2019 GMC Sierra 1500 problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 593 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, most often about engine. There are 10 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 593
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 12
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 12
- Median mileage
- 38,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 320 of 593 complaints (54%).
- Transmission & Drivetrain (132) and brakes (88) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 38,000 mi.
- Owners reported 12 crashes, 3 fires and 12 injuries.
- The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has 10 recalls on file.
- NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 22 GMC Sierra 1500 model years we track.
- That is 130% more complaints than the 2018 model year (258).
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 problems by category
- Engine · 2 crashes320 complaints
- 132 complaints
- Brakes · 4 crashes88 complaints
- Electrical System · 1 crash83 complaints
- Other / Unknown · 1 crash35 complaints
- Steering · 3 crashes35 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash29 complaints
- 24 complaints
- Body & Structure · 1 crash17 complaints
- Wheels & Tires · 2 crashes10 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control10 complaints
- Suspension10 complaints
- Airbags · 4 crashes6 complaints
- Lighting6 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts4 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers4 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 302 |
| Power train | 129 |
| Service brakes | 81 |
| Electrical system | 80 |
| Unknown or other | 35 |
| Steering | 35 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 24 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls (10)
- TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
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.
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- TIRES · TIRES:SIDEWALL
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
- TIRES
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
- SEAT BELTS · SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
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."
Risk: A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · SERVICE BRAKES · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
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."
Risk: If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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.
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy: 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.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
- EA25007Opened Oct 23, 2025Open
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001). GM determined that these engine failures were due to…
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing…
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/CC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/EC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 PU/RC RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Recent 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Oct 5, 2026120,500 miTXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving 65 MPH with cruise control activated, the messages "Service ESC", "Service Park Brake", and an unknown message was displayed, causing the cruise control to deactivate. The check engine and transmission warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was jerking and the transmission was lagging while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the camshaft and lifter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer…
NHTSA complaint #11769031 · source - Filed Oct 2, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain
Engine failure. My engine is near failure, loud knocking, check engine light and trusted repair shop analyzed. The repair diagnosis is that the engine will fail in the very near future and that is not safe to drive because of risk of failure. I like the truck and it is still in great condition (129k miles). So, I search for recall information and see the 6.2L 2021-2024 recall and see there is additional investigation underway on newer models. Is it possible it goes back to…
NHTSA complaint #11768513 · source - Filed Oct 1, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain
Truck has GMC 6.2L engine at 66,000 miles, lower end of engine failed. GMC refused to handle complete engine replacement. Final bill was $9858.66, GM covered $1400.00. Local GM dealer truck was purchased from refused to assist in any way. Dealer refused to give detailed diagnostic of what caused engine failure or the repairing tech's repair notes
NHTSA complaint #11768360 · source - Filed Sep 29, 2026164,687 miLATowedEngine
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the engine failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed and the mechanic discovered metal shaving inside the engine oil pan. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 164,687.
NHTSA complaint #11767846 · source - Filed Sep 28, 2026142,370 miMOTowedEngine
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with total engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 142,370.
NHTSA complaint #11767365 · source - Filed Sep 23, 2026IAEngine
6.2 liter engine failure @ just over 100,000 miles. Prior to 100k miles I had taken to the dealership for sporadic loss of oil. They confirmed that the oil had been upgraded previously as instructed by GM so must be another source of the leak. Engine locked up while driving down the road. Had to have the vehicle towed and the mechanical said the motor is shot, and related to lower camshaft bearing issue. The only warning signs were the low oil light which happened around the…
NHTSA complaint #11766351 · source - Filed Sep 22, 2026MOEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Often blows blue smoke and oil out exhaust, and uses more engine oil that would ever be expected, especially when pulling a load. I took it to Rusty Drewing GMC dealership IN Jefferson City, Missouri, and they told me everything was fine, that they could not find a problem.
NHTSA complaint #11766268 · source - Filed Sep 22, 2026MIEngine
2019 GMC Sierra Denali 6.2L , Back in march 2026 my motor seized up , waited for a month for a new motor replacement that I had to pay out of pocket for 12k+, Finallyy got my truck back mid may! , fast forward to [XXX], Lifters and cam went out had to get replaced, I only driven under 5k miles since the motor replacement (The motor I payed for came with a 3 year warranty) , Also over a months waiting… [XXX], I receive a call from the dealership saying my truck was ready for…
NHTSA complaint #11766114 · source
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Other 2019 GMC models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology