further information was available. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact was driving approximately 10 MPH when the failure reoccurred and the braking system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. During the incident, the driver's head slammed into the steering wheel, causing a head laceration. No medical treatment was required. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2026
My vehicle recently experienced a sudden flashing check engine light, severe misfiring, and rough engine operation, creating an unsafe driving condition. An inspection by an authorized GMC dealership, Serra Buick GMC Champaign, confirmed a failed deactivating valve lifter on Cylinder 5, documenting that the lifter ceased movement after a single engine rotation. The dealership advised that the failure necessitates replacement of all lifters and extensive internal engine components, at an estimated cost of $5,650.75. This defect is not isolated, unforeseeable, or the result of consumer misuse. It is directly associated with General Motors’ Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which has been widely reported to cause: •Premature lifter collapse •Camshaft damage •Severe engine misfires •Loss of power while driving •Catastrophic engine failure
Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2026
IntelliBeam will sometimes allow me to activate the system but will turn itself off and not allow it to be reactivated until the power is cycled. Other times it will not activate at all. This is on a dark backroad with no traffic.
Power train, Jan 20, 2026
Catastrophic engine failure of known defective L87 engine
Engine, Jan 20, 2026
Vehicle is having loss of oil issues.
Power train, Jan 20, 2026
While driving in traffic in March 2025, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine failure, creating an unsafe condition. Subsequent diagnosis confirmed failure of the camshaft and lifters, requiring full engine replacement. General Motors declined to cover this repair. However, this failure is consistent with widely reported camshaft and lifter issues affecting other GMC and GM vehicles equipped with the same 6.2L engine platform. Due to the unavailability of replacement engines through GM, I was forced to wait several months for an engine sourced through Jasper Engines. During this time, the vehicle was inoperable, resulting in over $10,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, including extended rental vehicle costs. The engine replacement was completed by Camden Automotive and Diesel in Camden, South Carolina, who maintain all service and maintenance records related to this repair.
Engine, Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud clamoring sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the mechanic informed the contact that the engine might fail soon. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle, but the contact was advised to bring the vehicle back if the failure worsened. The following day, the contact stated that the front of the vehicle started shaking with several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and remained with the dealer undiagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Engine, Jan 19, 2026
Engine started knocking so took to the GMC dealer they said the engine needs to be replaced.
Engine, Jan 19, 2026
ENGINE COOLER LINE DETACHED FROM CRIMP CAUSING ENGINE TO DRAIN OIL RAPIDLY AND ENGINE SEIZED. THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE TRUCK WAS IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN (WITHIN 10 SECONDS). WE WERE PUT AT RISK BECAUSE WE TRIED TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC AND PARK IT ON A SHOULDER TO PREVENT BEING STRUCK BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE ENGINE WAS SEIZED AND WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW ENGINE. DIGGING INTO THIS FURTHER, GM HAD PUT A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE OUT ON THIS YEAR OF TRUCK. (N212326940-01). I BROUGHT THIS UP TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY SPECIFIC TRUCK WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND WOULDN'T BE COVERED.
Engine, Jan 19, 2026
I have the L87- 6.2 V8 and my crankshaft bearings burned up at highway speeds and the truck shut down. The is a massive recall on this engine for this reason but does not include the 2019 model and it most definitely should. The issue started in 2019 (not 2021).
Engine, Jan 18, 2026
Manifold. I use my truck daily for my job. I was coming home every night, tired with headaches not knowing why I was being poisoned. The manifold was leaking in the cab of the vehicle. This is a major safety issue when it’s poisoning people.
Engine, Jan 17, 2026
6.2L engine lifters were replaced in 05/24. Complete engine failure in 09/25. Engine replaced with remanufactured engine. Fuel pump fail while driving on highway. Engine shutoff completely while driving 70mph. Prior to shut off engine struggled going over a bridge on I95 at 70 mph. Fuel pump failure happened 11/25 after ~900 miles on new engine. All service, maintenance and repairs completed by GMC dealership.
Engine, Jan 17, 2026
I have a 6.2 engine that failed just recently had to get it rebuilt after hearing all the recalls for the other 612’s also have a 2023 GMC Denali Yukon also what does 6.2 on the recall
Power train, Engine, Jan 14, 2026
I am an owner of the same year, and model GMC Sierra 1500 included in the GM Customer Satisfaction Program N212326940, which is the oil cooler line failure. However, my VIN was not included in the program despite experiencing the exact same failure the program covers. My safety and the safety of others is put at risk because the failure may cause an immediate loss of oil pressure or propulsion while driving. This is a huge safety hazard, since loss of vehicle control may occur. My vehicle has been inspected by a certified GM dealer and they confirmed the oil cooler line has failed and must be replaced. I have not experienced any warning lights, but my vehicle is leaking an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle is no longer safe to drive until repaired.
Power train, Engine, Jan 14, 2026
With 115000 miles on it, I felt a clunk when it went in to gear. I took it to the dealer 3 times to have the mechanic drive it. He said it sounded and felt right. The the transmission blew and I had to have it replaced to the tune of 4800 dollars. 2 weeks after that the engine blew and I had to have that replaces for 17000 dollars. I really like my pickup but this seems a bit excessive. The 5.3 engine isn't good for that year
Engine, Jan 11, 2026
While driving vehicle at highway speeds the vehicle shut down without any warning
Engine, Jan 10, 2026
The service engine light came on while driving on the highway. We took it to a GMC dealership and they scanned to determine a short in the oil pressure sensor. This was replaced then during the final check they found metal in the oil. The warranty company made them tear the engine apart where they found multiple area where the metal was worn down including the gaskets, rings, and cylinders. The warranty company continues to fight us to cover the whole invoice.
Engine, Jan 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, blue and white smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the smoke ceased. The contact opened the hood and inspected the engine. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the smoke started coming from under the hood again. The messages "Parking Brake Service Required”, “Reduced Steering Assist”, “Proceed with Caution" were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, the engine jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with oil intrusion into the spark plugs with a misfire in cylinder #6, and the piston rings were fractured, and there were scratches on the cylinder walls. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. However, the contact was concerned about the damage to the engine and feared driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The failure mileage was 71,799.
Engine, Jan 8, 2026
Luckily, truck was sitting in idle waiting on my wife and daughter to leave the store so we could go home. Engine began to run rough, and then died. Would not restart. Had this happened just a few moments later while in traffic, it could have been catastrophic for our family. GM dealership said the engine was nearly locked up and needed a new long block and several other ancillary parts. So far, we have no internal pictures and nothing was harmed externally.
Engine, Jan 7, 2026
Complete engine shutdown after multiple issues of truck using 5 quarts of oil in-between oil changes. Engine was rebuilt at dealer at out of pocket cost over 10000
Engine, Jan 6, 2026
There is a Service Bulletin on the Engine Oil Cooler line failure. It leaks or becomes detached form the crimp joint. Mine is leaking from the crimp joint and GMC says my VIN is not covered under this bulletin. N192220080 if this is a known issue on these vehicles why am I having to cover the costs for replacing a known faulty part. GMC said I could bring it in and have them perform the repair at my cost. The nearest service department is 100 miles away. I have it at a local mechanic that says it will cost anywhere from $1300 to $1500 to perform the repair.
Engine, Jan 5, 2026
5.3L V8 L84 Engine, 101,300 2nd owner Slowed down for traffic and was accelerating back to 80 when sudden loss of engine power coinciding with cylinder failure happened. Dealership determined lifter was collapsed. Lifter 1 failure at interstate speeds. Collapsed lifter caused damage to camshaft required both components to be replaced.
Engine, Jan 4, 2026
I had to get the cam and lifters replaced in the engine.