Free used car buyer guide / Fifth generation / T1XX / 2019-2025
GMC Sierra 1500 common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.1/10
2 walk-away risks, 2 serious faults, 4 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 6.2 l87 connecting rod/crankshaft bearing-related engine failure. Score methodology.
The 2019-2025 Sierra 1500 is the nicer half of GM's T1XX pickup pair, but Denali and AT4 badges do not protect you from the same hard drivetrain issues. The expensive traps are 2021-2024 6.2 L87 engine failure under 25V274, 5.3/6.2 DFM lifter collapse, 2019-2022 eight-speed shudder, diesel 10-speed rear-wheel-lockup recall coverage, rear sliding-window frame leaks, and diesel emissions/3.0 oil-pump-belt expense. The safest buy is a 2022-2025 3.0 Duramax for real highway work, or a 2021-2025 2.7 TurboMax/5.3 with no towing abuse, no water staining and a clean scan. Owners should document every oil, recall, transmission and rear-glass repair because Sierra buyers now know these exact weak points.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
6.2 L87 connecting
Best years
2023-2025
Best buys
- 2023-2025 3.0 Duramax Denali/SLT used for highway miles with emissions records.
- 2021-2025 2.7 TurboMax Elevation/SLT for lighter work and lower V8 exposure.
- 2022-2025 5.3 with no tick, no misfire and short oil intervals.
Inspect hard
- 2021-2024 6.2 Denali/AT4: run 25V274 before discussing price.
- 2019-2022 8-speed trucks: warm converter-shudder and engagement test.
- Crew cab with rear slider: pull trim/headliner edges and look for water tracks.
Avoid
- 6.2 with open recall, lower-end knock or unexplained engine replacement.
- Truck with hot tick/P030x or repeated lifter repair.
- Wet rear cab, cracked rear slider frame or module faults after rain.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a GMC Sierra 1500 viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which GMC Sierra 1500 should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.7L turbo four-cylinder / TurboMax
2019-2025
SMART LIGHT-USE CHOICE
The 2.7 avoids DFM lifters and is strong enough for many owners who do not tow heavy. It needs clean oil/cooling history and honest expectations.
5.3L L84 V8 with DFM
2019-2025
GOOD IF SCAN-CLEAN
This is the common Sierra engine. It is easier to justify than the 6.2, but a DFM lifter tick or misfire changes the math immediately.
6.2L L87 V8
2019-2025
DENALI POWER, RECALL RISK
The 6.2 makes an AT4 or Denali feel special, yet 2021-2024 recall coverage and broader investigation history mean the VIN and oil file decide whether it is buyable.
3.0L Duramax LM2/LZ0 diesel
2020-2025
BEST ROAD-MILE ENGINE
The inline-six diesel is the Sierra's standout for long runs and towing economy. It needs DEF/NOx history, correct oil and recall software, not short urban use.
4.3L V6
2019-2021
FLEET VALUE ONLY
The old V6 is simple but less desirable and usually attached to work-truck specs. It can be fine if cheap, but it is not the Sierra most buyers search for.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2019
T1XX Sierra launches with new body, MultiPro tailgate, 2.7, 5.3/6.2 DFM and early 8-speed carryover concerns.
Buyer: First-year Sierras need rear-window, brake/module and 8-speed checks.
Owner: Watch rear cab water and keep launch-year update records.
2020
3.0 Duramax arrives and 10-speed availability expands.
Buyer: The diesel is attractive if recall and emissions history are clean.
Owner: Use diesel for proper hot runs and save DEF/emissions invoices.
2021
V8 production enters the core 6.2 recall era; 4.3 fades from most retail shopping.
Buyer: Run 6.2 VINs and scan 5.3s for DFM history.
Owner: Treat lower-end knock and top-end tick as different problems.
2022
Refresh transition/Limited split, updated interiors on later builds and ongoing diesel transmission software relevance.
Buyer: Know whether you are buying old-interior Limited or refreshed truck, then inspect drivetrain.
Owner: Keep recall and software documentation visible.
2023
LZ0 diesel arrives and Sierra's premium trims become more desirable used.
Buyer: Excellent diesel target year; still check 6.2 recall status.
Owner: Protect diesel resale with oil, fuel and emissions records.
2024
Last core 6.2 recall production year for many affected trucks.
Buyer: A 2024 Denali 6.2 still needs the VIN check.
Owner: Save all 25V274 correspondence.
2025
Post-recall-awareness market; buyers judge 6.2s by documentation.
Buyer: Use engine history to negotiate; a clean 3.0 or 2.7 may be better value.
Owner: Keep service proof because the next buyer will ask.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
6.2 L87 connecting rod/crankshaft bearing-related engine failure
Affects
Certain 2021-2024 Sierra 1500 6.2 L87 under NHTSA 25V274; investigation context includes 2019-2024.
Symptoms
Knock, reduced propulsion, check-engine light, low oil pressure, seizure, damaged block.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 when covered; EUR 8,000-15,000+ retail engine replacement.
Codes / scan clues
Misfire, oil pressure and cam/crank correlation codes vary.
Root cause: Connecting rod and/or crankshaft manufacturing defects can cause bearing failure.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 25V274.
- Listen for lower-end knock cold and hot.
- Ask for oil/filter inspection and engine replacement records.
- Check whether replacement engine details are documented.
Buyer note
A discounted Denali 6.2 is not attractive with an unclear recall file.
Owner note
Stop driving after knock or reduced propulsion.
Fault 2
5.3/6.2 DFM lifter collapse
Affects
2019-2025 Sierra 1500 5.3 L84 and 6.2 L87.
Symptoms
Tick, misfire, rough idle, reduced power, one-bank repair history.
Typical repair cost
EUR 2,500-6,000 lifters/cam; EUR 8,000+ engine.
Codes / scan clues
P0300-P0308, P3400-series, P3497.
Root cause: Cylinder-deactivation lifters can stick or collapse and damage cam lobes.
Quick check
- Scan all-cylinder misfire counters.
- Listen hot after a long drive.
- Review oil interval and repair invoices.
- Be cautious of partial repair with recurring tick.
Buyer note
A shiny AT4 with hot tick is still a bad truck.
Owner note
Do not tow or road-trip with tick plus misfire.
Fault 3
8-speed shudder and delayed engagement
Affects
2019-2022 Sierra 1500 with 8L90/8L80-family automatic, especially early 5.3/2.7 trucks.
Symptoms
Rumble-strip vibration, harsh low shifts, delayed Drive/Reverse, converter slip.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-900 fluid exchange; EUR 1,500-3,500 converter/valve body; EUR 4,000-7,000 rebuild.
Codes / scan clues
P0741, P0796, P0700; early shudder may store none.
Root cause: Torque-converter clutch shudder and fluid/control issues continued into early T1XX trucks.
Quick check
- Warm cruise at light throttle.
- Check hot Reverse and Drive engagement.
- Ask for updated fluid procedure records.
- Scan TCM slip data.
Buyer note
A smooth 8-speed can be acceptable; a shaking one needs priced-in repair.
Owner note
Do not reset adaptations repeatedly instead of diagnosing converter slip.
Fault 4
Diesel 10-speed transmission control valve lockup risk
Affects
2020-2022 Sierra 1500 diesel under 24V797 and related 26V083 correction population.
Symptoms
Harsh shift, check-engine light, fifth-gear limit, possible rear wheel lockup.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 software/recall; EUR 2,000-5,500 valve body/transmission repair.
Codes / scan clues
P0700 and valve performance codes vary.
Root cause: Transmission control valve wear can trigger pressure loss and dangerous downshift behavior.
Quick check
- VIN-check 24V797 and 26V083.
- Scan TCM for valve history.
- Road-test high-gear downshifts.
- Ask if recall repair was later corrected.
Buyer note
A diesel Sierra without final recall proof should not be treated as clean.
Owner note
Complete the updated action if your earlier repair was flagged.
Fault 5
Rear sliding-window frame and roof spoiler water leak
Affects
2019-2025 Sierra crew cabs, most reported on 2019-2022 power sliders.
Symptoms
Wet rear headliner, damp rear carpet, water streaks at slider, defrost or module faults.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-700 reseal; EUR 900-2,500 rear glass; more with interior/module damage.
Codes / scan clues
Body/network U-codes if water reaches modules.
Root cause: Plastic upper rail cracks or spoiler/window sealing leaks allow water into the rear cab.
Quick check
- Feel under rear seat and carpet padding.
- Inspect headliner corners and slider rail.
- Look for roof spoiler removal/reseal marks.
- Water-test if possible.
Buyer note
A wet rear cab is one of the fastest ways to ruin a premium Sierra interior.
Owner note
Fix the leak path and dry the padding, not just the visible carpet.
Fault 6
3.0 Duramax emissions, oil pump belt and short-trip sensitivity
Affects
2020-2025 Sierra 1500 3.0 Duramax LM2/LZ0.
Symptoms
DEF countdown, NOx codes, long crank, oil pressure warning, DPF soot load.
Typical repair cost
EUR 700-1,800 emissions sensors/DEF; EUR 2,000+ oil pump belt service depending labor.
Codes / scan clues
P20EE, P2201, P2463, P06DD.
Root cause: Diesel aftertreatment needs hot use, while the rear-mounted oil pump belt adds scheduled-service complexity.
Quick check
- Scan emissions readiness and permanent codes.
- Confirm correct oil and no delete/tune.
- Ask about highway use versus short trips.
- Check recall software status.
Buyer note
Buy the diesel for long work, not because city mileage looks good on paper.
Owner note
Use the correct oil and let regenerations finish.
Fault 7
2.7 TurboMax cooling, boost and work-use mismatch
Affects
2019-2025 Sierra 1500 2.7 turbo.
Symptoms
Boost fault, coolant smell, rough idle, reduced power, turbo noise.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-1,500 sensors/cooling/turbo control; EUR 2,000+ turbo-related work.
Codes / scan clues
P0299, P0234, P00B7, P0300.
Root cause: Small turbo engine works hard in a full-size truck; heat, oil quality and heavy towing expose marginal maintenance.
Quick check
- Check coolant level and staining.
- Road-test under boost.
- Review tow use and oil intervals.
- Scan for boost and misfire history.
Buyer note
The 2.7 is good for sensible use, not for constant heavy towing.
Owner note
Let service intervals follow load, temperature and towing reality.
Fault 8
MultiPro tailgate, camera and body-module faults after water or impact
Affects
2019-2025 Sierra with MultiPro tailgate and high-option camera systems.
Symptoms
Camera glitches, tailgate release faults, water in connectors, warning messages, intermittent rear camera.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-900 wiring/camera/latch diagnosis; EUR 1,000-2,500+ if modules or tailgate parts are damaged.
Codes / scan clues
Body/camera U-codes, latch circuit codes.
Root cause: Complex tailgate wiring, rear camera hardware and water exposure from rear cab/bed sealing make high-option Sierras more diagnosis-heavy.
Quick check
- Operate every MultiPro position.
- Test all camera views.
- Inspect tailgate harness and connectors.
- Check for rear water intrusion before blaming electronics.
Buyer note
A Denali feature fault can cost more than a work-truck tailgate.
Owner note
Repair water leaks before chasing repeat camera faults.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- VIN report for 25V274, 24V797 and 26V083.
- Oil records and any lifter/engine invoices.
- Transmission service/software records.
- Rear-window leak repair photos/invoices.
- Inspect rear slider, spoiler, headliner and rear carpet.
- Check hitch, bed, tyres and suspension for heavy work use.
- Look for DEF, oil, coolant and transmission leaks.
- Operate MultiPro tailgate and inspect wiring.
- Scan all modules.
- Test camera views, trailer brake, HUD and infotainment.
- Check for reduced propulsion, service transmission or body warnings.
- Listen to V8s cold and hot.
- Warm-test 8-speed/10-speed shift quality.
- For diesel, include highway pull and emissions warning check.
- For 2.7, confirm clean boost.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy the 3.0 Duramax for real miles, the 2.7 for lighter use, or a well-documented 5.3. A 6.2 Denali/AT4 needs a stronger paper trail than any other Sierra.
Avoid: Avoid unresolved 6.2 trucks, V8s with tick/misfire, early 8-speed shudder trucks, diesels missing recall proof and any wet rear cab.
Quick answers
GMC Sierra 1500 buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common GMC Sierra 1500 2019-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 6.2 L87 connecting rod/crankshaft bearing-related engine failure; 5.3/6.2 DFM lifter collapse; 8-speed shudder and delayed engagement. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years are the best to buy?
2023-2025 stand out in this generation. Buy the 3.0 Duramax for real miles, the 2.7 for lighter use, or a well-documented 5.3. A 6.2 Denali/AT4 needs a stronger paper trail than any other Sierra.
Which GMC Sierra 1500 should I avoid?
Avoid unresolved 6.2 trucks, V8s with tick/misfire, early 8-speed shudder trucks, diesels missing recall proof and any wet rear cab.
Is the GMC Sierra 1500 2019-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.1/10 (buy with checks). 2 walk-away risks, 2 serious faults, 4 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 6.2 l87 connecting rod/crankshaft bearing-related engine failure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the GMC Sierra 1500 guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLRPT-25V274-1598.PDF
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLRPT-24V797-2072.PDF
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCAK-26V083-5916.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10161884-9999.pdf
- carcomplaints.com: engine.shtml
- gm-trucks.com: 351-2019-2025-silverado-sierra
- static.nhtsa.gov: INIM-PE25001-11952.pdf
- gm-techlink.com: GM_TechLink_20_Mid-October_2020.pdf
- gm-trucks.com: 251598-lifter-problems-on-53-l-and-62-l-engines-8-cylinder
- tsbsearch.com: 18-NA-355
- chucks-garage.com: common-issue-with-the-silverado-transmission
- carcomplaints.com: power_train-2.shtml
- apnews.com: 9d1067efee1c2713ae8633b1965bf9c9
- gm-trucks.com: 244443-rear-window-leak
- silveradosierra.com: rear-window-leak-on-2019-21s.743292
- gm-trucks.com: forums
- starlingchevygmc.com: gmc-sierra-1500-reliability-ratings
- static.nhtsa.gov: tsbs