Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at undisclosed speeds, the engine was idling low, and the vehicle hesitated like it would stall. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light on several occasions, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle jerked and then accelerated. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was released, the vehicle continued to accelerate. The brake pedal was depressed to slow down the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred a short while later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that later while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact's son later attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the diagnostic report was incomplete. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 62 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. The VIN was not available.
I was on my way home from work and everything was driving fine and then I got 1/4 mile from my house and the motor started making a very loud grinding sound. I could barely accelerate. The issue happened out of nowhere. No issues prior to this happening. I was driving about 40 miles an hour when the issue started and I limped it to my driveway, luckily I was not very far away. I have a 3 month old baby and this was my reliable family vehicle. Who's to say what could have happened if I was driving at a higher speed with my child in the car. When it happened it started shaking really bad. I checked everything that I could. It sounded like my motor was starving for oil. I decided to go ahead and change my oil to see if that could have been the issue. I had just changed the oil approximately 2000 miles before this. I changed the oil and filter. …
While driving, the vehicle suddenly began running rough, losing power, and displaying engine warning lights. Due to the severity of the issue, the vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership for diagnosis. The dealership diagnosed lifter failure and a cracked cylinder head. The dealership also documented coolant intrusion, oil/coolant contamination, and evidence of internal engine damage. Repairs were attempted, including replacement of the cylinder head and lifter. After the repairs were completed, the vehicle never left the dealership because it continued misfiring on the same cylinder. GM later determined the engine had a failed piston ring and scored engine block requiring complete engine replacement. The vehicle has approximately 55,000 miles, has been properly maintained, and was purchased new. …
While towing a trailer on Highway 77 in northern Wisconsin, my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 experienced a sudden engine failure. The dashboard lit up with alerts for the engine, transmission, ABS, and traction control. I safely pulled over in a 55 mph zone with narrow shoulders and heavy truck traffic due to nearby road construction. The truck lost all power, and I had to block the driving lane to transfer the trailer to another vehicle, creating a hazardous situation. There were no prior warnings or issues. The truck had regular service at independent shops, and I had checked and topped off the oil that morning. Lahti Towing & Service recovered the vehicle, changed the oil (no metal shavings), and replaced the camshaft sensor, but the truck still wouldn't start. They then towed it to Rhinelander GMC, where a broken timing chain was diagnosed, requiring a full engine replacement. …
Since I bought the truck, it has had transmission problems. The truck will violently jerk forward between Park - 1st - 2nd gears (up and down) pretty frequently. The dealership denied being able to recreate the issue and nothing was wrong. After dropping the vehicle off a few times, the dealer service dept said they recreated the problem and replace the torque converter. It did not work and the service dept manager told me that they knew about the problem the whole time but were instructed by General Motors to not attempt to fix the issue. I called GM Company and a supervisor eventually admitted to knowing of the transmission and engine issues all along but the GM engineers have not found a solution yet but they are working very hard to figure it out. Since those calls, my lemon law claim with BBB Auto was approved, but suddenly denied with no explanation. …
Total engine power loss while driving 70mph on the highway in steady moving traffic causing a safety hazard, with 3 young children in the vehicle. No prior warning lamps, messages or symptoms to indicate a problem. Engine completely shut down while driving and will not turn back on. Had vehicle towed to the dealership. Certified GMC dealership did a full inspection and indicated that the engine assembly needs to be fully replaced. NHTSA Campaign 25V274 for vehicles 2021 and newer is for the same exact engine failure issue with the same engine size. I would appreciate you exploring the possibility of covering this catastrophic malfunction as an exception to the aforementioned recall campaign. Many other drivers have noted the same failure with the 2019 as was included in the recall for 21-24. …
I'm contacting you regarding my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine. The vehicle is currently experiencing a cylinder 8 misfire (code P0308), accompanied by engine backfiring, ticking noise, and exhaust fumes inside the cabin. Additionally, the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning light is on, and performance is noticeably affected. To date, I have: Replaced all spark plugs and fuel injectors Verified proper ignition coil function Had an oil change on September 23, 2024, during which I reported early concerns about engine performance (shortly after the powertrain warranty expired) Had a transmission flush on March 17, 2025, in an attempt to resolve continued drivability issues Despite these efforts, the issue persists. Given the known issues with AFM lifters and camshaft wear on this engine, I suspect a mechanical failure related to that system.
My vehicle recently experienced a sudden flashing check engine light, severe misfiring, and rough engine operation, creating an unsafe driving condition. An inspection by an authorized GMC dealership, Serra Buick GMC Champaign, confirmed a failed deactivating valve lifter on Cylinder 5, documenting that the lifter ceased movement after a single engine rotation. The dealership advised that the failure necessitates replacement of all lifters and extensive internal engine components, at an estimated cost of $5,650.75. This defect is not isolated, unforeseeable, or the result of consumer misuse. It is directly associated with General Motors' Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which has been widely reported to cause: Premature lifter collapse Camshaft damage Severe engine misfires Loss of power while driving Catastrophic engine failure
Fuel System complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, 4% of the model year's 658 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.