NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The 17-inch spare tire supplied with the vehicle is incompatible with certain accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system to malfunction under certain conditions.
This page covers 10 recalls, 579 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 centers on the engine, which draws the largest share of reports by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe a progression that starts with ticking or knocking sounds, often tied to valve lifter failures, and can end in full engine failure requiring replacement or major repair. The 6.2L V8 appears most prominently in these accounts, with owners reporting misfires, flashing check engine lights, and sudden loss of power, sometimes with little or no warning. The powertrain category adds a secondary layer of complaints, with owners describing vibration felt through the steering column and truck body, particularly at highway speeds. Brake-related reports are the third-most-common category, though at roughly half the volume of powertrain complaints. The lifter failure pattern, ticking that escalates to knocking and then mechanical breakdown, is the most consistently repeated symptom sequence across engine complaints.
579
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 has 10 recalls, the most serious involving tires that can develop sidewall cracks or shed tread suddenly, a driveshaft that can separate from the vehicle while driving, and a seatbelt pretensioner that can ignite the cabin carpet when it fires in a crash.
On the electrical side, a battery cable with excess adhesive can cause an intermittent connection to the alternator, leading to an unexpected stall. There are also two brake system concerns: a software error in the brake control module can disable both anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control without warning, and a separate software issue can knock out electronic brake assist, both of which reduce the vehicle's ability to stop or stay stable in an emergency. Crew Cab models have an additional concern where the front passenger airbag may have been damaged during assembly and could fail to inflate properly in a crash.
On the safety equipment side, the front center seat belt bracket may not be properly secured to the seat frame, leaving that occupant without reliable restraint in a collision. Vehicles equipped with certain accessory wheels and a 17-inch spare tire may find that the spare is not compatible with those wheels, which can interfere with anti-lock brake function when the spare is in use.
At a glance
What can fail
The 17-inch spare tire supplied with the vehicle is incompatible with certain accessory wheels, which can cause the anti-lock brake system to malfunction under certain conditions.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new compatible 17-inch spare tire and wheel assembly, apply updated labeling, and provide documentation clarifying which spare tire to use with each wheel set.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tires on these vehicles were exposed to excessive heat during manufacturing, which can weaken the rubber and increase the risk of tire failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your tires and replace them at no charge if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Continental tires were overheated during manufacturing, which can weaken the tire structure and increase the risk of tire failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your tires and replace any affected ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt brackets in the front-row center seating position may not be properly secured to the seat frame, reducing their ability to restrain occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt bracket attachments on both sides and reassemble them correctly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A driveshaft joint may not be properly welded, allowing the driveshaft to separate while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driveshaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic brake control software contains an error that can disable the vehicle's electronic brake assist function, affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the electronic brake control module with corrected software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the Electronic Brake Control Module can disable the Electronic Stability Control and Antilock Brake System. The warning lights for these systems may not turn on, leaving you unaware of the failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no charge to correct the software error and restore proper system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery positive cable connector rings may have excessive glue that prevents a solid electrical connection to the alternator, causing intermittent power delivery.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and clean the battery cable connection at the alternator, reattach it, and replace any components damaged by arcing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
When front seat belt pretensioners deploy, hot gas vents through an opening in the bracket and may ignite the carpet floor covering.
What the fix does
Dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket to prevent hot gas from reaching the carpet.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger-side front air bag module may have been damaged during manufacturing, preventing the air bag from inflating properly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger-side air bag module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.