Wrench.Pro

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine block heater and engine. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Trailer brake control warnings and inoperative brakes.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Campaign #21V496000 · Jan 7, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.

Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.

ENGINE

Campaign #19V328000 · Apr 25, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.

Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.

Fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #23V047000 · Feb 2, 2023

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR

Campaign #24V756000 · Oct 10, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Crew Cab trucks. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC Customer Service at 888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242474500.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #25V432000 · Jun 26, 2025

Issue: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Sierra 2500, 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increases the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2025. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252513060.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #26V166000 · Mar 19, 2026

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 Crew Cab vehicles. The left or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262549710. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #26V325000 · May 21, 2026

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, and Sierra 3500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.

Risk: A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 24, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262557310. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 21, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V166.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.

Reported to NHTSA

Trailer brake control warnings and inoperative brakes

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, TRAILER HITCHES, SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2026-04

“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and started, the message "Service Trailer Brake System" was displayed on the instrument panel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731680
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at 30-35 MPH with a 2017 Heartland Bighorn trailer hitched to the vehicle, the message “Check Trailer Wiring” was displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488981
“Repeated temporary failures in the Integrated Trailer Braking Control (ITBC) results in trailer brakes being inoperable (disconnected) while driving as indicated by the warning display on the dash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11571180

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of engine power and limp-mode activation

ENGINE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2026-03

“I was driving down the road at approximately 55 mph when all of a sudden, my truck decelerated and a warning signal displayed on my dash indicating my speed was being forcibly reduced to approximately 30 mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722483
“My truck went into limp mode with pulling a trailer on the highway due to a wide known injector pigtail failing. The truck would not accelerate, started shaking and lost speed suddenly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714726
“WHEN VEHICLE IS ACCELERATING ANYWHERE FROM 30-50 MPH, THE TRUCK LOSES POWER FOR SEVERAL SECONDS, AND STARTS SPUTTERING OR CHUGGING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11180875

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Low coolant warning light with full reservoir

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2025-02

“Every time the truck is started it will give a dash screen warning of "Low Coolant Level" even though the reservoir is completely full”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644703
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585383
“THE TRUCK WAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE ENGINE BLOCKER HEATER WHICH WAS PERFORMED. SINCE THAT RECALL WAS PERFORMED I KEEP GETTING LOW COOLANT WARNINGS ON THE DASH IN ERROR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374988

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) fill and venting issues

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2024-07

“The DEF fill tube is under the hood on the opposite side of the fuel filling tube. To fill the DEF at a truck stop, one has to park really close to the pumps and stretch the hose across a hot engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603408
“The DEF fill port is not vented and provides a tight fit with the DEF dispensing hose and nozzle at a truck filling station. The DEF dispensing nozzle cannot be placed entirely in the port since it pressurizes the DEF tank and causes block back spray on the operator”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11603410
“Lack of proper venting of the DEF holding tank causes tank to buckle and expand resulting in very loud metal banging sounds as vehicle travels between high and low elevations”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592834

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2024-02

“The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH in inclement weather, the contact heard a loud explosion, and then the vehicle swerved”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570046
“On a trip from Southern California to Waco, TX, tire tread separation occurred on the driver's side front tire (Goodyear Wrangler ST-A LT265/60R20) on Sept 4, 2023 in Deming, NM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11546171
“WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE, ENTERING INTERSTATE I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE UNCONTROLLABLE VIBRATION IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE HAD SUDDENLY LOST TREAD WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339685

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine block heater cord recall parts unavailable

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2022-01

“Recall N212329840, N182206310, N182206311. We have received these recalls for the heater block heater cord for our 2019 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax Diesel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11447307
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V496000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441315
“GM RECALL ON BLOCK HEATER CORD. THIS HAS BEEN OPEN FOR OVER 1 YEAR, AND I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THE FIX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11309024

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2026-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268508
“Vehicle caught fire in engine compartment and caught rest of truck on fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436966
“ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WITH VISIBLE FLAMES. DRIVING ON A GRAVEL ROAD APPROXIMATELY 10 MILES PER HOUR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11324112

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

116 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →