2019 GMC Sierra 1500: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 523 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, transmission, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 523
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 10
- 11 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 GMC Sierra 1500: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Brake and ESC warning cluster
645–23,283 miles
Transmission shudder and harsh shifts
22,000–63,000 miles
Power steering assist loss
35,070–50,000 miles
Lifter and camshaft engine failure
40,000–75,000 miles
Engine failure tied to investigation
50,000–86,960 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine172No crashes
Sudden seizures and power loss strike with little warning, often at highway speed, and the dash fills with warning lights. Mechanics usually find failed lifters, a scored camshaft, metal in the oil, or spun bearings. The 6.2L comes up most, and cylinder 5 is named again and again. Failures cluster between about 40,000 and 75,000 miles. The engine recall covers 2021 to 2024 trucks, so 2019 owners describe paying for replacements themselves and waiting weeks for an engine. Some replacement engines fail too. Oil cooler lines leaking at the crimp are another repeat complaint.
The engine stalls, loses power, or seizes, sometimes at speed, and some trucks will not restart. Dealers find failed lifters, camshaft damage, cylinder 5 misfires, metal in the oil pan, or a bent crankshaft. Most of these owners tie the failure to the federal engine investigation or recall but are told their VIN is not covered, and many leave the engine unrepaired because of the cost. In one case an oil cooler line came off at its crimp, drained the oil, and seized the engine. Reported failures run from about 50,000 to 115,000 miles.
Transmission106No crashes
The 8-speed transmission shudders, jerks between low gears, shifts harshly, or downshifts hard with no warning light. One hard-downshift report includes an injury. Dealers often cannot reproduce the problem. They flush the fluid or replace the torque converter, and the symptoms often come back. Some trucks need a rebuild or a full transmission, sometimes with metal shavings found and months of waiting for parts. Shudder shows up from about 22,000 miles, and repairs cluster near 59,000 to 63,000. Lifter and camshaft failures also land here, along with one engine fire.
Electrical63No crashes
Two fires are reported. One truck burned while parked in a driveway. The other gave off a burning wiring smell and smoke from under the glove compartment before catching fire. Many other reports here describe engine failure while driving, where every warning light comes on and power steering or brakes may drop out. Smaller faults include an infotainment screen that goes blue while cameras and safety systems shut off, and a shift-to-park message that appears when the truck is already in park. Water leaking through the rear window or roof can reach the fuse box and wiring.
Brakes573 crashes
Restarting after a short stop can bring up a cluster of warnings: brake system failure with a 62 mph limit, Service ESC, service trailer brake, and reduced steering assist. Braking then turns weak, hard, or spongy, and the pedal can sink to the floor. Many cases happen in the first few thousand miles. Dealers usually reprogram the brake control module or apply a recall fix, and some owners say the problem returns. Three crashes are reported, including ABS that did not work on snow. Other reports describe brakes applying on their own and trailer brake fuses blowing.
Steering403 crashes
Power steering cuts out while driving or at startup, leaving a heavy wheel and a service power steering message, often with the same ESC and brake warnings seen under brakes. Reported mileages run from about 35,070 to 50,000. Fixes include a new steering gear motor and a repaired grounding strap. Some owners say the wheel locks completely. Three crashes are reported, including a rollover after the steering froze. A separate failure has the front upper control arm ball joint separating, which collapses the wheel during a turn.
Body and structure111 crash
Water comes into the cab through the rear window, third brake light, or roof seam, sometimes within the first month. Owners report damp seats and worry about mold. Tailgates unlatch while driving, and one fell while a trailer was attached. Other reports include frame coating that peels and lets rust start by about 25,000 miles, a hard tri-fold bed cover that flew off at highway speed, false hood-ajar alarms that disable remote start, peeling chrome trim, and a sunroof that shattered while driving. The one crash report involves ABS on snow.
Airbags33 crashes
No bag comes out in any of the three crash reports here. One involves a rear-end collision at 40 mph, and two involve deer strikes. In the deer strikes, smoke fills the cab and either the computer logs a deployment or the bag covers pop loose, yet no bag inflates. One failure happened at 6,000 miles, followed by a service restraint message. None of the trucks had a confirmed diagnosis from a dealer when the complaint was filed.
Seat belts2No crashes
Restraints misbehave in two opposite ways. In one case a front passenger belt pretensioner did not lock during a hard stop, and the passenger reports a neck injury. A dealer could not find the cause. In the other, the air bags and seat belt pretensioners fired inside a parked truck with no crash, pinning and injuring three occupants. That case was still pending with the dealer and the manufacturer when it was filed. Four injuries are reported across these two complaints.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Sierra 1500 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The starter started dragging about a year ago and on November 12 the 2019 GMC truck would not start. We had it towed to Harper GMC in Minden, La. They told us the motor was locked up. This vehicle has a little over 40,000 miles on it. Has always been parked in a carport out of the weather and still looks brand new. I see where 2021 GMC trucks have a recall on the motor and this is the same problem with our 2019.
Filed with NHTSA, November 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.
Filed with NHTSA, July 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.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
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
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
Complete engine failure. I was driving approximately 55 miles an hour, then all of a sudden the cruise control automatically shut off and a series of alarms are triggered. When pressing the accelerator pedal, the engine vibrated excessively in Cleary indicated catastrophic engine failure. I was lucky enough to make it to the nearby dealer who confirmed a complete engine failure. I ended up buying a new vehicle that day to avoid being stranded.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
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.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
Vehicle had the "Service ESC" warning come one along with the warning of brake failure do no exceed 43 miles per hour. Called the dealer to discuss options and was told that I could not get in for 1 month..... For a critical failure and known issue this is unfathomable.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2021
I were driving at low speed and all 4 wheels locked causing the vehicle to suddenly stop without notice. I almost got rear ended. I had to put vehicle in park and turn off and turn back on to get it to move. Again it did the same thing stoping with brakes locking suddenly, almost causing an accident in middle of road. There was no warning at all.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
How the 2019 compares with other Sierra 1500 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Sierra 1500 years we cover, about 1.7 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine172104
- Transmission10666
- Electrical6335
- Brakes5712
- Steering4015
- Body and structure1119
Where the 2019 fits in the Sierra 1500's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the first model year of the Sierra 1500's fifth generation (2019 on). First years of a redesign often carry teething problems that GMC fixes in later years, so the checks above matter more than usual.
Should you avoid the first year of a redesign? See the 45-car study.
Recalls to confirm (10)
Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
21V985000Wheels and tiresDec 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.
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V423000Wheels and tiresJun 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
21V115000Wheels and tiresFeb 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
20V792000Seat beltsDec 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
20V650000TransmissionOct 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.
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
20V055000BrakesJan 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.".
Risk: A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
19V888000ElectricalDec 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
19V889000BrakesDec 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.".
Risk: If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
19V814000Seat beltsNov 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.
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fix: 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.
18V868000AirbagsDec 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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
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