2005 Gmc SIERRA: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
117 owner complaints analyzed
9 distinct recall campaigns
60,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2005 model year. Data snapshot: . 106 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 27 of 117 complaints (23.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 44 | 37.6% |
| Steering behavior | 15 | 12.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 14 | 12.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 8 | 6.8% |
| Engine operation | 4 | 3.4% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 2.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 27 |
| Electrical System | 12 |
| Steering | 9 |
| Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel | 8 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Suspension | 6 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Power Train | 4 |
Service Brakes: 27; Electrical System: 12; Steering: 9; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 8; Engine: 8; Suspension: 6; Air Bags: 5; Power Train: 4
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 31 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 11 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 27 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 12 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 20 |
| 150,000 and above | 5 |
Under 25,000: 31; 25,000 to 49,999: 11; 50,000 to 74,999: 27; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 20; 150,000 and above: 5
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (31). 11 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 22 |
| 2006 | 9 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 13 |
2004: 2; 2005: 22; 2006: 9; 2007: 6; 2008: 3; 2009: 8; 2010: 5; 2011: 6; 2012: 6; 2013: 11; 2014: 26; 2015: 13
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 44 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 15 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 14 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10101566 · 2004-12-21 (December 21, 2004)
THE NUTS ON THE HUB CAPS BECAME SO HOT, THEY BLEW THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HUB CAPS OFF. THE CALIPERS, ROTORS AND HUB CAPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. *JB THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT EH HUB CAPS WERE BEING REDESIGNED TO WITHSTAND HEAT. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10101566 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10104968 · 2004-12-03 (December 3, 2004)
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MIRRORS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE VIEW WHILE HAULING A 102 INCH WIDE CAMPER. *TC *SC *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10104968 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10109485 · 2005-01-12 (January 12, 2005)
THE CONSUMER FOUND THE DIRECTION IN THE OWNERS MANUAL ON HOW TO CHANGE THE TIRE VAGUE . WHILE CHANGING A FLAT TIRE USING THE JACK WHICH CAME AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLE, THE JACK SLIPPED OFF THE BRACKET AND FELL SIDEWAYS. *NM THE CONSUMER AND HIS BROTHER WAS INJURED IN THE PROCESS. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE JACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH A LARGER BASED HYDRAULIC JACK. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10109485 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10116485 · 2005-04-06 (April 6, 2005)
GMC SIERRA 1500 CREW CAB; HILE DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEED, THE DRIVESHAFT FELL OFF THE VEHICLE AND SHATTERED. THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING MUFFLER, YOKE, HEAT SHIELD & DRIVESHAFT. THESE PARTS WERE REPLACED WITH NEW MANUFACTURER PROVIDED PARTS. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 1,252 miles reported. Look up ODI 10116485 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10119134 · 2005-04-25 (April 25, 2005)
2005 GMC SIERRA EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE DOORS.*MR THE CONSUMER HAS TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO GET THE FRONT DOORS TO CLOSE. THE REAR DOORS CLOSE PROPERLY. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10119134 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10121076 · 2005-05-16 (May 16, 2005)
DT: THE ENGINE HAS DIED, ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND ONCE AT A STOP SIGN. THE TRANSMISSION WAS JUMPING AND WAS PUT IN NEUTRAL TO STEER TO ANOTHER LANE. THE OTHER TIME THERE WAS NO SIGN OF A PROBLEM BEFORE ENGINE STALLED OUT. THERE HAS BEEN MANY TIMES THIS HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP DUE TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. HAVE BEEN WITH GM A FEW TIMES AND THEY CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THEY WOULD SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO CHECK OUT THE TRUCK. THEY NEVER SENT ONE, AS OF TODAY, GM SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T DO THAT. CONSUMER WANTED A BUY BACK. CONSUMER TALKED TO BBB TODA…
Owner-reported narrative. 500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10121076 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10122248 · 2005-06-20 (June 20, 2005)
DT: A NEW TIRE HAD A TREAD SEPARATION. GMC TRUCK THAT IS ONLY 4 MONTHS OLD. THE TIRE FAILED, AND THERE WAS A SEPARATION OF TREAD. *AK THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE OUTSIDE TREAD. *SC
Owner-reported narrative. 2,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10122248 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10128512 · 2005-07-12 (July 12, 2005)
I HAD A CRASH, THE ENGINES GETS ACCELERATED LA INICION SE QUEDO ACELERADA CUANDO LE DI A LA PALANCA DE "DRIVE"
Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10128512 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
9 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
04V376000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2004-08-02 (August 2, 2004)
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.
Consequence: IF THE TUBE RETAINER SCREW BREAKS, FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER JOINT, THE ENGINE MAY STALL AND, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V018000 · Steering:Gear Box:Shaft Sector
Reported: 2005-01-21 (January 21, 2005)
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.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V043000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 2005-02-08 (February 8, 2005)
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.
Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V055000 · Power Train:Manual Transmission:Shift Pattern Indicator
Reported: 2005-02-14 (February 14, 2005)
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.
Consequence: THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V161000 · Parking Brake
Reported: 2005-04-22 (April 22, 2005)
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.
Consequence: IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V163000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other
Reported: 2005-04-22 (April 22, 2005)
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.
Consequence: A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V455000 · Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
Reported: 2005-10-05 (October 5, 2005)
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.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗06V289000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Reported: 2006-08-03 (August 3, 2006)
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.
Consequence: IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗06V417000 · Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2006-10-31 (October 31, 2006)
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.
Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗