CarBrief

NHTSA has 684 owner complaints and 10 recalls on file for the 2019 GMC Sierra[1][2]. The recalls touch brakes, tires, seat belts, the battery cable and an air bag, so check that each one was done[3][4][5][6][7].

684owner complaints[1]
10recalls[2]
15–21MPG combined (EPA)[8]
4–5★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 684 owner complaints for the 2019 Sierra[1]. Thirteen mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 13 mention injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[10] 336 84,000
Power train[11] 144 25,000
Brakes[12] 122 7,500
Electrical system[13] 100 7,098

The brakes group has the most crashes of any group, 4, along with 3 injuries[12]. Steering has 3 crashes in 49 complaints[14].

Brakes. In a sample of brake complaints we read, owners describe a soft pedal or weak stopping power. Some also describe a set of dash warnings at start-up, including brake system failure, stability control and reduced steering assist[12].

Power train. In a sample of power train complaints we read, owners describe harsh, jerky or clunking shifts at low speed. Some say the dealer told them this was normal[11].

Electrical system. In a sample of electrical complaints we read, owners describe false trailer-disconnect and driver-assist warnings with a flashing center screen. Some tie this to cold weather. Some also describe a rear camera screen that turns blue with a service message[13].

Engine. This is the largest group, with 336 complaints and 3 fires[10]. In the sample we read, owners describe oil loss from a failed oil cooler line. Other complaints filed here are about brake and stability warnings, so the group label alone does not tell you what failed[10].

Recalls

Every recall below lists a dealer remedy. Ask for proof that the work was done on any truck you consider.

Fuel economy

EPA lists many versions of the 2019 Sierra. Combined ratings run from 15 MPG for the 4WD Cab Chassis with a 5.3L engine up to 21 MPG for the rear-drive 2.7L turbo[20][8]. The 6.2L engine needs premium fuel and has the highest annual fuel cost listed, $4,850[21].

EPA model and engine City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Sierra C10 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo[8] 20 / 23 / 21 $3,200
Sierra C10 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, 8-spd[22] 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550
Sierra C10 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl[23] 16 / 21 / 17 $3,950
Sierra K10 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, 8-spd[24] 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
Sierra K10 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, premium[21] 15 / 20 / 17 $4,850
Sierra K10 Cab Chassis 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl[20] 14 / 17 / 15 $4,450

Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives most tested versions 4 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal, 5 for side and 4 for rollover[25][26][27][28]. Two versions, PU/RC 4WD and PU/RC RWD, earn 5 stars overall with the same frontal, side and rollover stars[9][29]. Rollover risk runs from 17.4% to 19.8% depending on version[25][26].

Engine and size

The EPA listing shows four engines: a 2.7L 4-cyl turbo[8], a 4.3L 6-cyl[23], a 5.3L 8-cyl[22] and a 6.2L 8-cyl[21]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Limited Double Cab M/Box 2WD[30] 226 in 80 in 74 in 144 in 4,863 lb
Limited Double Cab M/Box 4X4[31] 226 in 80 in 74 in 144 in 5,115 lb
Crew Cab M/Box 2WD[32] 241 in 81 in 76 in 157 in 4,694 lb
Crew Cab M/Box 4WD[33] 241 in 81 in 76 in 157 in 4,888 lb
Crew Cab S/Box 2WD[34] 232 in 81 in 76 in 147 in 4,623 lb
Crew Cab S/Box 4WD[35] 232 in 81 in 76 in 147 in 4,835 lb

How 2019 compares with other years

1995: 264 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 251 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 321 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 249 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 758 complaints, 6 recalls19992000: 624 complaints, 9 recalls2001: 404 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 428 complaints, 5 recalls2003: 387 complaints, 7 recalls20032004: 412 complaints, 9 recalls2005: 298 complaints, 10 recalls2006: 203 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 341 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 467 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 278 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 212 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 355 complaints, 7 recalls20112012: 146 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 163 complaints, 6 recalls2014: 858 complaints, 20 recalls2015: 794 complaints, 15 recalls20152016: 379 complaints, 10 recalls2017: 431 complaints, 6 recalls2018: 322 complaints, 7 recalls2019: 684 complaints, 10 recalls68420192020: 492 complaints, 12 recalls2021: 594 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 597 complaints, 6 recalls2023: 492 complaints, 3 recalls20232024: 377 complaints, 4 recalls2025: 130 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 148 complaints, 5 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sierra model year. The 2019 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19952646
19962512
19973213
19982492
19997586
20006249
20014046
20024285
20033877
20044129
200529810
20062034
20073414
20084674
20092785
20102124
20113557
20121465
20131636
201485820
201579415
201637910
20174316
20183227
201968410
202049212
20215947
20225976
20234923
20243774
20251302
20261485

The 2019 Sierra has 684 complaints and 10 recalls on file[2]. Three model years list more complaints: 2014 with 858, 2015 with 794 and 1999 with 758[2]. Three list more recalls: 2014 with 20, 2015 with 15 and 2020 with 12[2]. The 2018 model year has 322 complaints and 7 recalls, and 2020 has 492 and 12[2]. Counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so use them only to compare years of the same model.

Should you buy a used 2019 Sierra?

The 2019 Sierra has 10 recalls that touch brakes, tires, seat belts, the battery cable and an air bag[2]. Ask the seller for proof that each repair was done, especially the two brake software recalls and the battery cable recall[3][18][6]. On a test drive, watch for rough low-speed shifting and dash warnings, which owners in our sample describe[11][12]. Fuel cost varies by engine, from $3,200 a year for the 2.7L turbo to $4,850 for the 6.2L[8][21]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a checklist and not a final answer[1].

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 GMC Sierra have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover brake control software, tires, seat belts, the battery cable, the driveshaft and a passenger air bag[3][18][4][5][6][17][7].
What problems do 2019 GMC Sierra owners report?
Of 684 complaints, the largest groups are engine with 336, power train with 144, brakes with 122 and electrical system with 100[1][10][11][12][13]. In samples we read, owners describe brake warnings, harsh low-speed shifts and false trailer warnings[12][11][13].
What gas mileage does the 2019 GMC Sierra get?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 21 MPG depending on version[20][8]. The 6.2L engine has the highest listed annual fuel cost at $4,850[21].
How safe is the 2019 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA rates most tested versions 4 stars overall and two versions 5 stars[25][9][29]. All listed versions get 5 stars for side and 4 for frontal and rollover[25][26][9][27][29][28].
Is 2019 a bad year for the GMC Sierra?
It has the fourth highest complaint count of the model years we list, behind 2014, 2015 and 1999[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are only a rough guide[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 684 owner complaints on file for the 2019 GMC Sierra (13 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 13 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Sierra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 19V889, filed December 12, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 21V985, filed December 16, 2021: Tires › Temporary / Emergency Spare Tire. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 20V792, filed December 17, 2020: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 19V888, filed December 12, 2019: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery › Cables. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 18V868, filed December 6, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Sierra C10 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 336 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 144 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 122 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 100 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,098). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 49 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Recall 21V423, filed June 3, 2021: Tires › Sidewall. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 21V115, filed February 25, 2021: Tires. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 20V650, filed October 22, 2020: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 20V055, filed January 30, 2020: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 19V814, filed November 14, 2019: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  20. EPA rating for Sierra K10 Cab Chassis 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Sierra K10 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Sierra C10 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Sierra C10 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Sierra K10 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC RWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 LIMITED DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 4,863 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 LIMITED DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 4X4: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 144 in, curb weight 5,115 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 NEXT GENERATION CREW CAB M/BOX 2WD: length 241 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 157 in, curb weight 4,694 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 NEXT GENERATION CREW CAB M/BOX 4WD: length 241 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 157 in, curb weight 4,888 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 NEXT GENERATION CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 232 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 147 in, curb weight 4,623 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SIERRA 1500 NEXT GENERATION CREW CAB S/BOX 4WD: length 232 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 147 in, curb weight 4,835 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.