This page covers 7 recalls and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500.
The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned three stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, while side pole crash testing also achieved five stars. Rollover resistance received a three-star rating. NHTSA applies this rating across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so these results represent the performance of this generation Sierra 2500.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 has 7 recalls, the most serious being roof-rail airbags that can rupture or shed an end cap, sending metal fragments into the cabin and raising the risk of injury.
Multiple recalls cover the same airbag defect filed across different jurisdictions and configurations, but the underlying problem is the same: the left or right roof-rail airbag inflator can fail in a way that propels debris into the passenger compartment. On the fire side, trucks equipped with the optional Duramax 6.6-liter diesel engine and engine block heater cord have a separate recall covering an electrical short that can develop in the heater cable or its terminals, which can ignite a fire in the engine bay. There is also a fuel system concern specific to trucks with the dual fuel tank option: the rear tank can collapse and cut off fuel transfer to the front tank, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof rail air bag inflator end cap may detach or the inflator sidewall may rupture, preventing the air bag from deploying properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both roof rail air bag modules at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof rail air bag inflator may have a loose end cap that could detach, or the inflator itself may rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both left and right roof rail air bag modules at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The end cap on either the left or right roof-rail air bag inflator may come loose, or the inflator itself may crack and rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both the left and right roof-rail air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof-rail air bag inflator's end cap may come loose or the inflator itself may crack, affecting the left or right side of the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both left and right roof-rail air bag modules at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear fuel tank may collapse, blocking the fuel pump from moving fuel to the front tank and causing the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel tank and fuel pump module as needed, and install a vent hose on the rear tank.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An electrical short circuit can develop in the engine-block heater cable or its connection terminals, potentially causing overheating or electrical failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine-block heater and heater cord at no cost. Previously disabled heaters and those in prior recall 19V-328 will also receive replacement cords, rerouted as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine block heater cord or its terminals may short circuit and fail, affecting certain diesel-equipped Silverado and Sierra trucks.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the engine block heater free of charge. On some models, they will also install a rerouted heater cord.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
