CSR

GMC · NHTSA safety record

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

622

Complaints

12

Crashes

3

Fires

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 have filed 622 safety complaints with NHTSA between December 2018 and August 2026. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 289 of them (46%). The typical failure was reported at 13,000 miles, the median across the 214 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Complaints more than doubled year on year: 214 in the twelve months to 2026-Q1, against 98 in the twelve before.

NHTSA has issued 10 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Recalls (10)

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

21V985000 · December 16, 2021

The defect
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.
The risk
An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 626 vehicles across all model years covered

TIRES

21V423000 · June 3, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 896 vehicles across all model years covered

TIRES

21V115000 · February 25, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 33,838 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS

20V792000 · December 17, 2020

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

General Motors, LLC · up to 624,216 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

20V650000 · October 22, 2020

The defect
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.
The risk
If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 42 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

20V055000 · January 30, 2020

The defect
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."
The risk
A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 148,055 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

19V889000 · December 12, 2019

The defect
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."
The risk
If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 463,995 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

19V888000 · December 12, 2019

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 350,371 vehicles across all model years covered

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

19V814000 · November 14, 2019

The defect
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.
The risk
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 556,399 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V868000 · December 6, 2018

The defect
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.
The risk
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury.
The 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.

General Motors LLC · up to 154 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

EA25007

Still open engineering analysis · opened October 23, 2025

the engine, the engine and its cooling

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 multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274.  This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

PE25001

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened January 16, 2025 · closed October 23, 2025 · led to recall 25V274

the engine, the engine and its cooling

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 the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.  GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s  recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 622.

ENGINE 289 46%
POWER TRAIN 132 21%
SERVICE BRAKES 107 17%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 94 15%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 43 7%
STEERING 42 7%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23 4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 21 3%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 16 3%
STRUCTURE 15 2%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 11 2%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 10 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 211.

2018 2025 2026
2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

3 injured

System that failed was the air bag system , Yes it can be available for inspection with notification, My family and friend were put at risk when the air bag system deployed in a parked car and seat belt restraints were deployed pulling them back into the seats , not moving and no other cars around it or near it went off Randomly it was NOT IN AN ACCIDENT , injuring the 3 occupants. The problem is still pending , At the dealer, and General motors has been notified . Case 9-6893265248, General Motors Product Assistance Claims (PAC) There has been a police report filled with local officials, I don't think the dealership has inspected , Buy recommendation of GM, since this is none accident

NHTSA complaint 11430979, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 injured · crash · towed · 10,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT HAD A RECALL FOR THE BRAKES AND HAD THEM REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN A PARKED POSITION AND EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD NO POWER FOR ABOUT 25 MINUTES BEFORE IT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE PANEL STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT DOWN FOR A MANUFACTURER RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED WHILE MAKING A LEFT-HAND TURN. THE VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE OTHER DRIVER HAD BROKE HIS FOOT BUT REFUSED TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SUSTAINED SCRAPES

NHTSA complaint 11337147, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

2 injured

On or around July 12th 2025 at low speed of 2-4 mph my rear end locked up sending everyone in the vehicle hard stop forward. The vehicle wouldn't disengage leaving me no choice but to have it towed for the second time 1st time happened exactly the same about month and a half prior. Gmc service department department claims they couldn't find anything wrong after it sat for two days in there lot after having it towed they were closed weekends and looked at it that Monday morning finding no signs of anything wrong. After picking up my vehicle I strongly feel like if at higher speeds or even environment this issue will endanger myself passengers and bystanders. I need help with resolving this

NHTSA complaint 11676392, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 injured · towed · 120,000 miles

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

NHTSA complaint 11712899, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Engine seized on June29th while driving on I 64 . (6.2 L87) due to oil line failure. Engine replaced on July 18th, 2026. New engine started leaking oil from camshaft and gasket on August 10th 2026, back in GMC Shop on August12th 2026 for repairs, still waiting parts today. Sudden failure on road in traffic Inspected by GMC Southpoint. No indication prior to failure and shut down completely. Could not do anything to move vehicle out the road.

NHTSA complaint 11757364. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
My 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 equipped with the 6.2L engine experienced an internal engine/lifter failure. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized GMC dealership. The dealership documented damaged lifters, including rough edges and visible signs of friction, and advised that the camshafts on these vehicles can also have issues. I was provided estimates for both a lifter repair and complete engine replacement. Due to the possibility of additional internal engine/camshaft damage and the risk of having to repeat the lifter repair, complete engine replacement was recommended. The dealership is replacing the engine with a GM remanufactured engine, part #19420611, carrying a 3-year/100,000-mile

NHTSA complaint 11757455, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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.

NHTSA complaint 11756910. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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.

NHTSA complaint 11756621. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
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.

NHTSA complaint 11756622. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

126,098 miles

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

NHTSA complaint 11756219, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the GMC Sierra 1500

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2026 77 2
2025 95 1
2024 328 1
2023 432 3
2022 545 6
2021 534 7
2020 444 12
2018 296 7
2017 351 5
2016 340 7
2015 713 9
2014 737 9 1
2013 115 3
2012 107 3
2011 284 5
2010 167 4

Other 2019 GMC models

Every GMC on this site — 144 vehicles, 425 recall campaigns and 3 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst