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2019 GMC Sierra

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 marked the beginning of the fourth generation of this popular pickup truck. It offered a range of engine options including a 2.7L turbocharged inline-4, a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V8 (with and without Dynamic Fuel Management), and a 6.2L V8. Transmission options primarily included a 6-speed automatic, an 8-speed automatic, and a 10-speed automatic, depending on the engine. The 2.7L turbo inline-4 produced 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. The 2019 Sierra was generally praised for its updated styling, comfortable ride, and improved technology features. Some criticisms included the relatively high price point compared to competitors, and some early production quality issues.

Engine

2.7L Turbo Inline-4

  • Engine Misfires
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported engine misfires, particularly at higher mileage. This can manifest as rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and the check engine light illuminating. The cause is most commonly faulty spark plugs or ignition coils.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty spark plugs or ignition coils.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the turbocharger, including failures and reduced boost pressure. Symptoms can include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine bay, and the check engine light.
    • Solution: Turbocharger inspection and replacement if needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8 (with and without Dynamic Fuel Management)

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: A common complaint involves the failure of the AFM/DFM lifters, leading to engine misfires, rough running, and potential damage to the camshaft. Symptoms often include a ticking or knocking noise from the engine.
    • Solution: Replacing the failed lifters and potentially the camshaft. AFM/DFM delete kits are also an option.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (depending on the extent of damage and repair method)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled changes.
    • Solution: Diagnosis can involve checking for leaks, performing a compression test, and potentially replacing valve stem seals or piston rings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ (depending on the source of the leak and repairs needed)
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L V8

  • Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.3L V8, the 6.2L V8 can also experience AFM/DFM lifter failure, leading to engine misfires, rough running, and potential damage to the camshaft. Symptoms often include a ticking or knocking noise from the engine.
    • Solution: Replacing the failed lifters and potentially the camshaft. AFM/DFM delete kits are also an option.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ (depending on the extent of damage and repair method)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled changes.
    • Solution: Diagnosis can involve checking for leaks, performing a compression test, and potentially replacing valve stem seals or piston rings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ (depending on the source of the leak and repairs needed)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (8L90)

  • Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: The 8L90 transmission has been known to exhibit harsh shifting, particularly between lower gears, and hesitation during acceleration. These symptoms are sometimes related to valve body issues or torque converter problems.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body replacement, or torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $4,000+ (depending on the issue and repairs)
    • Recalls: None Found

10-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported similar issues to the 8-speed, including harsh shifting, particularly between lower gears, and hesitation during acceleration. These symptoms are sometimes related to valve body issues or torque converter problems.
    • Solution: Transmission fluid flush, valve body replacement, or torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $4,000+ (depending on the issue and repairs)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Shaking/Vibration at Highway Speeds
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported a noticeable shaking or vibration at highway speeds. This can be attributed to issues with wheel balancing, worn suspension components (such as ball joints or tie rod ends), or a bent wheel.
    • Solution: Wheel balancing, suspension component replacement, or wheel replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the vibration)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, and connectivity problems with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
    • Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software updates) - $1,500+ (for unit replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive battery drain, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods. This can be caused by parasitic draws from various electrical components.
    • Solution: Identifying and addressing the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve testing and replacing faulty modules or components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Power Tailgate Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the power tailgate, including it not opening or closing properly, or making unusual noises.
    • Solution: Inspection and repair or replacement of the tailgate motor, sensors, or struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the seat heaters not working or overheating.
    • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, while offering improvements in design and technology, has several common issues to be aware of. The engine and transmission, particularly the AFM/DFM systems on the V8 engines and the shifting performance of the 8-speed and 10-speed transmissions, are the most significant sources of complaints and potentially the most expensive to repair. Electrical issues with the infotainment system and battery drain are also relatively common. While some issues can be addressed with relatively inexpensive fixes, major repairs related to the engine or transmission can be costly. It is advisable for potential buyers to thoroughly inspect the vehicle, review its maintenance history, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, paying close attention to the engine and transmission performance.

GMC, Sierra
GMC Sierra 2019
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