All or most of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 models are having the same exact issue, the coolant hoses that cools transmission oil are exposed metal to metal rubbing against each others, and over time from driving normally will eventually cause transmission oil leaks in different areas of the hose element, GM technicians acknowledge it a faulty design from the manufacturer , so GM…
2019 Chevrolet Silverado HD engine problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 14 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado HD, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Chevrolet Silverado HD we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 14.
Engine accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a string of serious engine problems with the 2019 Silverado HD. Glow plug electrical connectors fail, pushing trucks into limp mode at highway speeds with no warning—one owner nearly caused an accident on an interstate. GM issued a warranty covering glow plugs but not the faulty connector that caused the failure, leaving the owner disputing the coverage. One truck caught fire in the engine compartment at just 5,000 miles; the manufacturer declined to issue a recall, stating no remedy existed.
Oxygen sensors trigger service lights repeatedly, and in one case caused total loss of power and brake response at 44,000 miles. Coolant reservoir sensors give false low-coolant alarms daily despite resets, masking real warnings. Injection pumps fail and render trucks undrivable. One owner reports exposed metal-to-metal contact in transmission oil cooler hoses causing leaks; GM technicians acknowledged the faulty design but the manufacturer's customer loyalty program denies repair costs.
Turbocharger actuators fail without warning, dropping power to 35-40 mph on highway grades. Engines surge uncontrollably during deceleration. DEF and turbo systems initiate speed limiters preventing towing. Dealers claim they cannot reproduce many of these issues. Transmission-cooled hose leaks and recall coverage mismatches compound the picture.
Failure modes owners describe
Glow Plug Electrical Connector Failure
Faulty electrical connector to glow plugs fails, causing glow plugs to malfunction and triggering limp mode. Owner disputes warranty coverage because GM covered only the glow plug itself, not the underlying connector defect.
When: Prior to 04/25/21 and 08/25/21; GM issued recall letter dated August 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Engine enters limp mode while driving 60 mph; Vehicle shaking; All check engine lights illuminate; Difficulty steering to safe exit
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: GM warranty covered glow plugs within 15 years/150,000 miles (240,000 km), but owner was charged for repair of electrical connector
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM letter dated August 2021 covering glow plug failure under extended warranty (15 years/150,000 miles); warranty dispute over connector coverage
Sparks from Rear End
Vehicle emits sparks from rear end at speeds of 35 mph or higher on three separate occasions. Dealer unable to identify cause. Recommended limp mode workaround instead of repair.
When: At approximately 5,235 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sparks emitting from rear end; Fire concern
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealer recommended placing vehicle in limp mode as workaround
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM advised dealer to place vehicle in limp mode and return to owner if sparks do not occur
Oxygen (O2) Sensor Failure
O2 sensor malfunction triggers persistent service engine light. One vehicle had parts on backorder and was not repaired; another owner lost motive power and brake operability due to faulty O2 sensor.
When: At 71,000 miles (first case); at 44,000 miles (second case with power loss)
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light; Vehicle lost motive power; Accelerator and brake pedals became inoperable; Engine power reduced message
Codes mentioned: Service engine light, Engine power reduced message
Repairs/costs cited: Parts on backorder; vehicle not repaired in first case. Owner did not seek repair in second case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline; no additional assistance provided
Engine Compartment Fire
Engine compartment caught fire while vehicle was being pulled into driveway at low mileage. Fire spread and destroyed entire vehicle. Cause not determined.
When: At 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine compartment fire; Fire spread to entire vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; no repair attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated no recall letter would be issued because no injuries occurred and no remedy was available
Coolant Reservoir Sensor Fault
Low coolant warning light illuminates repeatedly despite daily resets, indicating faulty coolant reservoir level sensor. Two owners report this recurring false alarm that masks important vehicle information.
When: At 72,000 miles (first case); timing not specified (second case)
Symptoms owners cite: Low coolant warning light illuminates daily despite reset; False low coolant alarm
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant reservoir container replacement required; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised owner to report failure to NHTSA Hotline
Fuel Injection Pump Failure
Injection pump fails, rendering vehicle not drivable. Check engine light illuminates. Owner aware of unknown recall but VIN not included.
When: At 194,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light; Vehicle not drivable
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Injection pump replacement required; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline; owner found reference to unknown recall but VIN was not included
Coolant Hose Transmission Oil Leak
Coolant hoses cooling transmission oil have exposed metal-to-metal contact that rubs and causes transmission oil leaks. Owner claims GM technicians acknowledge faulty design from manufacturer. GM offered customer loyalty program that denies repair at company expense.
When: Not specified; described as affecting all or most 2019 Silverado 2500 and 3500 models
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission oil leaks
Repairs/costs cited: GM offered customer loyalty program but denies repair at manufacturer expense
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer loyalty program offered but denies covering repair costs
Variable Geometry Turbocharger Actuator Failure
Turbocharger actuator fails, causing significant power loss. Vehicle cannot maintain highway speed on uphill grades, creating traffic safety hazard.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Significant decrease in engine power; Speed drops to 35-40 mph on 75 mph highway grades; Near-miss traffic incidents
Engine Surge During Deceleration
Engine surges when releasing accelerator pedal during deceleration to stop. RPMs drop and spike 3-6 times without operator input. Occurs consistently but dealer reports no visible issue.
When: Not specified; described as happening all the time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surges; RPM fluctuations (drop and spike 3-6 times) during deceleration; Occurs during all stops
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service states they cannot reproduce or identify problem
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System and Turbo Restriction
DEF and turbo system prevents towing and initiates speed limiters. Vehicle speed limited to 65 mph with warning of further restriction to 55 mph within 55 miles, impacting work capability.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Will not allow towing; Speed limited to 65 mph; Warning of speed restriction to 55 mph
Diesel Regen Odor and Fumes
During regeneration cycle, vehicle emits strong odor of burnt rubber mixed with toxic fumes, most noticeable on passenger side rear. Exhaust gases also detectable inside vehicle.
When: During regen cycles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burnt rubber odor; Toxic fume smell; Exhaust gas odor inside vehicle
Recall Coverage Disconnect
Owner received NHTSA recall notification but dealer stated vehicle was not included in recall. Represents parts distribution or record-matching failure.
When: Not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 19V328000 (ENGINE) issued; vehicle claimed not included in recall despite notification
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v328000 (engine). The contact called antelope valley Chevrolet at 855-790-7876 (located at 1160 motor ln, lancaster, ca 93534) and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a…
Tl* the contact owned a 2019 Chevrolet silverado 2500. While pulling into the driveway, the engine comparmtment caught fire. The fire spread and burned the entire vehicle. The police and fire departments were present. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The driver was able to exit the vehicle before the fire spread. There were no injuries. The cause of the failure was not…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator and brake pedals became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the engine power reduced message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service engine message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the Oxygen (O2) sensor needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the service engine message was…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 Chevrolet Silverado HD?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado HD?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 65,206 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Chevrolet/Silverado HD.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.