2019 GMC Sierra 1500
Common Problems
Ranked from 199 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
21 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission Issues Leading to Shuddering and Drifting
111complaintsSafety riskTransmissionTransmission experiences shuddering, shifting issues, and failure to go into gear.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Engine Failure Due to Lifter Malfunction
31complaintsHigh severityEngineLifters are failing, causing engine damage and shutdown during driving.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine Seizure Without Warning
20complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine seizes without any warning, leading to complete failure during driving.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Engine Camshaft Damage Due to Premature Failure
10complaintsHigh severityEnginePremature engine failure leads to camshaft damage, resulting in engine seizure and requiring a new engine.
- 5
Engine misfire and cylinder failure
6complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine misfires and cylinders fail, leading to engine failure and loss of power.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Engine oil cooler line separation
6complaintsHigh severityEngineThe oil cooler line separates at the crimp fitting, causing rapid oil loss and engine failure.
- 7
Engine knocking and limp mode
4complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine knocks and enters limp mode, requiring full engine replacement.
- 8
Engine oil loss and rapid consumption
4complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine loses oil rapidly, leading to engine failure and potential catastrophic engine seizure.
- 9
Power Train Issues with Transmission Shifting
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts harshly and randomly, causing the vehicle to feel unsafe to drive and increasing the risk of accidents.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Engine loss of power and stalling
3complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine experiences sudden loss of power and stalling, often due to misfires or mechanical failures.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Transmission shudder and vibration
3complaintsMedium severityTransmissionTransmission shudders and vibrates at various speeds, causing rough operation.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Engine Failure Due to ECM Complete Failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine fails due to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) completely failing during operation.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Engine Failure Due to Lifters and Bearings
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine fails due to collapsed lifters and damaged bearings, leading to complete engine shutdown.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Engine Failure Due to Main Bearing Issues
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine experiences main bearing failure, leading to complete engine shutdown and requiring a new long block.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Engine Knocking Without Warning Lights
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine starts knocking without any warning lights, indicating potential internal damage.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Engine Malfunction Due to Excessive Oil Consumption
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine consumes excessive oil between scheduled oil changes, leading to potential engine failure.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Engine Misfire and Seizure Due to Lifter and Camshaft Failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine misfires and seizes due to failed lifters and camshafts, often requiring engine replacement.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Engine Seizure Due to Low Oil Pressure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineLow oil pressure causes the engine to seize, leading to a complete engine failure and requiring immediate attention.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 19
Engine Stalling Due to Internal Damage
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls due to internal damage, such as a seized camshaft or broken lifters, necessitating a new engine.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 20
Engine timing issues
2complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine timing is off due to camshaft gear spin, leading to engine failure and loss of power.
- 21
Transmission Failure Requiring Replacement
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission fails, requiring a complete replacement, and the issue recurs despite repairs.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.