2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Complaints

At approximately 85,000 miles, the engine in my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 seized. The vehicle was parked when it occurred. Inability to start. This created a safety risk because an engine seizure can cause sudden loss of propulsion in traffic. Before the failure, I did not notice any red flags. The problem was inspected and confirmed by a GMC dealer, which diagnosed the condition as an engine seizure. The failed engine is not available for inspection. I am not aware of the precise internal cause beyond the dealer’s diagnosis.

NHTSA ID

11756622

Incident

Nov 20, 2023

At approximately 85,000 miles, the engine in my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 seized. The vehicle was parked when it occurred. This created a safety risk because an engine seizure can cause sudden loss of propulsion in traffic. Before the failure, I didn't notice anything that would raise any alarms. The problem was inspected and confirmed by a GMC dealer, which diagnosed the condition as an engine seizure. The failed engine is not available for inspection. I am not aware of the precise internal cause beyond the dealer’s diagnosis.

NHTSA ID

11756621

Incident

Nov 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a red traffic light, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, and the vehicle shuddered with an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle. The message "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was slipping, overheating, and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,098.

NHTSA ID

11756219

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

Mileage

126,098 mi

The lifters collapsed on cylinder 3 causing the camshaft to shed metal into the oil leading to bearing failure. Leaving us stranded 210 miles away from home. Motor has 85,909 miles. This is the same problem that the 2021 model year trucks have that has a recall. The 2019 model years have the exact same problems. I personally know 6 people who have had this happen. Check out the Facebook page. GM 6.2 Lifter and bearing failure.

NHTSA ID

11755634

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Complete failure on Cylinder 3 after AFM system caused lifter collapse in 5.3L V8. Lifter fell into cam shaft and scored the shaft at 55mph. Truck started surging and shaking violently. Truck shaking had me swerve to the side of the road as I was coming up on a crosswalk with golf cart about to cross the road. Vehicle was inspected at Atwater GM in Aitkin, MN and component failure was identified. Two weeks later I paid $14,149 to have a complete engine replacement. There was absolutely no indication that this event would take place. Just months before I took this truck from [XXX] to [XXX] and back without an issue. GM should be held responsible for a complete lack of safety due to faulty AFM engines. Not only did this endanger my safety, but I also had to withdraw from my 401k to pay for the outrageous cost of a new engine replacement because of a single point of failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11754328

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

I haven’t even owned my truck for2years

NHTSA ID

11753823

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

ENGINE DIED!!,Had it towed to local dealer and was told I have L87 engine failure ,but the recall dosen't cover 2019 models. Service tech says it only covers 2021-2024 6.2 engines. Is there any action I can follow to be added to the recall. Thanks for your swift attention.

NHTSA ID

11753440

Incident

May 22, 2026

The Lifter on my GM Sierra AT4 truck with a 6.2L (L87) engine collapsed and damaged the engine shafts and cylinders in the block. While driving, the engine started to lose power, and a ticking noise started to occur. I pulled the car over to the side of the road and called the dealer, which told me to have the truck towed into the dealership. Metal was found in the Oil. The entire engine has to be replaced for $12K. I have a life time oil change service with the dealer an also an extended warranty, but my mileage was over the warranty by 6K miles. The warranty ended at 106K miles and actual milage was 113K. I reached out to my dealer and also to GM to discuss goodwill assistance and GM pushed back indicating they cannot do anymore. I asked the rep to esalate the ticket

NHTSA ID

11753323

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

Subject: Event of engine failure • While driving on a level paved road at 15 miles per hour in a busy area my 2019 GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck stalled in the middle of a busy street. • Truck stalled in a heavy traffic area at an intersection putting myself and passengers in a dangerous area and situation. This obstructed the normal flow of traffic causing a danger to pedestrians and normal vehicle traffic pattern. Each had to go around my disabled truck into oncoming traffic putting them and normal traffic flow at risk. •Upon securing a towing service the truck was transported to the nearest GM dealership. This happened on a Friday afternoon and the truck got to the dealership after hours. I returned to the dealership the next morning and was told that they may not be able to check the truck until probably Tuesday. On Monday afternoon I called and they hadn't been able to get to it. I received a call the next day and was informed that the technician at the dealership had put a breaker bar to the crankcase and the engine would not move and therefore the engine is seized. • There were no warning lights that came on prior to the truck stalling in the street. There was no noise prior or any other symptom to give any indication that the truck was not operating in a normal fashion.

NHTSA ID

11753006

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated was informed that the engine failure was caused by rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11752417

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

Mileage

115,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the low oil pressure message was displayed. The engine oil cooler line had detached, and oil was leaking from the vehicle, causing the engine to seize. The contact associated the failure with General Motors Customer Satisfaction Program: N212326940. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 96,182.

NHTSA ID

11750776

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

Mileage

96,182 mi

Engine failure at random while operating. Dealership stated vehicle blew engine block fuse and crankshaft is now seized.

NHTSA ID

11750614

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

TSB 19-NA-121. My truck is experiencing the exact issues detailed in the listed TSB. Randomly and quite often my truck feels like I am running over speed bumps. This just started about 3 days ago. The truck has been maintained. Oil is changed on time and there was a 100,000 mile service and I just had a 150,000 service done. Currently there are roughly $148,000 miles on the vehicle. Is there a way to have GM cover the costs of the repairs even though my VIN# was not listed. Also I am experiencing sudden power loss which is also mentioned in other bulletins. Basically it feels like the engine hesitates to accelerate.

NHTSA ID

11750497

Incident

Jul 12, 2026

Experienced the GMC shudder while driving on the highway. This is a known issue with GMC transmissions valve bodies and torque converters. I would like to know why my vehicle is not on the recall list 2019 GMC? 85,000 miles and has always shifted hard randomly when cold but was unaware of the problem until this shudder became an issue and started looking into it.

NHTSA ID

11750384

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

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. Thank you for your consideration, please feel free to reach out to me directly to discuss further. I look forward to hearing from you!

NHTSA ID

11750369

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

The engine went into limp mode as I made turn leaving the damn I was is in town and it was a lot of traffic could’ve been bad if I didn’t pull into the median left me devastated and no crank no start I’ve only had the truck a year it went down a month from when I purchased it

NHTSA ID

11750178

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started knocking. The contact pulled over immediately and contacted an independent mechanic, who recommended continuing to continue driving at a slow speed. The contact resumed driving to the residence. The contact's son, who was a highly skilled mechanic, diagnosed that the left bank lifters had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted several times and informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ID

11750020

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

Mileage

83,000 mi

I am writing to formally log a safety concern regarding my vehicle’s 6.2L L87 engine, specifically in relation to the known defects under NHTSA’s ongoing Engineering Analysis EA25007 (previously Preliminary Evaluation PE24004).While my vehicle is currently running and has 52,000 miles on the odometer, it falls squarely within the manufacturing window being investigated for premature engine failures due to defective connecting rod bearings and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) lifters.My primary concern is the severe safety hazard presented by a sudden, catastrophic engine failure. A sudden seizure or loss of motive power at highway speeds puts myself, my passengers, and other drivers at an immediate risk of a high-speed collision, especially if it occurs without prior warning lights or symptoms.Because GM’s previous engine recalls (such as 24V-418) excluded the 2019 model year despite utilizing the same vulnerable engine family, I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to expand the recall to include 2019 models. I want my vehicle's VIN documented as part of this vulnerable population so that a proactive, permanent remedy can be mandated before a dangerous highway failure occurs.

NHTSA ID

11749489

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

I believe I had a lifter failure as I was traveling up SR 393. Safety issue as vehicle lost power. Vehicle is at dealership now and confirmed possible lifter collapse. No dashboard lights were on or any power issues prior.

NHTSA ID

11748834

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal rumbling sound and stalled. All the warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a nearby independent mechanic, who determined that the engine lifter and cylinder had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,003.

NHTSA ID

11748492

Incident

Jul 5, 2026

Mileage

98,003 mi

Lifters (the part that opens and closes engine valves) fail prematurely. There was a loud ticking noises, rough idling. Took to dealership and they advise that yes the lifters are failing and not drivable at this time.

NHTSA ID

11747528

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

No warning lights, engine stalled in the middle of the freeway almost got killed by a semi truck was behind me, engine lost power and found that needed new engine because of the camshaft and internal damage.confirmed by certified mechanic

NHTSA ID

11746054

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

I am retired and have always bought GM vehicles which are taken care of with required oil changes etc. This one I have only owned 25,000 mi each year (I have owned two years). So, when purchased it has high 50,000 miles not sure of exact, and it has only been driven 2 years. When calling escalation at GM, they act as though it doesn't matter and too bad. 110,000 miles and the truck needs a new motor. This is what we are told and 10,000 more than the initial 1500 to tear it down. This truck is not broken due to us, this is a problem with the manufacturer and the responsibility needs to be addressed. My husband has a heart issue and he almost didn't make it home. I'm not accepting that nothing be done, since next we need a lawyer and a media appointment. This isn't right when you see thousands of people with the same GMC Sierra trucks online with complaints of the same valve and motor issues. This needs completely replaced and not by a customer, by the manufacturer. How can 1500 people new wrong on one sight stating the same as we have had. This person who is responsble for reporting and making sure we are safe needs to be fired. I am writing my representatives, senators etc to let them know this is going on. No one should pay for the mistakes of bad engineering. PERIOD.

NHTSA ID

11746005

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed and the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle was pulled over onto the shoulder and failed to restart. Roadside Assistance was called to the scene, and the vehicle was towed to the local service center, diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine Cam Actuator screws had failed causing metal shavings to enter the engine and turbo. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11745543

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

Mileage

95,000 mi

On [XXX], my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali equipped with the 6.2L engine suffered a sudden loss of power while driving. The vehicle lost propulsion and could not continue operating normally. The vehicle was taken to Orange Buick GMC in Orlando, Florida. The dealership advised that the engine is locked and unable to rotate manually, and that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle has approximately 126,000 miles. This failure occurred while the vehicle was being driven and created a safety concern due to sudden loss of propulsion. A sudden engine lockup or loss of power could increase the risk of a crash, especially if it occurs in traffic, at highway speed, while turning, or while crossing an intersection. There was no crash, fire, injury, or death. The vehicle remains at the dealership awaiting repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11744883

Incident

Jun 10, 2026