2005 GMC Sierra 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to come to a stop while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt loose. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and the contact became aware of a brake fluid leak coming from under the hood, and that both front and rear brake lines were rusted. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2024
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc sierra 3500. When the brake pedal was depressed at 20 mph, the vehicle hesitated to respond without warning. After inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the brake lines were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred three additional times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. ...updated 11/15/17 *bf *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2016
“Engine exhaust manifold bolts break off on 2 different gm 1 ton trucks. Bad/ failed vehicle emissions and a huge repair bill for both trucks. 85,000 miles on both vehicles.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc sierra 3500. While driving at approximately 40 mph, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact lost control of the vehicle and the service braking system warning indicator illuminated. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact observed that the brake line was rusted. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2015
“Going south on i77, cruise set on 70 mph, noticed slight vibration and continued about 4 miles when the left rear tire blew out. Taped the brake, got off on burm asap and turned on hazard lights. Had to continue for another mile or so I could clear the interstate. Had to have road side assistance to change the tire. Michelin refused to warranty this tire and it had only been on my truck for 4 months. The dealer told me it was a 2009 model tire. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc sierra 3500. While driving at an unknown speed, the speedometer became inoperable and an abnormal noise emitted from the steering wheel. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,250.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2014
“Stopping in driveway. Brake pedal went to the floor without resistance. After vehicle stopped observed fluid leak under front driver side aft of front tire. Inspected engine compartment and observed severely corroded brake lives and brake fluid in engine compartment. Brake line apparently corroded and ruptured resulting in brake failure. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2014
“Steering hydrulic assist connections at booster constantly leak from day one. They have been replaced and still leak. Which in turn cause a decrease in brake pressure. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 gmc sierra 3500. The contact stated that the heater and defrost failed numerous times, the heater wiring harness was replaced five times, but the failure wasnt corrected. The dealership wasn't able to diagnose the exact location of the failure. The manufacturer will not assist with the repair, because the vehicle warranty expired. The vehicle wasn't repaired. The failure mileage mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 41,000.”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2005 gmc sierra 3500. Whenever the parking brake was engaged with the gear shifter placed in the "neutral" position; the parking brake system failed to function. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired for the malfunction. The contact had concern of the potential safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 55,000. The current mileage was 81,000.”Owner report · Parking Brake · Feb 2009
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 3500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.