NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Safety Ratings
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 67 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 10 recalls, and 598 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 presents a mixed safety profile. While its crash-test scores are strong, a record of 10 recalls and a low score for avoidance technology weigh on its overall assessment. Our computed NHTSA Safety Index for this model year is 67 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. This combination of factors suggests a need for careful consideration by used-market shoppers.
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks 111 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 67 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 10 |
| Owner complaints | 598 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 111 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
A strong passive-safety performance, with a 5 out of 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, does not translate to an equally robust overall safety profile for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. While the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is commendable, the absence of key active-safety features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning results in an avoidance-tech sub-score of only 2 out of 10. This significantly impacts the vehicle's final Safety Index of 67 out of 100. Further contributing to this lower index is a defect-record sub-score of 4 out of 20, stemming from 10 recall campaigns. Three of these recalls address tire integrity issues across multiple model years, and one specifically concerns seat-belt performance in 2019-2021 trucks. The record also includes 598 unverified owner allegations, with 12 reported crashes and 3 fire incidents. While the 2019 Sierra 1500's structural integrity in a crash is evident by its 5 out of 5-star side impact rating, its overall safety assessment is considerably diminished by its lack of modern driver-assist technologies and a significant recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its performance in side-impact evaluations was perfect, earning 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk stood at 20 percent, with no dynamic tip event recorded during the agency's tests.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13632
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Ten recall campaigns cover the 2019 Sierra 1500. Documented component categories include tires and emergency spare tires across multiple campaigns, seat belts affecting 2019-2021 Sierra and Silverado models, and a driveshaft campaign covering 2019-2020 Sierra and Silverado 1500 trucks. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN.
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE21V985000
Risk: An ABS system that does not function properly can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will provide a new 17" spare tire and wheel assembly that is compatible with the accessory wheels, free of charge. Dealers will also apply a new spare tire information label, and provide owners with an owner's manual insert clarifying which spare tire to use with the accessory road tires and with the 17" original tires. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2022. Owners may co
Reported 2021-12-16
TIRES21V423000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212336230.
Reported 2021-06-03
TIRES21V115000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Reported 2021-02-25
SEAT BELTS20V792000
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Reported 2020-12-17
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT20V650000
Risk: If the driveshaft separates, there may be a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
Reported 2020-10-22
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST20V055000
Risk: A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268091.
Reported 2020-01-30
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT19V889000
Risk: If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268090.
Reported 2019-12-12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES19V888000
Risk: An intermittent electrical connection between the B+ battery cable and the alternator could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The intermittent connection could also lead to electrical arcing, which could generate sufficient heat to damage surrounding material, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect for the presence of glue or other contamination at the B+ cable attachment to the alternator and clean the connection and reattach the B+ cable connection, as necessary. If arcing has damaged the cable, nut, or alternator, the dealer will replace the damaged components. All services will be performed free of charge. GM issued owners an interim notifi
Reported 2019-12-12
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER19V814000
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will close off the opening in the pretensioner bracket, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192270600.
Reported 2019-11-14
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE18V868000
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate properly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N182198820.
Reported 2018-12-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has logged 598 unverified owner allegations for the 2019 Sierra 1500. The most frequently reported components are the Engine (270 alleged reports), Power Train (124), and Service Brakes (115). Electrical System and Steering follow. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
598 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
Any shopper considering a used 2019 Sierra 1500 should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. With 10 recall campaigns on record, including seat belt and tire related campaigns, confirming that every remedy has been completed is a non-negotiable step.
- The 2019 Sierra 1500 carries 10 NHTSA recall campaigns, a figure that directly depresses its defect-record sub-score to 4 out of 20 and is a primary reason the overall Index lands in the Below Average band despite strong crash-test results.
- Three separate tire-related recall campaigns affect this model year, covering both standard tires and accessory emergency spare tires, making tire-recall remedy verification a specific priority when inspecting a used example.
- A 2020 seat-belt recall covers 2019-2021 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 trucks, meaning a used 2019 Sierra may still have an open seat-belt remedy if the prior owner never completed the repair.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the 2019 Sierra 1500's lack of forward collision warning and lane departure warning, both of which were absent as standard equipment on this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 places
The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 GMC Sierra 1500 safety questions
Was the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 10 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 598 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sierra 1500 years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13632), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Sierra 1500 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 111 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.