2019 GMC Sierra 2500 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Electrical system, engine, and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

When it comes time to accomplish tough jobs, drivers opt for a 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 because it’s supposed to be capable. In fact, the automaker claims it can “move mountains,” which might actually prove to be difficult with the faulty electrical system, engine and powertrain.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Engine
5
Tires
2
Exterior Lighting
2
Fuel/propulsion System
1
Seat Belts
1
Service Brakes
1
Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices
1
Fuel System, Diesel
1
Equipment
1
Electronic Stability Control
1

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018

Problems with the Electrical System

The electrical system might not always seem important, but without everything running as it should, a drive can become extremely tedious.

Take this example from a Cars.com review. “Multiple sensor issues most of which were caused by [dealer] working on it.”

The problems go even deeper, with Service Bulletin #PIT5311F discussing issues with the “Check Trailer Wiring” and “Service Trailer Brake” messaging on the Driver Information Center. Technicians are advised to clean the ground wire and inspect the system for damage, but are also told they might need to replace the connector completely. This wouldn’t be the first time that the 2019 Sierra models were found with faulty equipment. In fact, there have been class-action lawsuits because of the malfunctioning seven-inch infotainment systems that these trucks are equipped with. Just try and get this truck to “move mountains” while it is sitting at the service center yet again for more repairs.

Problems with the Engine

Arguably the most important part on any heavy-duty truck would be the engine, but this motor is nothing but a failure.

One NHTSA complaint states, “The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 5 mph uphill, the low coolant and DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shifted into Limp Mode. The contact reversed to level ground and decided to drive to another route to his destination. The vehicle was taken to [dealer] and the dealer was made aware of the failure.”

It turns out that the defects with the engine are far worse than many would think. In fact, NHTSA Campaign Number 19V328000 states that there could be a short circuit in the engine block heater. If left unchecked, it could create a fire. So, what are dealerships doing to correct the problem? Instead of replacing the engine block heater or fixing the short circuit, they are merely disconnecting it so the owners who paid good money for the equipment can’t use it. This isn’t even a small issue – it affects more than 300,000 vehicles. Basically, the truck would “move mountains,” but the engine can’t get warm enough to perform.

Problems with the Powertrain

A final look at the powertrain on the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 reveals just as many problems.

Here’s one last NHTSA complaint. “4×4 Low Range has no power. I have never seen such a weak pulling truck when in low range.”

To show just how incompetent the entire GMC team is, Service Bulletin #150089004C goes on to teach technicians the difference between a fluid leak and fluid seepage. It seems odd that this should have been something required to learn when becoming a mechanic and does it even really matter how the fluid is coming out of the truck? Clearly, if there is fluid seeping or leaking, there is a problem. Aside from that, this truck is facing massive class-action lawsuits because of “Chevy Shake” performance issues. When a problem is named after the company, that should be a big red flag that customers should choose another brand. Maybe the Blue Oval can help truck owners move those mountains instead.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes GMC pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryFuel/propulsion System
DateFeb 16, 2023
StateVA
Description
The connectors to the fuel pump have failed causing the truck to mechanically fail and not operate. This is a common problem per the diesel technician who diagnosed our truck and in his opinion should not be happening as often as it does. It's specifically the cylinder 4 injector control circuit and diagnosis states the pins are corroded.
CategorySeat Belts
DateJan 26, 2023
StateAZ
Description
Driver seat belt would not recoil. Took to royal gmc of tucson and they said it was not a warranty covered part and would not repair it unless I paid for the seat belt replacement. Obviously, I need a seat belt as a safety feature being the driver so I had them order the seatbelt and they installed it. See attached receipt. I believe this should be a warranty item from the manufacturer as it is defective and a serious safety issue. The vehicle is a 2019. I am the only one that drives this vehicle and I have never had any accidents etc.
CategoryService Brakes
DateOct 25, 2022
StateNM
Description
I purchased a 2019 gmc certified 2500 diesel truck with 48000 miles I started getting alerts on my dash stating trailer brake system over and over. I would press the dismiss button but it would not stop from appearing and dinging over and over. I took vehicle to dealer ship since I have remaining bumper to bumper and extended warranty coverage. To my dismay I find out the dash trailer brake system switch is faulty. Good thing I had an extended warranty since the bumper to bumper does not cover electrical. While truck was still under warranty the same alert came on but the gmc dealership did not find and issues. I feel the trailer brake system was defective from the start. I am being force to pay over 0. 00 out of my pocket since my extended warranty did not cover the entire cost. Shame on you gm for putting cheap quality parts on expensive trucks...
CategoryTires
DateAug 23, 2022
StateCA
Description
Tire size lt265/60r20. Left rear tire separated while driving at highway speed. Stopped along the freeway after feeling vibration not associated with road. This is the second separated tire on the same vehicle. First tire, the right rear, separated driving at highway speed 1 year ago.
CategoryEngine
DateAug 18, 2022
StateAR
Description
The contact owns a 2019 gmc sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the stabilitrak stopped functioning properly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing to reset the computer electronic system. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated he was also smelling battery acid inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 21v496000 (engine); the vin was included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
CategoryVisibility:rearview Mirrors/devices
DateJul 15, 2022
StateMI
Description
Mirror fails to come in sometimes
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateApr 25, 2022
StateMI
Description
The sockets in the rear brake lights had excessive corrosion and was causing the terminals on the bulbs to deteriorate. The lights were malfunctioning in all situations from braking, turn indicator and running lights. I was notified by the system that there was a problem. After trying to resolve the problem and replacing the bulbs the condition only worsened. I was then pulled over by law enforcement that told me I had nearly no rear lights at night. After banging the plastic light frames I was able to make it home. I brought my truck into the dealer who inspected and found faulty wiring from what I was told. I them paid to have both rear harness change and all the bulbs replaced to repair the condition. After review of the repair the dealer made no additional precautions to ensure that this condition would not return by placing any type of waterproofing dielectric grease in the sockets or connectors. So was this faulty wiring or simply a known defect. The dealer had them in stock which was surprising since I figure they would need to be ordered.
CategoryFuel System, Diesel
DateSep 15, 2021
StateMA
Description
The contact owns a 2019 gmc sierra 2500. The contact stated while stationary at a traffic light, he started to smell diesel fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence and while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed a fuel leak located near the engine. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was associated with nhtsa campaign number: 21v496000 (equipment). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,458.
CategoryEquipment
DateAug 23, 2021
StateCA
Description
The contact owns a 2019 gmc sierra 2500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v496000 (equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact mentioned that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
CategoryTires
DateNov 17, 2020
StateAZ
Description
Tire is seperating and cupping. Yates gmc refuses to replace, they are factory tires with 21034 miles on them. Only one tire is doing this and they say vehicle is not to blame.
CategoryEngine
DateOct 21, 2020
StateOH
Description
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 gmc sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 5 mph up hill, the low coolant and def (diesel exhaust fluid) warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into limp mode. The contact reversed to level ground and decided to drive to another route to his destination. The vehicle was taken to premier gmc, ltd. (2000 eastern rd, rittman, oh 44270, (888) 564-1107) and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,200.
CategoryEngine
DateMar 26, 2020
StateOK
Description
Recall was issued april 25 2019, as of today almost 1 year later gm is still saying I can't get it done. Yet they are building and selling vehicles with updated parts in them.
CategoryElectronic Stability Control, Engine, Power Train
DateJan 27, 2020
StateFL
Description
4x4 low range has no power. I have never seen such a weak pulling truck when in low range
CategoryEngine
DateJan 19, 2020
StateNY
Description
Making ticking noise from the engine when in motion. New car. Bought two months ago with 40000 miles
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateMay 14, 2019
StateOH
Description
When shutting my door and especially moving and hitting very light bumps in the road at all speeds the headlights shake on my truck . I have the hid headlights and it is very distracting to me and probably to other drivers . I only have 500 miles one my truck .

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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