NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-24

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 623 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 10 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH153 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 receives a 5.3/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 623 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 10 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports with a median failure point at 63,250 miles (IQR: 41,72489,500 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $950 – $3,200 .

GMC Sierra 1500 PlatformGMC Sierra 1500 Series
DLC Port: Under driver dashboard, left of steering column

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
5.3 / 10

24 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
623

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
10

10 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Sierra 1500 Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity87% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

377
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):63,250 milesIQR: 41,72489,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11758114 • Filed: 08/19/2026Odometer: 40,000 mi

On XXX at approximately 3:00 p.m., I was driving on the highway in ..., at approximately 65 mph when my truck suddenly displayed a warning stating that all oil pressure had been lost and that the engine needed to be shut off immediately. Within roughly seven seconds of seeing ...

ODI #11757364 • Filed: 08/17/2026

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. Sud...

ODI #11757455 • Filed: 08/17/2026

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 ...

#2 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity86% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

169
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):52,500 milesIQR: 31,26881,250 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756621 • Filed: 08/12/2026Odometer: 85,000 mi

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 ra...

ODI #11756622 • Filed: 08/12/2026Odometer: 85,000 mi

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 a...

ODI #11756219 • Filed: 08/11/2026

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 ...

#3 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity85% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

153
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):23,283 milesIQR: 3,75050,400 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11754328 • Filed: 08/02/2026

Complete failure on Cylinder 3 after AFM system caused lifter collapse in 5.3L V8. Lifter fell into cam shaft and scored the shaft at 55mph. Truck started surging and shaking violently. Truck shaking had me swerve to the side of the road as I was coming up on a crosswalk with ...

ODI #11735386 • Filed: 05/03/2026

I am getting warning signs on the dashboard saying that my brake booster performance has failed and I need to service the brake booster , the brakes are very hard to press, I need longer stopping distances,and traction control and stability control towing harness my speed has ...

ODI #11733712 • Filed: 04/24/2026

driving and truck started to misfire (due to collapsed lifter after shop diagnosis) that then made my truck do reduced steering assist and my wheel got super hard to turn that almost sent me in the ditch at 60MPH and also turned off my Electronic Stability Control and also tur...

#4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYCritical Severity86% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

122
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):38,000 milesIQR: 27,50050,200 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11746005 • Filed: 06/23/2026Odometer: 25,000 mi

I am retired and have always bought GM vehicles which are taken care of with required oil changes etc. This one I have only owned 25,000 mi each year (I have owned two years). So, when purchased it has high 50,000 miles not sure of exact, and it has only been driven 2 years. W...

ODI #11741465 • Filed: 06/02/2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the trailer lights flashed intermittently while the vehicle is turned off. Additionally, the contact stated while driving with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, the messages "Trailer Disconnected" and "Trailer Co...

ODI #11738515 • Filed: 05/18/2026

I was driving my 2019 GMC and all of a sudden I pulled into a subdivision the vehicle shut off and would not start again. I wasn't given an y warning or heard any sounds it shut off and would not start up again. I checked the battery and it was fine. I had it towed to a mechan...

#5 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity76% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

95
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):38,000 milesIQR: 12,00051,250 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11758114 • Filed: 08/19/2026Odometer: 40,000 mi

On XXX at approximately 3:00 p.m., I was driving on the highway in ..., at approximately 65 mph when my truck suddenly displayed a warning stating that all oil pressure had been lost and that the engine needed to be shut off immediately. Within roughly seven seconds of seeing ...

ODI #11756910 • Filed: 08/14/2026

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 tha...

ODI #11740464 • Filed: 05/27/2026Odometer: 55,000 mi

While driving, the vehicle suddenly began running rough, losing power, and displaying engine warning lights. Due to the severity of the issue, the vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership for diagnosis. The dealership diagnosed lifter failure and a cracked cylinder head. The deal...

#6 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity72% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

13
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11704789 • Filed: 12/12/2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly hard downshifted. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while driving the rest of the drive. T...

ODI #11627438 • Filed: 11/26/2024

Issue 1: Driver side front seat airbag connector separated disabling the airbag. (repaired at my cost) Issue 2: Transmission (10 speed auto) developed stutter and skip consistent with complaints resulting in recall of 2020 (next model year truck) due to risk of rear wheel lock...

ODI #11618214 • Filed: 10/05/2024

On ... at approximately 2 pm the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (with 6.2 gas motor) motor died while I was driving in traffic. Incident #1 - The vehicle started sputtering and died - no alerts on dash until after the truck died - an empty fuel tank symbol briefly lit up on dash tha...

#7 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONMedium Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

11
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):73,500 milesIQR: 60,25086,750 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11743480 • Filed: 06/11/2026

On May 27, 2026, I was on my way home from work when I went to accelerate the vehicle and all the sudden it started shaking and the check engine light came on with the EBS. I was able to get the vehicle to a repair shop local the next day, who took the car apart. What was thou...

ODI #11711648 • Filed: 01/17/2026

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...

ODI #11701565 • Filed: 11/25/2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 62 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module sensor had failed ...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (10)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #21V115000Reported: 25/02/2021

TIRES

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #19V889000Reported: 12/12/2019

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

Summary: 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."

Safety Consequence: If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #19V888000Reported: 12/12/2019

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

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #20V792000Reported: 17/12/2020

SEAT BELTS

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #20V055000Reported: 30/01/2020

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

Summary: 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."

Safety Consequence: A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #19V814000Reported: 14/11/2019

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V423000Reported: 03/06/2021

TIRES

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: 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.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V985000Reported: 16/12/2021

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #20V650000Reported: 22/10/2020

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Manufacturer 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.
NHTSA Campaign #18V868000Reported: 06/12/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer 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.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500

Before purchasing a used 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 10 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2019 GMC Sierra 1500

Is the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 a reliable used car?

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 earns a 5.3/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 623 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?

The leading complaint category is Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports, with a median failure point around 63,250 miles (IQR: 41,72489,500 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?

Yes, the NHTSA records 10 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.