2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 140 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, 21% of all 671 complaints filed for that year. Median mileage at failure is 20,000 miles, and one related driveshaft recall (campaign 20V650000) is tied to this area.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 140
- 21% of 671
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 20,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report hard, jarring shifts between 1st and 2nd gear at low speed, often described as feeling like being rear-ended.
- Several report the transmission bucking, lurching, or shuddering when accelerating from a stop or coming off idle.
- Some describe the truck downshifting or hesitating unexpectedly, including one case where it dropped from third to first gear on its own at 10 mph.
- Owners report hesitation or lack of power response when accelerating at highway speeds above 50 mph in higher gears.
- A few report hard shifts between reverse and drive accompanied by a clunk or bump, sometimes strong enough to jolt items being towed.
- Dealers reportedly told several owners that the hard-shifting behavior was normal for the transmission, per a service bulletin referenced by one owner.
When 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 22, 2018, latest Sep 8, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500
- NHTSA 20V650000Oct 22, 2020Transmission & Powertrain42 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sierra 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission problems in the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
- NHTSA lists 140 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Sierra 1500, making up 21% of the 671 total complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do 2019 Sierra 1500 transmission problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 20,000 miles.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
- Yes. Recall campaign 20V650000, reported October 22, 2020, covers a driveshaft joint that may not have been properly welded on certain 2019-2020 Sierra 1500 and Silverado 1500 trucks; GM replaces the driveshaft free of charge.
- Have transmission complaints caused crashes or injuries on the 2019 Sierra 1500?
- NHTSA data for this area on the 2019 Sierra 1500 shows 0 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the reported complaints.
- What symptoms do owners describe most often?
- The most common reports involve hard or jerky shifts between 1st and 2nd gear, bucking or lurching on acceleration, and occasional unexpected downshifts or hesitation.