2019 GMC Sierra Denali 6.2L – Radio Cutting In and Out Randomly, Even After Head Unit Replacement

[Alex2025]

Video posted on reddit here (too large to upload): 

 

 

I’m dealing with a weird and persistent issue with my 2019 Sierra Denali 6.2L and hoping someone here might have some insight.

Issue:
The radio/audio system cuts in and out randomly. Sometimes it works for days with no problem, then out of nowhere, it will start cutting in and out—sometimes for seconds, other times for hours or even days.

What’s been done so far:

• Dealership ran two software updates on the head unit (no change).
• They replaced the head unit entirely (worked fine for two weeks, then came back even worse and more persistent).
• The issue affects all audio functions: XM, Bluetooth, AM/FM, Android Auto, CarPlay, phone calls—everything.
• Tried eliminating my phone as a variable (turned it off and removed it from the system’s memory—no difference).

Interesting behavior:

• Turn signals still make sound even when the system cuts out. The dealership says this likely rules out the amp since the turn signal chime plays through the speakers. However, this is the only speaker function that still works when the system is acting up.

Next steps:

• Truck is going back to the dealership next week, but so far, they’re scratching their heads. They’ve been great to work with, but they’re out of ideas for now.

Has anyone else experienced this exact issue on a GM Model of this generation? If so, what was the fix?

[GMCustomerService]

2 hours ago, Alex2025 said:

Video posted on reddit here (too large to upload): 

 

 

I’m dealing with a weird and persistent issue with my 2019 Sierra Denali 6.2L and hoping someone here might have some insight.

Issue:
The radio/audio system cuts in and out randomly. Sometimes it works for days with no problem, then out of nowhere, it will start cutting in and out—sometimes for seconds, other times for hours or even days.

What’s been done so far:

• Dealership ran two software updates on the head unit (no change).
• They replaced the head unit entirely (worked fine for two weeks, then came back even worse and more persistent).
• The issue affects all audio functions: XM, Bluetooth, AM/FM, Android Auto, CarPlay, phone calls—everything.
• Tried eliminating my phone as a variable (turned it off and removed it from the system’s memory—no difference).

Interesting behavior:

• Turn signals still make sound even when the system cuts out. The dealership says this likely rules out the amp since the turn signal chime plays through the speakers. However, this is the only speaker function that still works when the system is acting up.

Next steps:

• Truck is going back to the dealership next week, but so far, they’re scratching their heads. They’ve been great to work with, but they’re out of ideas for now.

Has anyone else experienced this exact issue on a GM Model of this generation? If so, what was the fix?

We are sorry to hear of this concern with your Sierra and would like to ensure our support where we can. When you have a moment, please send us an email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your Username and Forum name in the subject line with further details. We hope to hear from you soon. 

[cef2lion]

Mines a 2022 1500 ZR2 refresh. Different radio same issue. Many are experiencing this and posting about it. Mostly on refresh models and newer.  Radio updates seem to help for some but often issue persists. Mine has been getting worse. I listen to XM mostly. XM cutting out a lot and XM restarting message displayed often. Lately IPhone doesn’t connect and has to been done manually. I mentioned it at 3 dealers when in for routine service and they say no radio updates and mine is current. I haven’t had an OTA update since 2023. There was a serial data gateway recall I got last year that was to correct issues with OTA failures. But since that recall GM hasn’t pushed an update. Odd also as the recall doesn’t show in my GM app software update. 

[eppieguy]

Very well known issue in which GM admits they do not have a fix for. I had the issue on my 2019 High Country and on my 2023 Denali Ultimate, you learn to live with it.