NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 GMC Sierra 2500 Safety Ratings
The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 scores 65 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 65/100, placing it in the Below Average band. Seven recall campaigns add meaningful concern for used-market buyers. Its crash-test scores are mixed, and the vehicle's avoidance technology scores very low.
The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 received a NHTSA Safety Index of 65 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating, 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 2500 ranks 115 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 65 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 20.4% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 115 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500?
The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500’s safety assessment reveals a significant concern with its airbag systems. Four of its seven recall campaigns directly address issues with airbag or curtain inflators, a pattern observed across this generation of GM heavy-duty trucks. This defect record contributed to a score of 10.75 out of 20 for that component. Crash protection for the Sierra 2500 earned 52 out of 70 points, marked by mixed results from federal tests. While the vehicle achieved a 5-star rating for side impact, its frontal crash rating was 3 stars, as was its rollover rating, accompanied by a 20 percent rollover risk. The truck's active safety technology is a notable weakness, scoring only 2 out of 10. This low score reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. Electronic stability control is standard equipment, which provides minimal credit in this category. The overall Safety Index for the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 is 65 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average category. This rating indicates adequate crash structure performance but significant deficiencies in active safety features and a concerning recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 perform in crash tests?
The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 received a 4 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-crash performance stands out with a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. However, frontal impact protection and rollover resistance each earned 3 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for the Sierra 2500 is 20 percent, despite the dynamic tip test not resulting in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14025
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 have any recalls?
Yes, seven recalls cover this model year. Four separate air-bag campaigns, including curtain inflator concerns, represent the most concentrated safety issue. A fifth recall targets the diesel fuel tank assembly on 2017 to 2019 Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the provided campaign data, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
AIR BAGS26V325000
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.
Remedy: 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 N
Reported 2026-05-21
AIR BAGS26V166000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2026-03-19
AIR BAGS25V432000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-06-26
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR24V756000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-10-10
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY23V047000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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
Reported 2023-02-02
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER21V496000
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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 previou
Reported 2021-07-01
ENGINE19V328000
Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-04-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500?
Thirty-one unverified consumer allegations have been filed with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 8 reports, the Engine with 5, and both the Fuel System and Service Brakes with 4 each. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500?
The 2019 Sierra 2500 has a notable recall record: seven campaigns are on file with NHTSA. Shoppers considering this model year must prioritize checking the vehicle's VIN against the recall database to ensure all necessary repairs have been completed. Several of these actions address critical safety components, including multiple airbag-related issues, making verification of their resolution essential before purchase.
- Four of the seven recalls on the 2019 Sierra 2500 involve air bags or curtain inflators, making VIN-level recall verification especially important for this specific model year.
- The avoidance-tech score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning, features that were not standard on this model year's configuration tested by NHTSA.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 and a measured 20 percent rollover risk are year-specific NHTSA test results that used-market buyers should weigh when considering this truck's handling dynamics.
- Thirty-one unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year span the Electrical System, Engine, Fuel System, and Service Brakes, with the most recent alleged report filed in early 2026, indicating ongoing owner activity.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 places
The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 GMC Sierra 2500 safety questions
Was the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 65 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 2500 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 20.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sierra 2500 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 14025), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Sierra 2500 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 115 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.