2019–2026 GMC Sierra 1500: what to inspect before you bid at auction

Before you bid: what to have checked

Issues documented for this generation. They are patterns for the model, not findings about any specific car, and many depend on the engine, mileage and service history. Confirm on the unit you are bidding on.

• 6.2L V8 (L87) connecting rod/crankshaft recall, 2021-2024 model years: "may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure" (NHTSA 25V274000) verified source
  System: Engine (major) · Documented around: not specified in recall · About: 2021-2024 model years
  Source: NHTSA recall 25V274000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V274000), report received 24/04/2025, 597571 units potentially affected per NHTSA (multi-model)
• 3.0L Duramax diesel transmission control valve recall (2020-2022): "may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up" (NHTSA 24V797000) verified source
  System: Transmission (major) · Documented around: not specified in recall · About: 2020-2022 model years (diesel only, built before 2022-03-21)
  Source: NHTSA recall 24V797000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V797000), report received 24/10/2024, 463295 units potentially affected per NHTSA; NHTSA recall 26V083000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V083000), report received 12/02/2026, 1055 units potentially affected per NHTSA
• Electronic brake control module software mismatch fails to display low-brake-fluid warning verified source
  System: Brakes · Documented around: not applicable · About: 2023 model year
  Source: NHTSA recall 24V674000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V674000), report received 12/09/2024, 449671 units potentially affected per NHTSA
• Owner-reported hydraulic lifter/camshaft failure on engines with Dynamic Fuel Management, with engine knock/misfire verified source
  System: Engine (major) · Documented around: carcomplaints.com averages ~8,000-9,600 mi at complaint filing; owner narratives describe failures at 44,000-96,000 mi · About: 2020-2021 model years most documented
  Source: carcomplaints.com 2020 Sierra 1500 engine page (174 complaints it sources from NHTSA); 2021 page (196); NHTSA complaints API keyword search 2026-10-23
• Coolant control valve failure (check-engine light, overheating), 3.0L Duramax commonly reported
  System: Engine cooling · Documented around: not specified · About: 2021-2023 model years
  Source: carcomplaints.com 2021 Sierra 1500 (one owner-reported $2,400 out-of-warranty repair); pickuptrucktalk.com
• Roof-rail side air bag inflator recall 24V756000; NHTSA lists only MY2018 Sierra 1500, so it does not apply to this 2019-2026 generation verified source
  System: Body hardware · Documented around: not applicable · About: 2018 model year (small population)
  Source: NHTSA recall 24V756000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V756000), report received 10/10/2024, 2061 units potentially affected per NHTSA
• Front upper grille chrome deflector attachment points fracture, can detach while driving verified source
  System: Body hardware · Documented around: not applicable · About: 2022 model year (post-facelift), built 2021-11-09 through 2022-09-29
  Source: NHTSA recall 25V060000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V060000), report received 06/02/2025, 70768 units potentially affected per NHTSA

Recon cost reference

Estimates from the sources shown, priced as of 2026-09-04. Your shop rate, parts sourcing and the car's actual condition decide the real number. These are not quotes.

NHTSA recalls: verify this VIN

A recall that applies to a model is not proof that a specific car has an open recall. Whether this VIN is affected, and whether the repair was done, is shown by NHTSA's VIN lookup. Check it before you bid.

No campaign list is stored for this generation. Look the VIN up with NHTSA.

Manufacturer bulletins (TSBs)

Technical service bulletins are the manufacturer's own guidance to its dealers. A bulletin is not a recall and does not mean a repair is free. Coverage depends on the manufacturer's terms and the VIN.

• 23-NA-185
  Transfer case 'Service 4WD' DIC message, intermittent failures, noise, driveline/steering vibration/shudder
  Repair procedure bulletin
  Source: carcomplaints.com 2023 Sierra 1500 TSB listing
• 19-NA-218
  Ticking noise from the engine (bulletin dated 2019; carcomplaints.com lists it for the 2023 model year)
  Repair procedure bulletin
  Source: carcomplaints.com 2023 Sierra 1500 TSB listing
• PIT6134
  Premature brake pad wear
  Preliminary Information bulletin
  Source: carcomplaints.com 2023 Sierra 1500 TSB listing

Sources and when this was researched

Last researched: 2026-09-04. VehicleIQ research for this generation; each item above names its own source and whether it is a verified source or commonly reported. Details change, so treat this as a starting point for your inspection.