Years to avoid
GMC Sierra 1500 Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2021, 2020, 2022 model years stand out as the weakest in this GMC Sierra 1500 dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 69/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 523
- Recalls, weakest year
- 10
60/100 reliability
22-point range
10 crash · 3 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 ranks last
The 2019 scores 60/100, rated good, versus a model average of 69/100. NHTSA data contains 523 owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Engine (159), Power Train (106), Electrical System (63), Service Brakes (53). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 record →Evidence by year
The weakest GMC Sierra 1500 model years compared
2019 GMC Sierra 1500
- Complaints
- 523
- Recalls
- 10
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Engine (159), Power Train (106), Electrical System (63)
View 2019 details →2021 GMC Sierra 1500
- Complaints
- 420
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 5
- Fire reports
- 6
Top issues: Engine (142), Power Train (95), Electrical System (45)
View 2021 details →2020 GMC Sierra 1500
- Complaints
- 368
- Recalls
- 11
- Crash reports
- 10
- Fire reports
- 4
Top issues: Engine (108), Power Train (70), Electrical System (44)
View 2020 details →2022 GMC Sierra 1500
- Complaints
- 439
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 8
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Engine (122), Power Train (73), Structure (72)
View 2022 details →Better alternatives
Stronger GMC Sierra 1500 years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this GMC Sierra 1500 data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's GMC Sierra 1500 research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
GMC Sierra 1500 research FAQ
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years should I avoid?
2019, 2021, 2020, 2022 score materially below the strongest GMC Sierra 1500 years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 60/100, with 523 owner complaints and 10 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring GMC Sierra 1500 year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst GMC Sierra 1500 year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (82/100), 2025 (80/100), 2024 (73/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific GMC Sierra 1500 you are considering.