2019 GMC Sierra: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
First year of the redesign with a roomy interior and MultiPro tailgate, but it carries the generation's highest complaint volume, V8 lifter/camshaft failures and transmission shudder lead the reports. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 GMC Sierra ranged from $29,600 to $54,700 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
First year of the redesign with a roomy interior and MultiPro tailgate, but it carries the generation's highest complaint volume, V8 lifter/camshaft failures and transmission shudder lead the reports.
Sources (4)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/sierra-1500
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=sierra%20…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=sierra%20…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=sierra%20…
Known issues
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6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks.
commonly reported · 112 NHTSA complaints · typically 70k–160k miles · engine
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8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems.
commonly reported · 38 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems.
occasional · 12 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=sierra%20…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=sierra%20…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=sierra%20…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $29,600 | discontinued | — | — |
| SLE | $37,800 | $48,700 | — | — |
| Elevation | $40,300 | $50,500 | — | — |
| SLT | $44,300 | $55,100 | — | — |
| AT4 | $50,800 | $67,000 | — | — |
| Denali | $54,700 | $66,100 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-gmc-sierra_1500-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-sierra-1500-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($29,600). Higher trims started higher (up to $54,700), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 16% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/gmc/sierra-1500/depreciation
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $800–850/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,400–2,500/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/gmc/sierra-1500/depreciation
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2019 GMC Sierra have?
Documented issue patterns include: 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting-rod, crankshaft bearing and lifter/camshaft failures can cause sudden loss of engine power; subject of GM recalls on 2021-2024 V8 trucks; 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting, shuddering, hesitation and torque-converter problems; Electrical and early build-quality glitches reported, including ground-strap corrosion that can affect multiple systems. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2019 GMC Sierra reliable?
First year of the redesign with a roomy interior and MultiPro tailgate, but it carries the generation's highest complaint volume, V8 lifter/camshaft failures and transmission shudder lead the reports.
How much did the 2019 GMC Sierra cost new?
Between $29,600 and $54,700 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the GMC Sierra expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $800–850/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.