JKD

Could have been something leaking from a truck and the vehicle in front of you kicked it up, kinda like how wet roads leave a film on the sides of your vehicle but not the hood or roof so much. I agree with OnTheReel, need to clay the truck before the sun cures whatever that is. From your description, sounds like paint. Get a bucket of soapy water (heavy soap) and clay bar (I like to use synthetic clay). Griot’s and Mother’s both make synthetic clay and available at local auto parts store. Do a 12” x 12” section at a time keeping the panel and the clay very soapy. Rinse and repeat until that section is free of the overspray. It usually doesn’t take that much elbow grease, let the clay do the work...don’t press too hard and use up and down, not circular motion. Once finished, wash the entire truck and apply a good coat of wax/polymer sealant. This not only protects the paint, but will make it much easier to remove bugs, tar and future overspray. Good luck. Zaino Brothers website has some great clay bar techniques and advice if you care to check it out. No, I’m not soliciting business, just some good techniques I found on the site a while back.

I can’t believe this issue is still going on. I was one of the first. I was absolutely livid that my $70K 2019 Sierra Denali began leaking at the rear window. My heart goes out to all who have been affected by this defect and the myriad other issues. There’s nothing worse than having a brand new vehicle with problems. I’ll list mine in order: 1. Rear window leak 2. Infotainment glitches a. Infotainment Climate control intermittent malfunction b. Can’t find Navigation SD card c. Blue screen for reverse cam 3. Anti collision braking not working 4. Brake life indicator counting down too quickly 5. Passenger side mirror not folding in completely 6. Intermittent loss of side view camera image 7. Slight shaking at highway speeds 8. Driver side front window auto up stops half way and goes back down (really annoying) 9. Passive door locks sometimes don’t work 10. Horn chirp is muted (Sounds soft and weak) when remote arming security system i think that’s all ? Oh!...and now none of the driver assist features work after the latest front camera software recall (N192275630) performed by the dealership today. No lane assist, no pedestrian braking, no forward emergency braking. I love the way this truck looks and how it rides (except for the occasional shaking at highway speed - which is intermittent), but overall disappointed in GM’s quality control. Most of these systems are not new technology so this isn’t first model year issues, with the exception of the rear window leak.

There is a technical bulletin 19-NA-191 that covers this issue, but the latest software update (reflashing the ECBM) performed under the following recall should solve the problem: GM Recall #: N192268090 NHTSA # 19V889 Date Issued: Dec 12, 2019 Just make sure the dealership resets the brake life indicator to 100%. My truck had almost 15K miles on it and the dealership just performed today. However, if this is in fact an algorithm and not actually sensors then I’m afraid this is just a bandaid for a useless feature. Ultimately and fortunately the brake pads have the age old wear indicators that will squeal when the pads get too worn, but it’s still nice to see the DIC not telling me I have only 14% pad life left after 14K miles, even if it really means nothing because this is a ridiculously useless feature. I’d rather have the sunglasses compartment by the map lights (that couldn’t hold anything larger than a pair of aviators) than this stupid brake life indicator. Lol

Ian, I’m a fan of the square tips you show in the pics. This body style has some sharp transitions that would be complimented by the square tips better than the round tips...in my opinion.

Same for me. The dealer closest to me has a bad reputation. I go 30 miles out of my way in horrible traffic for the better service. Just can’t take any chances. Oddly enough, that’s how these dealers make money; service. They do well on warranty service as well so it baffles the imagination why in the world they wouldn’t want to keep a customer happy. Laziness???

Demon, that’s one badass looking truck!

Sorry to hear of another GM customer experiencing this leak issue. I have to admit, I was very upset about it. However, GM did fix the issue and no further problems. Can’t say the same for other makes I have owned. Hang in there, I’m confident they will get yours right also.

Got mine back Friday 21st of December and no leaks after the replacement rear window. GM is placing the affected vehicles on a numbered list based on time of report of leak. I was one of the first reported cases and it took 39 days to get my truck back. Depending on how many are in front of you, it could be quite a while judging from my experience. As outrag 1 stated, be loud, but be civil. I would remind the dealership to do everything in their power to make you happy since 1. GM is paying for the repair and loaner vehicle and 2. They may like your repeat business. Also, be sure to get it on the record with GM Customer Service. Water damage is no joke, so be sure to let the dealership know that you want to inspect the truck, while they have it torn down, for damage. They will have to remove the rear seats and seat backs to replace the rear window assembly. It’s a perfect time to inspect for rust, mild and mildew.

No, thats definitely not a good sign. Got mine back after 39 days at the dealership. They replaced the entire rear window and headliner. The fix survived a direct pressure wash today, no leaks. That being said, I wouldn’t buy a new one unless it was certified leak proof. Evidently GM has a new manufacturer for the rear windows. Also, I know of two others locally with 2019 Sierras and no leak problems....yet.

Yes, I agree about the first model year, but they haven’t reinvented the proverbial wheel with this iteration. I hope this is the first and last issue with this vehicle. ?

MTsound, sorry to hear you are having the same problem. The unofficial word is that the problem is very widespread and GM has fired the original manufacturer of the rear windows for 2019 Silverados and Sierras and has hired a new manufacturer. It has been 37 days for me without the truck. However, I’m pleased that GM has taken the steps to ensure the issue is corrected permanently. Among many questions, one stands out: When will a recall be issued to save loyal customers from the potential vehicle damage from a leaking window?

But why does it happen? Shouldn’t be from too much air flow.

It’s now been 30 days the truck has been at the dealership awaiting repair. Unbelievable.

That’s great Demon! My location “must be a geographical oddity...two weeks from everywhere” for my truck’s parts (to quote “Oh Brother Where Art Thou”)

Lol, because of an air filter? Does the trans work off of 1950’s vacuum technology? What a bunch of bull! Show me the science where increased airflow causes shifting errors. No, the real problem is subpar programming. The ECU should make the proper adjustments for airflow and density. The six speed trans in my 2016 Canyon was just OK, and you had to feather the accelerator or the engine would just rev and it couldn’t seem to find the right gear when traveling between 35 and 40 mph. Look, all makes have issues. I’m not bashing GM alone for having issues, but they just need to acknowledge and fix them without the smoke and mirrors routine.

I find it interesting that GM selectively replies to certain posts. It’s nice that they read this forum, but they seem to only chime in on the relatively “simple to repair” issues. What, no comment, GM, on the multiple customers experiencing water damage from leaking windows?

Yeah, they’ve got me in a 2018 Sierra SLE, which wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for what has been quoted as the ugliest green since the 70’s ?

I hope so and that they have engineered a fix. I really like the truck. It’s truly heart breaking and infuriating to buy a vehicle and have to endure this process of discovery and repair which happens at a snail’s pace. Meanwhile, payments are being made for a vehicle that can’t be used. Then having to endure the embarrassing comments from others, “you should have bought” a Ford or Toyota. As earlier stated by another member, this has completely ruined the ownership experience. If they’d give me another Denali as a loaner, couldn’t care how long it takes. Otherwise, either fix it now or give me a new truck GM.

Thanks for sharing. Be prepared to wait a while since the parts are not readily available. I’m going on day 21 that my Denali has been out of service and at the dealership. Unfortunately, I believe my fears have been realized that this issue is more prevalent than not. GM has passed on a real engineering problem to its customers. Tommy, be sure to contact GM customer service to ensure the dealer works diligently to resolve this issue. I find using the chat session is best since you can save a copy on your computer. May come in handy later ?

Thanks! Was actually checking out that Porter Cable at Autogeeks night before last. They offer some pretty good “how to” videos as well. ??

Lol, I’m finding out how much work a black vehicle is. Been doing a lot of research and it’s going to cost some money to get the paint corrected. Gonna do it myself since I don’t trust anyone else these days! ? Yes, the foam cannon and the two bucket wash method with grit guard is a must for dark finishes. But damn it looks good when clean. Thanks for the tip on Griots products. I use some of their products but have mainly used Zaino for years. I think Griots is just as good and is available at local parts store which is a big plus. Any recommendations on a good but cost effective DA polisher?

Sometimes it takes a few minutes for the ambient light detector in the top-middle of your dash to detect the light level at vehicle start-up. I use the remote start feature often and remove the sunshade I use in the front windshield after pressing the start button to run the vehicle. It always takes a few minutes for the instrument/ infotainment brightness to adjust to the ambient light. It’s an engineered delay to prevent excessive dimming cycles when passing under overpasses in daylight and under street lights at night.

Update: Has been 18 days at the dealership and still not fixed. Removed and resealed the rear window only to find out today that the whole window needs to be replaced now because it’s leaking at the sliding window top rail even though it was confirmed by the dealer that the window seal itself was leaking due to poor job by factory in applying sealant. May be another two weeks to get the window from the factory. Then they have to take the windshield out in order to replace the headliner. Doubt I buy another GM after this one. Don’t what I’d get into because it seems automotive quality is degrading to the level of the 1980’s again.

Thanks Sierra Dan, I hand wash and wax my truck once a week. Has never seen a car wash which may explain why the leak wasn’t detected earlier. Sold my 2 year old Canyon for $$$$$, still looked like it just came of the showroom floor.

Agreed. Both of us have brand new trucks about a month old with the same problem in the same place. Time will tell how prevalent the issue is as hopefully others find this post and share their experience.