2005 GMC Sierra: problems, recalls and reliability
11 recalls and 117 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (22% of complaints); the 2006 and 2007 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Issues with emissions switch. Check engine light will not go off. Also 3 and 4th gear are completely gone out. I do not tow or have had anything even remotely heavy in this truck. It's a 2005 gmc sierra with only 78,480 miles on it. I am not the only one having issues with this 4 speed transmission. It is not heavy duty enough for this size truck. Gm needs to recall all of these transmissions. When it first started slipping I lost all power going down the road at about 55mph. The vehicle that was behind me slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting me. This problem with the transmission is going to kill someone.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2015
“Vehicle was stopped. Brake peddle went to the floorboard. Not able to pump up any pressure. Investigation showed brake fluid coming from perforated brake line at left front wheel. No braking action available! Appears to be some type of corrosive reaction between the brake line and the clamps used to fasten the line to the chassis. Note: this vehicle has never been operated in snow or road salt to my knowledge.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
“Brake failure do to rusted out lines.a ongoing problem that gm will not take responsibility for the poor quality of these lines putting people's lives at risk.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Without any warning, my brake lines failed and I could not stop my truck. I live in the northeast and it would seem reasonable for brake lines to rust out. However, my truck is only 10 years old and I have spent thousands of dollars keeping it washed, including the undercarriage. I have never had a brake line fail on another car and I have driven some really old vehicles. I have also never heard of anyone I know having a problem with their vehicles. This is because it is a specific problem with gmc sierra and chevy silverado.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2015
“A vehicle approaching from my left side was speeding and ran the stop light in front of me at approximately 40mph. I slammed on my brakes to avoid the collision and my brakes wet to the floor. I missed hitting the car by about 1 foot. At an inspection at a dealership it appears the brake lines had rusted through under the drivers side of the truck. Apparently form road salt corrosion,”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2015
“Went to stop at stop sign, brakes felt spongy. Stopped up the road about 2 miles at my moms house to get my kids, looked under the truck and saw brake fluid dripping down on the left side of the frame behind the left front wheel.I have to replace all of my brake lines now due to rust. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2015
“When trying to exit highway offramp brakes completely failed due to brake lines rusting through. Vehicle was brought to a stop with parking brake. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the driver side air bag deployed when the vehicle was shut off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2015
“I was traveling at 35 mph and approached a stop light. The brakes failed and I went through the red light. I nearly was hit by oncoming traffic. The brake line has a sever leak at a rusted area in the line. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2014
“Engine has lose of engine coolant over time with no evidence of leaks found. We brought the truck to a gm dealer which told us this was a known defect issue. They provided us with bulletin # 06-06-01-019b document id 1986750 which clearly state this was defect in the casting of the castech heads. The cost with parts and labor is $3,100.00 dollars. Clearly, gm should cover this cost since this obviously is a known defect. Searching the internet you can see a large number of people experiencing this issue with little or no help from gm. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 11 campaigns
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO THE STEERING GEAR MAY NOT MEET SPECIFICATION. THE BOLT MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 24, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.3L (RPO L59) V8 ENGINES, THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE RETAINER SCREWS WERE NOT MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY BREAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER SCREWS. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON JULY 30, 2004, WITH A FOLLOWUP OWNER LETTER BEGAN AUGUST 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463. NOTE: THE GM BULLETIN LISTS THE TAHOE AND YUKON MODELS BECAUSE CANADIAN VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THE BULLETIN. NO U.S. TAHOE OR YUKON VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THE U.S. CAMPAIGN.
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING CLIP RETAINER FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PARKING BRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA has 117 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 GMC Sierra. The most complained-about area is service brakes (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 GMC Sierra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 62,875 miles or less.
Does the 2005 GMC Sierra have open recalls?
11 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. 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.