10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,300 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

Get free help with your lemon!
close ad

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #34

Jan 102020

Sierra 1500

  • 645 miles
Purchased new, Dec 24, 2019. Current odometer 645miles. The vehicle was parked for about 15 minutes, when I returned to my truck and turned it on, multiple warning tones began to sound and the dashboard was illuminated with multiple warning lights (ABS, traction control, check engine, parking brake) and messages reading: "brake system failure 62mph top speed, " 'service trailer brake system, ' 'steering assist is reduced drive with care, ' 'service ESC.' I turned the vehicle off and on multiple times over the course of 20 minutes, exiting the vehicle, locking the doors, unlocking the doors, and starting the process from the beginning. I decided I wouldn't be driving over 62mph as I was only 2 miles from my home, so I decided to back out and drive home with full intentions of calling the dealership in the morning. When I tried to back out I realized that I had almost zero braking power, having to almost stand up on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle without giving it any gas, and turning was difficult (similar to manual steering in a vintage vehicle). I knew driving home would not be safe. I turns the vehicle off and on once more and all the warning messages and lights were no longer there. The check engine light remained on and is still on. I was able to drive home as though nothing happened, but am fearful this will happen while driving down the road, especially while my children are in the car. I have read multiple forums, this is not an isolated incident, with many others experiencing the same exact issue, sometimes while actually driving, in 2019 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado's. this is absolutely unacceptable and will result in injuries and deaths if GM does not resolve the issue.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #33

Jan 082020

Sierra 1500

  • 5,500 miles
After starting my 2019 GMC Sierra, I received a number of warnings including: 1. service trailer brake system 2. steering assist is reduced drive with care 3. service ESC 4. brake system failure 62 mph top speed 5. check engine light as I started to drive, I realized I had a very difficult time stopping as I had to press the brake very hard. I was in a parking lot and only going 5 - 10 mph, but still had difficulty stopping. I took the vehicle to the dealership. They investigated the issue and made a software update working directly with GM. Five days after picking my vehicle up, I received a call from the dealership saying that GM does not have a permanent fix for the issue and that I may experience brake failure again. My vehicle is back at the dealer without a solution or timeframe for repair.

- Plymouth, MN, USA

problem #32

Sep 272019

Sierra 1500

  • 2,621 miles
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to slow or stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm which required added effort in slowing the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle pulled to the right while being stopped. The vehicle was taken to dave sinclair Buick GMC located at 5655 S lindbergh blvd, saint louis, mo 63123, (314)272-4060 to be diagnosed and repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V889000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control, service brakes). The vehicle was repaired however, after leaving the dealer and while driving at 65 mph, the brake failure warning light illuminated and the brake function became reduced. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,621.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #31

Jan 042020

Sierra 1500

  • 11,500 miles
I received notice that there are two recalls out for my truck: A brake system recall and a forward camera/collision recall. Had both recalls performed and immediately the forward camera collision alert, lane keep and intellibeam systems didn't work. Delaer informed me there is a problem with the update and I need a new camera. That is on order and pending. More importantly, about 2 days after the updates the truck showed alerts about the brakes, traction control and stabilitrack systems. Upon driving the truck the power/vacuum assist system failed and the brake pedal nearly went to the floor before engaging brakes; I could barely stop. Returned the truck to the dealer and was told its a common issue with the brake recall update (the truck had no such symptoms before the update). If you check out various GM vehicle owner forums you will see scores of Silverado and Sierra owners with the same two issues post-update: No collision camera and sudden loss of brakes. There is a problem - a very dangerous problem - with these updates.

- Park Ridge, IL, USA

problem #30

Jan 062020

Sierra 1500

  • miles
Dear NHTSA, I recently leased a 2019 GMC Sierra pickup truck. This truck is currently in the shop for the 6th time, and neither GM or the local dealership can seem to fix anything on this truck. Most recently, as yesterday I had my car in for the braking system. The dealership called me and said my truck was fixed. As I turned my truck on, the brake system light came on. I was told by the dealership to just drive it and it will go away. I do not feel this is a good/safe practice and GM is not helping me to get out of this unsafe truck.

- Chalfont, PA, USA

problem #29

Dec 242019

Sierra 1500

  • 5 miles
I own a 2019 GMC Sierra denali 1500 crew cab. After starting my vehicle and beginning my journey home. Sever warning indications of problems came on my dashboard system. While driving, the brake failure indicator illuminated and the vehicle would not immediately stop when depressing the brake pedal. Also, several warning indicators illuminated, including the power steering, service ESC, brake system failure 62 mph top speed, steering assist is reduced drive with care, service trailer brake system, ABS, and trailer towing warning message indicating that the vehicle would not accelerate above 62 mph. In addition, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn in either direction.

- Brandon, FL, USA

problem #28

Dec 242019

Sierra 1500

  • 9,500 miles
When I tried to drive my truck I received the below error messages and lights on my dash board: Steering assist reduced drive with care service trailer brake service ESC brake system failure - 62 mph top speed ABS check engine brake traction control I dropped the truck off at the GMC dealer for two days, I picked it up and it was fine. I was told it was a software update. Then 7 days later I had the same errors messages and lights on my dash board. And this time it was extremely hard to stop the truck. I needed to press down all the way to stop the truck.

- Massapequa, NY, USA

problem #27

Dec 312019

Sierra 1500

  • 21,000 miles
I have a 2019 GMC Sierra I took it in for recall services and took a road trip to Texas once I reached tax that evening I had a brake system failure going down the highway took it into the shop and had everything looked at and check they said truck was fine and the next morning on the trip back brak system failed again and both time check engine light was on for electric problem as well. Go the truck to the dealer again where it is currently at now. They will do the same thing and tell me the truck is fine or replace parts that was not the issue. I refuse to place my family life in danger by continuing to drive this truck it is a major safety hazard

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #26

Dec 302019

Sierra 1500

  • 2,606 miles
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving approximately 25 mph and attempting to brake, the brake pedal traveled all the way to the floorboard. Also, the ABS, check engine, brake, and differential warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the service trailer brake system, service ESC, steering assist reduced, drive with care and brake system failure system top speed 62 mph messages appeared on the message board. The vehicle was towed to ingersoll auto of danbury (84 federal rd, danbury, ct 06810). The same dealer repaired the vehicle on December 28, 2019 per NHTSA campaign numbers: 19V814000 (seat belts) and 19V889000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control, service brakes). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 2,606.

- Pawling, NY, USA

problem #25

Dec 272019

Sierra 1500

  • 1,100 miles
New truck, GMC 1500 denali, 1100 miles, started vehicle with multiple warning sounds & warning lights, dash says "brake system failure 62mph top speed", service trailer brake system", steering assist is reduced drive with care" service ESC", braking was completely reduced & needed hard press on brake to try and get vehicle to stop. Very diminished braking. Vehicle was stationary in a parking lot when this happened on restart.

- Centerville, MN, USA

problem #24

Dec 212019

Sierra 1500

  • 6,676 miles
After starting my truck I got the following messages service ESC service trailer brake brake system failure - 62 mph top speed steering assist reduced drive with care thought I would just limp it home although after leaving my parking spot I realized that I had almost no brakes at a all. I re parked the truck and had it towed to the dealership which is telling me that they reset the codes but that there is a possibility of it happening again. No brakes at highway speeds would be disastrous!

- Harrisburg, SD, USA

problem #23

Dec 192019

Sierra 1500

  • 15,400 miles
Brand new truck, AT4, 15K miles, 5 months old. Was very cold today outside, was in a store and started vehicle remotely. Came outside to a running vehicle, sat in drivers seat and pressed start button. Noticed multiple warning sounds/lights, dash read "brake system failure 62mph top speed", service trailer brake system", steering assist is reduced drive with care" service ESC". the ABS, check engine, brake and traction control lights were also illuminated. I immediately called my local GMC dealer (who is 5 miles away) and read them all the messages and asked if the vehicle was safe to drive to their location. After a brief hold, the service tech stated the vehicle was safe to drive over. I attempted to drive the vehicle out onto RT6. While still in the parking lot, traveling approx 10-15mph I was barely able to stop the vehicle. It took my full power on the peddle to stop, and approximate 20-30 feet of distance before it stopped fully. I immediately called the service tech back and informed her that the vehicle was not safe to drive with 5% or so break capacity. She provided the GM number for roadside assistance. The truck was towed to their shop a short time ago and I am awaiting their feedback. On a side note, I waited in the truck as I did not want to shut it down, I wanted the service tech to see exactly what was on the screen. After about 30 mins, with me in the drivers seat with the keys, the truck shut itself off. When it restarted the messages were gone, but the check engine light remained. Luckily I took photos and video recorded this issue prior to. The loss of brakes for any issue should be treated with the uttermost care for safety of the general public. This seemly known issue will (if not already) result in injury or death if not corrected quickly.

- East Providence, RI, USA

problem #22

Dec 182019

Sierra 1500

  • 2 miles
Took my truck for a recall at the GMC dealer yesterday for both seatbelt tensioner and to update the brake system. After that earlier today after a red light I got a bunch of warning lights. The warning lights for brake system failure, service ESC, traction control off, and service trailer brake system came on. brakes all of a sudden got really weak almost crashed had to brake way earlier than I need to and drive slow. Truck was running great until I got the recall done.

- Wyoming, MI, USA

problem #21

Dec 142019

Sierra 1500

  • 13,950 miles
Brand new 2019 GMC Sierra AT4, just under 14K miles. Upon starting the truck, the following warnings came on. "brake system failure 62mph top speed", service trailer brake system", steering assist is reduced drive with care" service ESC" check engine" I turned the trick off, opened and closed my door, then restarted. Upon restart, everything was gone, no warnings. Approximately 1.5 miles later I was at highway speeds (70mph) when all the messages returned. I attempted to brake but there was no response, pedal went nearly to the floor. I only survived the incident by shifting into manual, downshifting to engine brake, and standing on the what I'm guessing was 5 or 10 percent brake pedal. Luckily there was an empty lane for me to do this in.

- Rapid City, SD, USA

problem #20

Oct 172019

Sierra 1500

  • 7,966 miles
Random intermittent vehicle brake failure. I have experienced random brake failure for 45 minutes at a time on my Sierra. No codes or warnings are shown when it happens. Occurs while driving, and random. Condition creates an extremely hard peddle with extremely reduced braking power. Safe stopping distance is increased at least 3 fold. Vehicle brakes will start working again if truck is left parked and ignition off after 30 minutes. I brought the truck into the servicing dealer, they drove it 30 miles and a week later, GM instructed me to pick my truck back up after no repairs do to they could not duplicate. I expressed extreme concern about safety, and GM stance is, "no codes no problem". I was instructed by GM to simply bring it back in when my brakes fail again. 2 weeks later, my brakes failed again, creating a dangerous situation. Once again, the truck corrected itself after sitting with the ignition off for 30 minutes. I brought it back to the dealer, and they drove it and "could not duplicate customer concern" once again. Once again I was instructed to bring the truck back in when the brakes fail during their open business hours so that they can see it for themselves. This is an extremely dangerous condition, and this truck should be off the road and concerning to GM, but it is not. Through research, I have found many other people with the same truck year and model with the same problems, and GM is negligent towards our safety and the innocent people on the road. This new "E-boost" braking system needs to be investigated before my family or others are killed or injured by this defective system. Brake failure occurred both times when attempting slowing down for curves and stopped traffic at highway speeds and persisted at all conditions until it reset itself after sitting off for 30 minutes.

- Findlay, IL, USA

problem #19

Oct 202019

Sierra 1500

  • 1,250 miles
Brand new truck with less than 1250 miles on it! ABS brakes failed. Forced to drive on dangerous grade down Sierra nevadas with very limited braking. Message not to drive over 62 mph. Error code C0580 ABS braking and stability system, issue with ABS and error code P25A2 ECM engine system - engine & transmission not performing as expected. Other codes includec2A17, U0100 U026A & U0415. GMC knows about the problem and they have possible fix but is not issuing a recall. Dealer indicates reprogramed the brake system control module.war code 28yn28687675. Cleared the dtc and roadtest. Found the lights did not come back on and the brack system is working ok (just "ok") now. Also, GMC will not confirm the problem will not reoccur again.

- Newcastle, CA, USA

problem #18

May 052019

Sierra 1500

  • 1,000 miles
You can constantly feel a bump, clunk & transmission slip when going from reverse to drive. This is dangerous as I was pulling a small boat and it came off the hitch hitting the trucks tailgate and causing damage to it. This will happen seconds after drive is already engaged. After 3rd time I took to dealer the mechanic gave me a GMC memo that states that this is normal for this model truck to do this. Mechanic stated GM has known about this issue for years. Are you kidding me ? sounds like poor engineering. I was never told this would happen pre purchase or I would of never bought the truck. Have had constant problems with this truck since I bought it. Have had the seat belt pillar cover fall off 3 times dealer says they will change seatbelt, waiting over 2 months and no parts or repair. I have a warning to service brake pad sensor monitor. Took to dealer and they say they can't get parts for it yet because GM is on strike and have been waiting for parts and repair for over 2 months. Have had a steering wheel column warning also. Dealer blames everything on software issue. My diagnostic report each month states truck is in perfect order even though I have had a warning light for over 2 months !!!!! now there is a recall for the seatbelt pretensioner that it might cause a fire ! what a piece of junk this truck is I tried to support the american economy by buying an american truck and look what I get ! I should of bought a Toyota Tundra !!!!!!!

- Doral, FL, USA

problem #17

Nov 252019

Sierra 1500

  • 10,000 miles
Brand new truck, denali, 10K miles, started vehicle with multiple warning sounds/lights, dash read "brake system failure 62mph top speed", service trailer brake system", steering assist is reduced drive with care" service ESC", power steering was very tough to steer, braking was super reduced with full weight on brake to try and get vehicle to stop. Have 3 children under 3 years of age and not acceptable GMC.

- Urbandale, IA, USA

problem #16

Nov 192019

Sierra 1500

  • 12,000 miles
Had serious braking issue power brake all at once reduced brake efficiency almost ran into oncoming traffic before I got stopped check engine light came on and warning in info box came on GM even describes this problem in the owners manual is in shop now 11/19/19 howard bentley albertville al was moving

- Section, AL, USA

problem #15

Oct 202019

Sierra 1500

  • 7,085 miles
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. While the vehicle was in a parking lot, the brake pedal failed to depress and stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to burns Buick (500 w rte 70, marlton, NJ 08053, (856) 432-0330), but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 7,085.

- Sicklerville, NJ, USA

Read the next 14 complaints »