2019 Gmc SIERRA 2500
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2019 Gmc SIERRA 2500 has 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 52. The most common issue is electrical problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: trailer brake system needs service, warning light came on and beeping loud starter last month 6-2023 , and maybe the brake control module is bad ? code c1117 came up. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
38
Total Complaints
7
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
0.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
8 complaints- • TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICE, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND BEEPING LOUD STARTER LAST MONTH 6-2023 , AND MAYBE THE BRAKE CONTROL MODULE IS BAD ? CODE C1117 CAME UP
- • DEFECTIVE TRAILER BRAKE SWITCH ,WHICH POSES A RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IF YOU ARE TOWING A TRAVEL TRAILER, WHERE BRAKES FAIL LOCK UP IS POSSIBLE DANGEROUS TO PULL
- • Vehicle was last driven on June 23 2024 and parked in my driveway. On the evening of June 29 2024 my horn was blowing in my truck at around 10:30. While I was walking out to the vehicle it was in flames. The fire started from what I understand on the driver’s side behind the dash. Luckily no one was
“TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICE, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND BEEPING LOUD STARTER LAST MONTH 6-2023 , AND MAYBE THE BRAKE CONTROL MODULE IS BAD ? CODE C1117 CAME UP”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2019 Gmc SIERRA 2500
Based on 15 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (7)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Gmc SIERRA 2500
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Gmc SIERRA 2500 Service Intervals
Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2019 SIERRA 2500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 38 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICE, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND BEEPING LOUD STARTER LAST MONTH 6-2023 , AND MAYBE THE BRAKE CONTROL MODULE IS BAD ? CODE C1117 CAME UP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: MAKING TICKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE WHEN IN MOTION.NEW CAR. BOUGHT TWO MONTHS AGO WITH 40000 MILES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: 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 w
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Gmc SIERRA 2500 — Year Comparison
How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 38
- Recalls
- 7
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 52
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2019 Gmc SIERRA 2500