2019 GMC Sierra 1500: common problems and reliability

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has 599 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag catastrophic engine failures (5.3l & 6.2l v8) — lifter failures, crankshaft problems, afm/dfm system failures, leading to complete engine replacement. a recall on 6.2l engines is mentioned. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2019 model year

599
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
12
Crash reports
3
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
271
power train
124
service brakes
115
electrical system
94
steering
42

Recalls affecting the 2019 Sierra 1500

tires

Campaign 21V115000

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 Che

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:abs warning light

Campaign 19V889000

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

electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables

Campaign 19V888000

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 int

seat belts

Campaign 20V792000

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

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain, with strong negative consensus surrounding the reliability of recent gasoline V8 engines and transmissions. Long-term owner reports for older generations (circa 2000-2013) are generally positive, prais

  • Catastrophic engine failures (5.3L & 6.2L V8) — Lifter failures, crankshaft problems, AFM/DFM system failures, leading to complete engine replacement. A recall on 6.2L engines is mentioned. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission failures — 8-speed and 10-speed automatic transmissions (10R80) experiencing valve body/control module failures, causing harsh shifting, stalling, and being undrivable. Parts are on national backorder. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Active Fuel Management (AFM/Dynamic Fuel Management) system problems — Leads to lifter failure and engine damage. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission reliability (older models) — 4L60E transmissions in older models (e.g., early 2000s) noted as unreliable at high mileage (200,000+ miles). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Rear differential failure — Isolated report of a rear differential locking up. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sierra 1500.

Typical used price

Used Sierra 1500 listings typically run $43,870–$57,519 across 2024 to 2026 model years.

Other Sierra 1500 model years