Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 26 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 77
15% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
63% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2019 compares with every other GMC Sierra 3500
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2019 GMC Sierra 3500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
420.0%
Median failure at 9,470 miles
Electrical System
315.0%
Median failure at 31,237 miles
Engine & Cooling
315.0%
Median failure at 27,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
210.0%
Equipment & Accessories
210.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 134,500 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
15.0%
Lights
15.0%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.0%
Steering
15.0%
Median failure at 9,470 miles
Airbags
15.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 103,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
337.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
225.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
112.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
112.5%
150,000+ miles
112.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2021peak 3Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 103,000 milesTea, SDCrash1 injured
AIR 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. The contact stated that he had bent the top half of the steering wheel from the force of the crash. The contact was transported to the emergency room. The contact was advised that he had fractured vertebrae between L1 and L3 and had bruised ribs on his right side. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later declared a total loss by his insurance provider. The contact stated that none of the front air bags had deployed. The contact stated that the police and the insurance provider confirmed that no air bags had deployed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11700623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 242,000 milesSummerville, SCFire
EQUIPMENT
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 and told the contact to step away from the vehicle because it was unsafe to attempt to extinguish the flames, and the engine compartment became engulfed in flames. The Fire Department was contacted and arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle and the front bumper, hood, engine, and engine components were damaged by the fire. Additionally, the front windshield was severely damaged. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and declared a total loss by the Insurance provider. The contact stated that the Fire Department filed an incident report. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure and the fire to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V496000 (Equipment) which was associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 242,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 53,004 milesCairo, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to switch lanes, the side-view cameras failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a disconnected wire from the side-view cameras. The wire had poor connection, which caused the cameras to fail due to low voltage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the part to repair the vehicle was no longer manufactured. The failure mileage was 53,004. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11753630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aubrey, TX
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11705942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesTea, SDCrash1 injured
AIR 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. The contact stated that he had bent the top half of the steering wheel from the force of the crash. The contact was transported to the emergency room. The contact was advised that he had fractured vertebrae between L1 and L3 and had bruised ribs on his right side. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later declared a total loss by his insurance provider. The contact stated that none of the front air bags had deployed. The contact stated that the police and the insurance provider confirmed that no air bags had deployed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11700623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 242,000 milesSummerville, SCFire
EQUIPMENT
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 and told the contact to step away from the vehicle because it was unsafe to attempt to extinguish the flames, and the engine compartment became engulfed in flames. The Fire Department was contacted and arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle and the front bumper, hood, engine, and engine components were damaged by the fire. Additionally, the front windshield was severely damaged. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and declared a total loss by the Insurance provider. The contact stated that the Fire Department filed an incident report. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact related the failure and the fire to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V496000 (Equipment) which was associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 242,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Iberia, LA
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #11661793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Iberia, LA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11661793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Iberia, LA
SERVICE 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.
NHTSA complaint #11661793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bailey, CO
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11643748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, IN
FUEL/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.
NHTSA complaint #11620902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Quakertown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
Service brake brake system comes on randomly. have to hit reset when driving. constantly
NHTSA complaint #11591194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, NY
SERVICE 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.
NHTSA complaint #11488836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Folsom, CA
EXTERIOR 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.
NHTSA complaint #11454246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Escondido, CA
POWER 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.
NHTSA complaint #11438064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Escondido, CA
VEHICLE 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.
NHTSA complaint #11438064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Escondido, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11438064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesLouisville, KY
ENGINE 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.
NHTSA complaint #11421959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesLouisville, KY
EQUIPMENT: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.
NHTSA complaint #11421959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,470 milesAbilene, TX
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11390458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,470 milesAbilene, TX
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #11390458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,470 milesAbilene, TX
SERVICE 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.
NHTSA complaint #11390458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.