2019 GMC Sierra 3500 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Heavy-duty trucks are meant for the big jobs, but they also need to be comfortable and filled with the latest features, which is what customers hoped from the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500. The automaker claims that newer models of this truck are “without compromise,” but owners are finding defects from every part, including the electrical and fuel systems.

lick on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2020

Problems with the Electrical System

The electrical system in a pickup truck is needed for charging, running accessories and keeping the vital components operating as intended. With the GMC Sierra 3500, the electrical system appears to be a dud.

Here’s one complaint left on the NHTSA website. “Driving to work. Power steering went out and braking system seems to be ineffective. Instrument panel service light came on with the battery indicator displaying ‘Battery Charging System’ fault.”

On top of what is being publically discussed about this heavy-duty truck, there have also been class-action lawsuits. One class-action lawsuit claims that some GMC trucks, including the GMC Sierra 3500 were equipped with a seven-inch in-dash infotainment system that was known to be defective. This system will max the volume without any input from the driver. Imagine that surprise while driving! Apparently, GMC didn’t want to “compromise” at all on the volume of the driver’s favorite tunes in the GMC Sierra 3500.

Problems with the Fuel System

To produce all of the power from the engine, the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD must be equipped with a solid fuel system, but it isn’t.

Here’s one complaint on Edmunds. “I bought my 3500HD Denali new 0 miles in 2019 and the DEF system went out around 130k miles, one of the fuel injectors went out around 140k miles and the DEF system went out again around 150k. I know 3 more guys personally and have met a few more guys that had the same issue with the DEF system. I’m very disappointed being that I’m a GM guy. I had to let the truck go back as a repo because I refused to put more money in the truck.”

On top of the fuel system issues, there’s also a recall on the diesel engine. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V328000 says that the engine block heater on over 318,000 trucks might have a short circuit. If left connected, this fault can lead to a fire. One would think that GM would be replacing the block heater with one that works, but that’s not the case. Instead, the automaker feels it is completely okay to disconnect the block heater, even for customers that have paid extra for it. Isn’t that the definition of a “compromise?” It seems that GM is in denial about the role the company plays in the heavy-duty truck market and with the GMC Sierra 3500. Acknowledging this problem would be the first step to recovery.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work aid your lemon 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.

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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