2019 GMC Sierra 1500 engine problems

ENGINE

Since I purchased my vehicle in 2021, I continued to have issues with my oil pressure light coming on usually about 2000 - 3000 miles past the oil change. When checking oil, I would find that it was low 2 quarts of oil each time. I reported this to the GM Dealer and they did oil consumption tests and determined the oil loss was within GM tolerances. So apparently it is ok to burn a quart of oil every 1000 - 1500 miles. Then fast forward to January 2025, apparently my rear main seal was blown out. Unfortunately by then my Powertrain warranty had expired. So that cost $3,794. Now fast forward to March 2026, I hear a noise in my engine and notice it is leaking oil again. Upon taking it back to the dealer, they tell me the engine needs replaced or rebuilt. The rear main seal is bad again, a lifter bad and they specifically say "The engine still has excessive blowby due to stuck piston rings or a scored cylinder". This is the first time it was ever reported to me that the engine as blowby. Regardless of all this, I had to replace this engine with less than 117,000 miles on it. I was reporting the oil issue when it was well under the powertrain warranty, but the first Oil Consumption test was done at 51,946. So again under powertrain warranty. However I continued to tell them about it until these issues occurred. Now I have $10,912.75 invested in repairing/replacing an engine. I pushed it to GMC Customer service and they didn't want to help. However when investigating this issue with other mechanics, they all seem to know about all the issues these L87 engines have. Then I found out that 2021 - 2024 L87 engines were recalled, but my 2019 was not. It appears my engine has similar issues as the recall. I was just lucky enough that nothing happened while I was driving. So I asked that if a recall occurs that GMC should be responsible for refunding all of this money as they should have taken care of it when I told them 100,000 miles ago.

NHTSA complaint #11763704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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. The engine seized up while driving in traffic which has a safety impact on the occupants and other drivers. The vehicle was towed to GM and the they noted the the engine has catastrophic internal failure with large metal debris in the engine oil and filter. This is consistent with failures that other GM owners have experienced with GM's L87 engine. The initial recall (Recall 25V-274) for a specific manufacturing window (March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2024), the NHTSA launched EA25007 because it continued to receive a flood of complaints from owners whose vehicles fell outside that original recall window. That is me, I am outside that original window. But I am confident that the issue was known by GM and should have been handled several years ago with a wider recall window. Now I was exposed to a safety issue and I am stuck with a large repair bill. I think there is an even broader active investigation EA26005.

NHTSA complaint #11763284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was coming to a stop at a stop a 3 way stop intersection. I parked completely and when I stopped the vehicle just shut down I did not have any warning signs come on prior as I looked at the dash it said place vehicle into park and start. I tried that but truck did not start. Call my friends we towed the truck on a trailer to my house and set up an appointment with gmc here in Tucson az

NHTSA complaint #11761482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11761267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My truck is a 2019 6.2 motor GMC it fell outside of the motor recall. On May 23, 2026, I had a catastrophic engine failure. GM would not cover any costs associated with the engine replacement. I have a photo of the failed lifter. This issue is a problem with GM and its active fuel management system. GM knew about the issue and put the engine into service.

NHTSA complaint #11761311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine went out very devastating $10k out of pocket

NHTSA complaint #11761078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate (6.2L L87 V8 Engine)Description of Safety Defect & Incident Chronology: XXX (49,801 miles): While idling in my driveway, the engine began ticking loudly, running roughly, and ultimately stalled. The vehicle was towed to Hight Chevrolet in [XXX]. The dealership stated they test-drove the vehicle twice while monitoring live data, could not duplicate the noise, and released the truck back to me.XXX (57,920 miles): The engine began ticking loudly again. I returned the vehicle to the dealership. Upon inspection, technicians found metal debris in both the oil filter and the oil pan. The dealership diagnosed a catastrophic bottom-end engine failure.Resolution: The original engine was replaced with a GM remanufactured crate engine, covered under the GM factory warranty.Safety Concern:Although my vehicle is a 2019 model, it suffered the exact same catastrophic bottom-end bearing failure currently being investigated by NHTSA for 2021–2026 GM 6.2L L87 engines. This defect poses an imminent safety hazard, as a sudden bottom-end failure can cause the engine to seize without warning, resulting in a complete loss of motive power and propulsion at highway speeds, drastically increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, despite GM's claims regarding limited production windows, this case proves the defect is present in earlier 2019 model years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11760697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2019 6.2 engine suffered from severe loss of compression caused by internal piston ring failure and bore scoring also loss of power . In the 6.2L engine , piston ring failure and ring- seal are direct consequences of connectiing rod alignment errors, My engine failure is proof that this is the same situation that is currently under investigation and have proof with compression test and report done by my Technician . First time it happened to me it just stopped on me in the middle not the road all lights came on the dash including ESC light something it never done before. But before this happened it had been running rough. I took it first to the local repair shop and they wouldn't be able to work on it , So I took it to the local dealer and there it got. worse from there . Took it to the dealer changed the battery and it was running again but they found it had really bad leak on the rear main seal spent over $3,000 for all of it. Thought the problem was over after that months later after it was running rough again took back to the dealer and from there they told me there were oil coming through the piston rings and metal shaving in the engine and from there found out engine needed to be replaced Warranty company would not cover it. I had to pay 1500.00 for rental car coverage, teardown of engine was 3,500 since the extended warranty did not cover it Endurance Warranty Co. denied my claim.Dealership is charging me out of pocket charges of 13,495 for the engine replacement plus engine teardown Endurance Warranty Co. denied my claim. Even after paying for warranty for almost 2 Years. GM says manufacture warranty is out of coverage can not be apart of the recall but engine failure mirrors 21-24 recall 6.2 engines.

NHTSA complaint #11760820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am the owner of a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8, VIN [XXX], currently at 177,271 miles. On [ADD DATE] while driving 40-45 mph westbound on [XXX] near XXX in [XXX], in a school zone, the engine suffered sudden catastrophic internal failure with complete loss of propulsion and would not restart. No prior warning lights or low oil pressure warning. Vehicle required tow from school zone. GMC dealer inspected and verified catastrophic internal failure. Dealer stated verbally failure is either camshaft broken in half or timing chain sprocket/pulley broken off or loose causing timing chain to come off. Timing cover was not removed to confirm. Dealer stated engine is not repairable and quoted $13,500 for new engine replacement only. I have copies of the work order and the dealer's written statement verifying internal failure and replacement recommendation. Engine and vehicle have been retained. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11760257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Truck has the 6.2 Litre engine,failed.GM won't do anything to fix or replace the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11758921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On XXX at approximately 3:00 p.m., I was driving on the highway in [XXX], at approximately 65 mph when my truck suddenly displayed a warning stating that all oil pressure had been lost and that the engine needed to be shut off immediately. Within roughly seven seconds of seeing and comprehending the warning, I attempted to safely shut down the engine. Before I could do so, the engine seized while the truck was still traveling at highway speed.The engine failure caused an immediate loss of power steering and power-assisted braking, leaving me with limited control as the truck coasted at highway speed. This was an extremely dangerous situation that could have resulted in a serious accident, injury, or loss of life. The truck was towed to a repair facility, where technicians confirmed that the engine had seized and recommended replacing the long block. A new GM Genuine Parts engine was installed, and the repairs were completed on XXX. Today, XXX, the replacement engine has approximately 40,000 miles on it. I recently began hearing a ticking noise followed by knocking, and the engine nearly stalled while idling. I immediately checked the oil and confirmed that oil was present on the dipstick. I have consistently maintained the vehicle and completed every oil change at intervals of 5,000 miles or fewer. I returned the truck to the same repair facility that installed the replacement engine and was immediately informed that the truck requires yet another engine replacement. This is now the second 6.2L L87 engine that has failed in this vehicle. Two catastrophic engine failures—one involving a replacement GM Genuine Parts engine after only approximately 40,000 miles—are completely unacceptable. The first failure created a severe highway safety hazard, and the failure of the replacement engine raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of these engines. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11758114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine seized on June29th while driving on I 64 . (6.2 L87) due to oil line failure. Engine replaced on July 18th, 2026. New engine started leaking oil from camshaft and gasket on August 10th 2026, back in GMC Shop on August12th 2026 for repairs, still waiting parts today. Sudden failure on road in traffic Inspected by GMC Southpoint. No indication prior to failure and shut down completely. Could not do anything to move vehicle out the road.

NHTSA complaint #11757364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 equipped with the 6.2L engine experienced an internal engine/lifter failure. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized GMC dealership. The dealership documented damaged lifters, including rough edges and visible signs of friction, and advised that the camshafts on these vehicles can also have issues. I was provided estimates for both a lifter repair and complete engine replacement. Due to the possibility of additional internal engine/camshaft damage and the risk of having to repeat the lifter repair, complete engine replacement was recommended. The dealership is replacing the engine with a GM remanufactured engine, part #19420611, carrying a 3-year/100,000-mile warranty. The customer-paid repair is approximately $9,400 plus applicable taxes and shop charges because my 2019 vehicle/VIN is not currently included in the existing L87 engine recall. I am submitting this complaint because NHTSA is currently investigating failures involving 6.2L L87-equipped vehicles outside the existing recall population. I believe this failure should be documented and considered as part of the investigation into whether the affected vehicle population should be expanded. I have requested the dealership provide the technician's complete diagnosis and documented cause of failure and can provide additional information when received.

NHTSA complaint #11757455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

There was a catastrophic internal engine failure, due to cam/lifter/bearing issues. This caused the timing chain and tensioner to jump and the engine to be out of alignment. This caused the valves to all be bent as a result. I believe that this has been an issue for longer than what GM has originally recalled for, and I am submitting this complaint because I read that there is an active investigation into this.

NHTSA complaint #11756910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11756621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11756622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11755634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11754328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I haven’t even owned my truck for2years

NHTSA complaint #11753823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11753440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11753323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11753006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11752417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 complaint #11750776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11750776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11750614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11750369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 complaint #11750020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11750178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

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 complaint #11749489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.