Most common 2019 GMC Sierra problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Sierra complaints by model year
Best Sierra years: 2020, 2018, 2009. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 1995, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
What 2019 GMC Sierra owners say
Brakes
The vehicle was in for replacement back up camera module and the dealer stated that the fix for the active brake system failure recall was completed. After starting the vehicle in a parking lot, several messages displayed in the driver information center: brake system failure 62 MPH top speed, service ESC, service trailer brake system, service brake assist. Additionally, several warning lights for the ABS, parking brake, TCS, check engine light, etc were illuminated. After acknowledging the messages, I placed the vehicle in reverse and noticed that the brakes needed to be pressed with full weight on them to get the vehicle to stop. I placed the vehicle in drive to park back in space and the same issue with the brakes persisted. …
The first issue is a Bluetooth issue. The phone volume goes silent when I get in my vehicle. If I connect to car play, it works. I have missed important calls due to this issue. This started in July of 2019 and its not fixed yet. GM says it Apple. Apple says its GM I do not care just fix it. Second see below images. You know the issue. This happened to me 3 times. It started 12-05-2019. Then again 12-26-19 . Serviced . 1-4-2020 again. 1-18 20 again and to shop until 1-23-2020. This took a lot of my time talking with my dealer. I understand I am one of many, but I didn't spend over $66,000 to buy, lease this vehicle to have to waste my time. This cost me time, money and honestly every time I start the truck I wonder if it will reappear. I received 2 calls fro representatives, gianna and michelle. I called back 3 times, left voicemail and have heard nothing. …
Steering
The first issue is a Bluetooth issue. The phone volume goes silent when I get in my vehicle. If I connect to car play, it works. I have missed important calls due to this issue. This started in July of 2019 and its not fixed yet. GM says it Apple. Apple says its GM I do not care just fix it. Second see below images. You know the issue. This happened to me 3 times. It started 12-05-2019. Then again 12-26-19 . Serviced . 1-4-2020 again. 1-18 20 again and to shop until 1-23-2020. This took a lot of my time talking with my dealer. I understand I am one of many, but I didn't spend over $66,000 to buy, lease this vehicle to have to waste my time. This cost me time, money and honestly every time I start the truck I wonder if it will reappear. I received 2 calls fro representatives, gianna and michelle. I called back 3 times, left voicemail and have heard nothing. …
After using app to start the vehicle, I sat in the driver seat depressed the brake and pushed the start button. Immediately a warning popped up saying ESC needed service, service trailer brake, speed limited to 62mph. Additional lights illuminated including brake, traction control, ABS, and CEL. Since the dash indicated that the speed was reduced I thought it would be safe to drive, however at the first turn I realized my brakes were nearly gone and I went through the intersection. The brakes appeared to have lost the boost and were extremely hard to depress making it difficult to stop the vehicle. I limped the truck home and notified the dealer. The next day I tried starting the truck and the brakes returned with no dash messages although the CEL was still illuminated. There is a recall for a similar issue but it looks like my VIN is not apart of it.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, a "Turn off engine, No oil pressure" message appeared and was accompanied by a warning chime alert. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The contact then observed condensation leaking under the front of the vehicle and condensation in the street leading to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine oil cooler line detached and the engine oil cooler lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to have NHTSA add his vehicle added to an unknown recall. The failure mileage was 77,000.
I received a recall notice May 2019 from maryann l. Combs, vice president global vehicle safety. The local dealership said parts were not available at that time. A few months later, still not available and today, February 25,2020 they are still not available and it seems they May never be available to vehicles in the "southern" states. My truck travels to mn, mt, nd on a regular basis and the problem in question needs to be fixed to keep the engine warm at below zero temperatures. NHTSA campaign id number is 19V328 and recall number was n182206311. Per the letter from ms. Combs use of the current engine block heater cable could result in an engine fire.
2019 GMC Sierra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 22 / 20 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 GMC Sierra a good car?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Sierra rates better than average: 60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sierra at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 GMC Sierra?
The brakes — 8 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (7) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2019 GMC Sierra. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Sierra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2018 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000, 1995, 1996 and 1997. See the full GMC Sierra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2019 GMC Sierra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 6,000 miles; 92% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.