Last updated: 2026-03-04

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good
2019 GMC Sierra 1500

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 60/100 ("Good"). With 10 recalls and 523 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2019 is the first model year of the 5th Generation (2019–Present).

Recalls

10

Complaints

523

Complaint Rate

28.1

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

N/A

Major Repair Risk

N/A

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
47/100 (Mixed)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
70/100 (Good)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
57/100 (Mixed)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
74/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ENGINE (159)POWER TRAIN (106)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (63)

10 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2019 is the first model year of the 5th Generation (2019–Present).

  • First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
  • Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
  • 5th generation Sierra 1500 (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2019 pricing and recall counts against 2020+ before deciding.

5th Generation (2019–Present)

2019selected
Present

Should You Buy the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 60/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

Its complaint rate (28.1 per 10k sold) is above the Truck segment average of 21.1. The most common reports involve engine (159).

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (159). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • 5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for Truck
  • ENGINE issues reported (159 complaints)
  • 3 fire incidents reported in owner complaints

Compare 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 10 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • ENGINE (159)
  • POWER TRAIN (106)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (63)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (57)
  • STEERING (40)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (13)
  • STRUCTURE (11)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8)
  • SUSPENSION (7)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (4)
  • ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (4)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
  • AIR BAGS (3)
  • FUEL SYSTEM (2)
  • PARKING BRAKE (2)
  • SEAT BELTS (2)
  • TIRES (2)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1)
  • VISIBILITY (1)
  • WHEELS (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

10

recalls on record

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

28.1

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 21.1

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

10

Fires

3

Injuries

11

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Recall Details

10 recalls have been issued for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V9850002021-12-16

TIRES

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.

Consequence

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

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.

21V4230002021-06-03

TIRES

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.

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.

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.

21V1150002021-02-25

TIRES

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.

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.

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.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 19.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

GMC Sierra 1500 Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 GMC Sierra 1500

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect engine for lifter and camshaft damage
  • Check for transmission shuddering and hard shifting
  • Verify oil cooler line for leaks or detachment
  • Test engine for knocking or ticking sounds
  • Ensure no warning lights are present on the dashboard
  • Check for any oil consumption issues
  • Inspect for water leaks around rear window and third brake light

Check Any 2019 GMC Sierra 1500's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Sierra 1500 in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific GMC Sierra 1500 with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Common Problems by Component

523 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

159
106
63
57
ENGINE (159)POWER TRAIN (106)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (63)SERVICE BRAKES (57)STEERING (40)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (13)STRUCTURE (11)Other (46)

ENGINE

159 complaints

Owners of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 frequently report engine issues related to oil cooler line leaks, lifter failures, and catastrophic engine failures. Common symptoms include oil leaks, engine knocking, loss of power, and engine shutdowns, often occurring without warning at highway speeds. Many complaints involve significant engine repairs or replacements, with some owners noting problems as early as 71,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with several owners describing sudden power loss while driving, which poses a risk in high-speed traffic situations. These patterns suggest that potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially when considering vehicles with higher mileage.

159 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

106 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500's powertrain, particularly concerning engine and transmission failures. Complaints commonly describe symptoms like engine knocking, ticking sounds, and catastrophic engine failure, often linked to camshaft and lifter issues, with some incidents occurring around 50,000 to 115,000 miles. Transmission problems are also prevalent, with reports of shuddering, hard shifting, and unexpected downshifts, sometimes leading to loss of control or stalling. Safety implications include at least one injury and a fire incident, highlighting the potential risk of driving these vehicles with unresolved powertrain issues. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering a vehicle with higher mileage.

106 complaints total1 fire1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

63 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. Complaints frequently mention problems with the vehicle's electronic brake assist, including warning lights and system malfunctions, often around 35,000 to 43,000 miles. Multiple owners describe engine stalling and loss of power while driving, sometimes accompanied by electrical failures such as dim lights and non-responsive instrument panels. Two reports involve fires, highlighting potential safety risks. Additionally, issues with the rearview camera system and water leaks affecting electrical components are noted. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers considering this model.

63 complaints total2 fires
SERVICE BRAKES (57 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

57 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, including sudden, unintentional braking and complete brake failure. Symptoms often described include the vehicle abruptly stopping without warning, brake pedals becoming stiff, and multiple brake-related warning messages appearing on the dashboard. These issues are reported to occur at various mileages, with some instances noted as early as 7,000 miles and others beyond 120,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries linked to these brake failures. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential braking system issues and the associated safety risks.

57 complaints total3 crashes3 injuries
STEERING (40 complaints)

STEERING

40 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent power steering failures in the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, often resulting in the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn or locking entirely. Symptoms typically include loss of power steering assistance, accompanied by dashboard warnings such as "Service ESC" and "Steering Assist Reduced." These issues are noted across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 13,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with three complaints involving crashes due to steering failures. Buyers considering this model should be aware of potential steering system malfunctions that may require significant effort to manage during driving.

40 complaints total3 crashes
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (28 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

28 complaints

Owners of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 frequently report issues related to water leaks, particularly around the rear window and third brake light, leading to concerns about mold and water damage. Complaints often describe problems with electronic systems, such as IntelliBeam headlights deactivating unexpectedly and backup cameras showing intermittent blue screens or fuzzy images, which can hinder visibility. Some owners experience rear-end lockups at low speeds, with two incidents resulting in injuries, raising safety concerns. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some electronic problems noted around 51,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for costly repairs if outside warranty coverage.

28 complaints total3 injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (13 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

13 complaints

Owners of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 frequently report engine failures, often necessitating engine replacements. Common symptoms include engine shuddering, loss of motive power, abnormal ticking sounds, and illuminated warning lights such as the check engine light. Many complaints mention engine issues occurring around 50,000 to 120,000 miles, with some indicating problems like metal shavings in the oil pan, lifter and camshaft damage, and engine seizing. Safety implications include instances where the vehicle loses power while driving, which could increase the risk of accidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and the potential need for significant engine repairs.

13 complaints total
STRUCTURE (11 complaints)

STRUCTURE

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 frequently report issues with water leaks, particularly from the rear window and third brake light, which can lead to water entering the cab and potential mold growth. Complaints also describe problems with the tailgate unlatching during transit, posing a risk of damage and safety concerns. Additionally, some owners note the peeling of the vehicle's exterior frame coating, leading to rust, typically around 25,000 miles. A few reports mention structural failures such as a sunroof explosion and a hard tri-fold bed cover detaching while driving. These issues suggest potential safety implications, including visibility problems and risks associated with unsecured vehicle components.

11 complaints total1 crash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

8 complaints

Owners of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 frequently report issues with the backup camera display brightness when the vehicle is put into reverse, particularly at night. Complaints describe the screen as being excessively bright, which can be blinding and makes it difficult to use side mirrors effectively, potentially compromising night vision. This issue appears to occur regardless of the vehicle's mileage, with no specific mileage range mentioned. Additionally, one owner reports a problem with LED headlamp covers becoming obstructed by snow, reducing visibility. Another owner notes an intermittent issue with the lane departure signal, which sometimes blinks only once instead of the intended three times. These issues are primarily related to visibility and could pose safety challenges when driving or reversing in low-light conditions.

8 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 report issues with air bags failing to deploy during collisions, notably in incidents involving rear-end and deer impacts. Common symptoms described include air bag covers detaching and smoke filling the cabin, with the vehicle's system indicating deployment despite no physical air bags being released. These issues are reported at low mileage, around 6,000 miles, and involve significant safety implications, as all documented cases involve crashes. Prospective buyers should be aware of these air bag deployment concerns, particularly in the context of crash safety.

3 complaints total3 crashes

When Do 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

50,000–75,000 milesEngine failures
50,000–70,000 milesTransmission issues
70,000–80,000 milesLifter and camshaft failures

Best & Worst GMC Sierra 1500 Years

Best GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Buy

The best GMC Sierra 1500 year is 2025 with a reliability score of 80/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (73/100) and 2023 (69/100).

GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Avoid

The worst GMC Sierra 1500 year is 2019 with a score of 60/100, primarily due to engine (159) issues.

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good

2019(this page)

10 recalls · 523 complaints

See full GMC Sierra 1500 years-to-avoid analysis →

GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability Score Trend

GMC Sierra 1500 reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 72/100 compared to 63/100 for older years.

avg 67
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

GMC Sierra 1500 reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201866/100Good
201960/100Good
202063/100Good
202163/100Good
202265/100Good
202369/100Good
202473/100Good
202580/100Excellent

GMC Sierra 1500 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202668/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202580/100+7Excellent156
202473/100+4Good1242
202369/100+4Good3318
202265/100+2Good5439
202163/1000Good6420
202063/100+3Good11368
2019(selected)60/100-6Good10523
201866/100Good5281

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 60/100. It is reasonably reliable with 10 recalls and 523 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 include: ENGINE (159 complaints), POWER TRAIN (106 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (63 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (57 complaints), STEERING (40 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has 10 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 expensive to maintain?
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 60/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue