2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD

What owners should know

Covers 2015–2019 · 6.6L Duramax diesel (LML 2015–2016, L5P 2017–2019) and 6.0L V8 gas · Updated 2026-10-01

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

• 2015–2016 Duramax fuel pump (CP4) failure

  Best left to a shop

  Signs: Sudden stalling or no-start, low fuel pressure codes such as P0087.

  Fix: Prevention: change the fuel filter on schedule and buy fuel from busy stations. Some owners replace the CP4 with a different pump design as prevention. A failed pump usually means a full fuel system replacement at a diesel shop.

  Shop: Duramax fuel filterShop: Duramax CP3 conversion kit▶ How-to videos

• Loose brake pedal (2015–2016)

  Dealer (recall)

  Signs: The brake pedal feels loose or doesn't work right.

  Fix: Covered by GM recalls for the brake pedal pivot nut.

  May be covered free by recall 16V069000 / 18V578000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

• Block heater cord fire risk (2017–2019 diesels)

  Dealer (recall)

  Signs: A burnt or melted block heater cord or plug.

  Fix: Covered by GM recalls. Don't use the block heater until it's checked.

  May be covered free by recall 19V328000 / 21V496000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

• 'Service trailer brake system' warning

  Easy DIY

  Signs: Trailer brake warnings that cut the trailer brakes while towing.

  Fix: Start with the simple things: clean and inspect the 7-pin trailer connector and the trailer's wiring. If it continues, have a dealer check the trailer brake module.

  Shop: 7 pin trailer connector▶ How-to videos

• L5P cracked intercooler pipe

  Easy DIY

  Signs: A loud pop, then low power and limp mode.

  Fix: Replace the plastic charge pipe. Many owners upgrade to a metal pipe.

  Shop: L5P Duramax intercooler pipe▶ How-to videos

Recalls

A recall doesn't mean a truck still has the problem. Enter the truck's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask a dealer to see whether the repair was done.

• Air Bags

  May 2026 · #26V325000

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

  Risk and fix

  Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262557310. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V166.

• Air Bags

  Mar 2026 · #26V166000

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

  Risk and fix

  Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262549710. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

• Air Bags

  Jun 2025 · #25V432000

  General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

  Risk and fix

  Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252513060.

• Air Bags:Side/Window:Curtain:Inflator

  Oct 2024 · #24V756000

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

  Risk and fix

  Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242474500.

• Fuel System, Diesel:Storage:Tank Assembly

  Feb 2023 · #23V047000

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.

  Risk and fix

  Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.

• Equipment:Electrical:Engine Block Heater

  Jul 2021 · #21V496000

  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 and fix

  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.

• Engine

  Apr 2019 · #19V328000

  General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.

  Risk and fix

  Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.

  Fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.

Owner complaints by area

Reports owners filed with NHTSA. They aren't verified, and one complaint can mention more than one area. Tap an area to read the most recent ones.

• Service Brakes4

  • Filed May 2025

    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.

  • Filed May 2024

    Service brake brake system comes on randomly. have to hit reset when driving. constantly

  • Filed Oct 2022

    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.

  • Filed Jan 2021

    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.

• Electrical System3

  • Filed Jul 2026

    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.

  • Filed May 2025

    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.

  • Filed Jan 2021

    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.

• Unknown or Other2

  • Filed Dec 2025

    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.

  • Filed Feb 2025

    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.

• Equipment2

  1 involved a fire

  • Filed Jul 2025

    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.

  • Filed Jun 2021

    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.

• Engine2

  • Filed May 2025

    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.

  • Filed Oct 2021

    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.

• Air Bags1

  1 involved a crash

  • Filed Nov 2025

    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.

• Fuel/Propulsion System1

  • Filed Oct 2024

    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.

• Exterior Lighting1

  • Filed Feb 2022

    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.

• Power Train1

  • Filed Oct 2021

    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.

• Vehicle Speed Control1

  • Filed Oct 2021

    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.

• Engine And Engine Cooling1

  • Filed Jun 2021

    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.

• Steering1

  • Filed Jan 2021

    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.

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings from government crash tests. Ratings can differ by cab style and 2WD/4WD.

NHTSA hasn't published star ratings for this truck. Many heavy-duty pickups aren't included in NHTSA's crash-test program, so this doesn't mean the truck is unsafe.