MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

MODEL

GMC Sierra Limited 1500

NHTSA safety across every GMC Sierra Limited 1500 model year we cover.

Across the 1 model year of the GMC Sierra Limited 1500 we cover (2019 to 2019), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2019 at 77 on the NHTSA Safety Index. No recalls are on record across those years.

THE MOTORCALIBER REVIEW
MotorCaliber editorial Reviewed against NHTSA data 2026-07-03

The 2019 GMC Sierra Limited 1500 is a full-size pickup truck aimed at buyers who want a capable, work-ready hauler with a degree of refinement above the base trim. Positioned in one of the most competitive segments in the American market, the Sierra Limited targets both contractors and family buyers who need towing muscle alongside everyday usability.

The 2019 GMC Sierra Limited 1500 earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, landing it in the Average band. That is a serviceable but not class-leading result, and shoppers should understand what sits behind that number. On individual crash-test channels, the picture is mixed in a meaningful way: the truck pulls a strong 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact protection, which reflects well on the cab structure. Frontal and rollover ratings both come in at 4 out of 5 stars, which is solid without being exceptional. Rollover risk is a structural reality of tall, body-on-frame trucks, and a 4-star result here is consistent with the segment. On the recall front, the 2019 Sierra Limited 1500 carries zero recalls across our covered model year, which is a genuinely positive data point and worth noting for shoppers who prioritize a clean regulatory record. Owner complaints tell a more cautious story. NHTSA received 405 total complaints for this model year, including 10 alleged crashes, 3 fire-related reports, and 9 injury claims. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects, but the complaint volume is notable and warrants attention. Prospective buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's database before purchasing. Overall, the Sierra Limited 1500 posts a passable safety profile for a full-size truck, anchored by that zero-recall record, but the complaint volume keeps this from being a standout safety choice.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Sierra Limited 1500 as a well-appointed, capable full-size truck that competes respectably in a crowded segment. Professional assessments tend to highlight its refined interior relative to the standard Sierra and its strong towing credentials, while noting that the competitive landscape from Ford and Ram keeps pressure on GMC to continue improving across the board.

WHAT TO KNOW
  • The 2019 Sierra Limited 1500 carries zero NHTSA recalls for its model year, a clean regulatory record that stands out positively for used-truck shoppers.
  • Its NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100 places it in the Average band, meaning it meets basic safety expectations but does not lead the full-size truck segment in crash-test performance.
  • The side-impact crash test earns a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, suggesting strong lateral cab protection, but frontal and rollover ratings each sit at 4 out of 5, which is the more typical result for tall body-on-frame trucks.
  • NHTSA logged 405 owner complaints for the 2019 model year, including 10 alleged crashes, 3 fire-related reports, and 9 injury claims. These are unverified allegations, but the volume is high enough that buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's public database before committing to a purchase.

BY YEARSierra Limited 1500 by model year