GMC SIERRA 3500 · model year

2019 GMC SIERRA 3500

19 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2019GMCSIERRA 3500 carries 19 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, Not Rated/5 side crash, and Not Rated/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2019 SIERRA 3500 is service brakes with 4 filings, followed by electrical system (2) and engine (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2019 SIERRA 3500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

19
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

19 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 - Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: Not Rated/5 · Rollover: Not Rated/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
ENGINE2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
STEERING1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
POWER TRAIN1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
EQUIPMENT1
AIR BAGS1

Recalls (6)

25V43200026/06/2025

AIR BAGS

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the infl

19V32800025/04/2019

ENGINE

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heat

26V16600019/03/2026

AIR BAGS

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the infla

24V75600010/10/2024

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall m

23V04700002/02/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.

21V49600001/07/2021

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or

Recent Complaints

20251218UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Approximately Nov 15, 2024 is when the issue started. At approximately 44,000 miles the truck experienced a catastrophic oil coolant failure causing oil and coolant to mix. It is available for inspection. The incident happened suddenly as the truck was being driven. When pressing on the accelerator, the truck hesitated to move on several occasions. The issue was confirmed by an authorized GMC service center. The truck has been inspected by the authorized GMC service department. The warning light came on after the damage was done. There was no other sign of an issue. It wasn't until the next day when the truck was started, that the warning light appeared. No leaks of any kind.

20251120CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2019 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving during a rain storm at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle hydroplaned. The contact stated that the vehicle swerved to the right and then to the left. The contact stated that the vehicle drove off the road and down an embankment. The contact stated that he drove over a mound, and the vehicle was launched into the air, and, according to the police report, he traveled approximately 100 feet. The contact stated that the vehicle landed on the front end. The force of the crash had bent the vehicle frame behind the engine. The contact stated that as the vehicle's front end crashed into the ground, his forward momentum sent him into the center console. The contact stated that the center console struck his face and caused lacerations and a bloody nose. The contact stated that the police and emergency services had arrived on scene. The contact stated that a report was written, but he did not have the report number. Th

Mileage: 103,000

20250715FireEQUIPMENT

The contact owned a 2019 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle went into “Engine Power Reduced Mode” and the contact attempted to pull over to the side of the road, but the contact stated that the battery went dead and the vehicle shutoff. The contact shifted to park(P) and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart, and smoke started coming from under the hood. The contact stopped attempting to restart the vehicle, and exited the vehicle and raised the hood, and the vehicle was on fire in the engine compartment on the left side of the firewall. The contact stated that there was gray and white smoke coming from the vehicle and an odor of electrical wires burning. The contact attempted to reach for a fire extinguisher but was informed by another driver who had stopped to see if the contact needed assistance, to step away from the vehicle. The other driver saw the flames coming from the engine compartment

Mileage: 242,000

20250519ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I purchased my vehicle in 2019. Since then, I have had several issues. I've had to replace the coolant reservoir, DEF heater/pump and twice changed the number 8 injector plug. The warning light came on just after the warranty went out. The code reader read the ambient sensor and no sensor.

20250519SERVICE BRAKES

I purchased my vehicle in 2019. Since then, I have had several issues. I've had to replace the coolant reservoir, DEF heater/pump and twice changed the number 8 injector plug. The warning light came on just after the warranty went out. The code reader read the ambient sensor and no sensor.

20250519ENGINE

I purchased my vehicle in 2019. Since then, I have had several issues. I've had to replace the coolant reservoir, DEF heater/pump and twice changed the number 8 injector plug. The warning light came on just after the warranty went out. The code reader read the ambient sensor and no sensor.

20250219UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The other day approximately 5 minutes after leaving my house I noticed a smell and saw some slight smoke coming from my rear window. I immediately turned off the rear defrost and my rear window shattered. The next day I discovered other Chevy/gmc vehicles have a recall for a short circuit in the rear defrost. Unfortunately the dealership will not help me until there is a recall with my vin as there is not an open recall on my vehicle.

20241020FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Bought the vehicle new in 2019 currently at a dealership to have the third in tank electric fuel pump installed. When it was in the shop for the second fuel pump installation the technician informed me that the pump can go out at any time causing a potential accident. Fortunately truck wouldn’t start and was diagnosed at dealership.

20240529SERVICE BRAKES

Service brake brake system comes on randomly. have to hit reset when driving. constantly

20221011SERVICE BRAKES

The trailer brake system has stopped working and displays the message "Service trailer Brakes" it does this no matter if several different tralers are hooked to the truck. These trialers test fine in other trucks and with meters. The trailer brake controller does not work. There are many owners reporting the same thing. It is a critical safety feature to stop the truck & trailer and probably already has led to some fatalities. Please issue a recall. Thank You.

20220226EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Intermittent issue with entire dash lights and radio lights going either fully out/off or extremely dark. Adjusting dimmer does not correct the issue. Affects driver safety due to acute driver distraction while trying to correct, and disables driver warning lights and all information systems, including towing related warnings (transmission temp/coolant temp, etc) Dealer advises to bring it back when it is occurring, but occurrences are not predictable, nor do they occur on a regular basis. Cause is unknown, but since dimmer switch does not correct this issue, it is the probable cause.

20211025VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

While towing our trailer, truck went into reduced power mode, regen message displayed; check engine light came on; loud bag occurred and hissing from under the hood. Truck slowed to 3 mph so we pulled to shoulder and turned the vehicle off. Truck had blown the hose off the the turbo. We reclamped and restarted. Displayed check engine light, reduced power & regen message to keep driving however truck wouldn’t go over a 3mph crawl. Truck lost all power, everything shut down and wouldn’t restart. No dash lights, no error, no crank, no power. We were dead on the highway in the truck lane while towing. This Truck goes into reduced power mode every time it tries to regen and we have had it to the dealer multiple times however, the problem continues to get worse. When it does regen, sometimes it takes hours. Dealer says needed a manual regen & that is their solution. Yet problem persists.

20211025ENGINE

While towing our trailer, truck went into reduced power mode, regen message displayed; check engine light came on; loud bag occurred and hissing from under the hood. Truck slowed to 3 mph so we pulled to shoulder and turned the vehicle off. Truck had blown the hose off the the turbo. We reclamped and restarted. Displayed check engine light, reduced power & regen message to keep driving however truck wouldn’t go over a 3mph crawl. Truck lost all power, everything shut down and wouldn’t restart. No dash lights, no error, no crank, no power. We were dead on the highway in the truck lane while towing. This Truck goes into reduced power mode every time it tries to regen and we have had it to the dealer multiple times however, the problem continues to get worse. When it does regen, sometimes it takes hours. Dealer says needed a manual regen & that is their solution. Yet problem persists.

20211025POWER TRAIN

While towing our trailer, truck went into reduced power mode, regen message displayed; check engine light came on; loud bag occurred and hissing from under the hood. Truck slowed to 3 mph so we pulled to shoulder and turned the vehicle off. Truck had blown the hose off the the turbo. We reclamped and restarted. Displayed check engine light, reduced power & regen message to keep driving however truck wouldn’t go over a 3mph crawl. Truck lost all power, everything shut down and wouldn’t restart. No dash lights, no error, no crank, no power. We were dead on the highway in the truck lane while towing. This Truck goes into reduced power mode every time it tries to regen and we have had it to the dealer multiple times however, the problem continues to get worse. When it does regen, sometimes it takes hours. Dealer says needed a manual regen & that is their solution. Yet problem persists.

20210623ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the air conditioner on and blowing air the occupants had experienced an acid/chemical burning sensation to the eyes and throat. The failure was intermittent and had affected multiple occupants. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no service was performed. The manufacturer was also contacted. The failure mileage was 27,000.

Mileage: 27,000

20210623EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the air conditioner on and blowing air the occupants had experienced an acid/chemical burning sensation to the eyes and throat. The failure was intermittent and had affected multiple occupants. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no service was performed. The manufacturer was also contacted. The failure mileage was 27,000.

Mileage: 27,000

20210128SERVICE BRAKES

DRIVING TO WORK. POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND BRAKING SYSTEM SEEM TO BE INEFFECTIVE. INSTRUMENT PANEL SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE BATTERY INDICATOR DISPLAYING "BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM" FAULT.

Mileage: 9,470

20210128ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DRIVING TO WORK. POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND BRAKING SYSTEM SEEM TO BE INEFFECTIVE. INSTRUMENT PANEL SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE BATTERY INDICATOR DISPLAYING "BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM" FAULT.

Mileage: 9,470

20210128STEERING

DRIVING TO WORK. POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND BRAKING SYSTEM SEEM TO BE INEFFECTIVE. INSTRUMENT PANEL SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE BATTERY INDICATOR DISPLAYING "BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM" FAULT.

Mileage: 9,470

Compare 2019GMCSIERRA 3500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500 have?
The 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500 has 19 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500?
The 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500 received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of Not Rated/5, and rollover rating of Not Rated/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500?
Yes, the 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500 has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500?
The most-complained component for the 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500 is SERVICE BRAKES with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2019 GMC SIERRA 3500 has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.