GMC · NHTSA safety record

2019 GMC Sierra 1500

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

Owners have filed 647 safety complaints about the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with the US government. Of those, 13 describe a crash, 3 mention a fire, 12 people were injured and no death is recorded. 10 recall campaigns are open against it.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 307 complaints, 47% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 14,075 miles, the median across the 220 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers December 2018 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

647 complaints on file

647

Complaints

Describe a crash

Mention fire

People injured

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints rose 32% year on year: 199 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 151 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system

ENGINE 307 · 47% 307 47%

POWER TRAIN 136 · 21% 136 21%

SERVICE BRAKES 107 · 17% 107 17%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 95 · 15% 95 15%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 44 · 7% 44 7%

STEERING 42 · 6% 42 6%

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 25 · 4% 25 4%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 23 · 4% 23 4%

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 16 · 2% 16 2%

STRUCTURE 15 · 2% 15 2%

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 11 · 2% 11 2%

BACK OVER PREVENTION 10 · 2% 10 2%

0 123 246

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 647.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

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

224 168 112 56

18 2018 19 2019 20 2020 21 2021 22 2022 23 2023 24 2024 25 2025 26 2026

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2018 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2019 GMC SIERRA 1500, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test	PU/CC 4WD	PU/CC RWD	PU/EC 4WD	PU/EC RWD	PU/RC 4WD	PU/RC RWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover	19.8%	19.1%	17.4%	17.9%	19.8%	19.1%

Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed. A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

10 on file

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 on file

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.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

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 Filed August 30, 2021

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 Filed July 2, 2020

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 Filed July 26, 2025

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.

AIR BAGS Filed September 20, 2026

1 injured · crash · towed

The vehicle has experienced repeated Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction warnings that appear related to a prior GM recall for ESC malfunction codes. These warnings occurred before and after dealer repairs. The ESC malfunction may have affected other safety systems. I was involved in two separate accidents while driving this vehicle, and in both incidents the airbags did not deploy. In one accident, the vehicle struck multiple objects in a frontal collision at significant speed. The airbags did not deploy at all. I lost consciousness, sustained injuries, and have experienced ongoing physical symptoms since the incident. The ESC malfunction warnings continued even after GM

NHTSA complaint 11765694, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 29, 2026

towed · 164,687 miles

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

ENGINE Filed September 28, 2026

towed · 142,370 miles

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

ENGINE Filed September 23, 2026

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 mid 90k miles, so I would monitor that. When the engine failed there was no low oil light on, it just started shaking/vibrating and then kicked out. I think hte mileage read right around 103,000 approx. when it died.

NHTSA complaint 11766351. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 22, 2026

88,000 miles

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and decelerated to approximately 10 MPH, with a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven off the highway and taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had experienced internal damage to the #4 lifter and a bent #4 pushrod and damaged the #4 engine camshaft lobe. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the dealer was previously informed of a ticking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.

NHTSA complaint 11766108, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 22, 2026

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 pick up but during the test drive , it started having a bottom end problem, Turns out it was a bearing issue! , Now they have to replace the motor again! Michigan! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

NHTSA complaint 11766114, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE Filed September 22, 2026

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. 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	130	2	—
2025	116	1	—
2024	364	1	—
2023	485	3	—
2022	587	6	—
2021	575	7	—
2020	468	12	—
2018	304	7	—
2017	354	6	—
2016	341	8	—
2015	719	9	—
2014	739	9	1
2013	115	3	—
2012	107	3	—
2011	284	5	—
2010	168	4	—

Other 2019 GMC models

Acadia 386 Terrain 185 Yukon XL 68 Yukon 55 Sierra 2500 32 Sierra 3500 13

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every GMC on this site — 149 vehicles.

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. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

Complaints: NHTSA's ODI complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall campaign API, newest campaign on this vehicle filed December 16, 2021.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI investigation file, published October 2, 2026.

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 guarledes
Independent developer and analyst