2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical6631.9%
- Brakes5024.2%
- Steering188.7%
- Airbags146.8%
- Engine146.8%
- Powertrain (other)62.9%
- Driver assistance52.4%
- Fuel system52.4%
- Suspension52.4%
- Exterior lighting41.9%
- Transmission41.9%
- Body & structure31.4%
- Tires & wheels31.4%
- Visibility31.4%
- Other / unspecified31.4%
- Interior & seats21.0%
- Seat belts10.5%
- Heating & air conditioning10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Instrument panel stops working from time to time. My Guages go crazy. My rpm and speedometer mess up and can't tell how fast I'm going. This has been going on for a few years now. My airbag sensor light is on and was In a light wreck few months ago. Hit pretty hard on front end of truck and yet neither one of my airbags deployed.
STARTED MY TRUCK AND THE FAILURE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAME ACROSS I PUSHED IN THE BOTTON THAT CHANGES IT AND CAME BACK ON THEN IT SAID TIGHTEN FUEL CAP WASHER FLUID LOW I HIT THE BUTTON AGAIN IT WENT OF BUT BATTERY LIGHT STAYED ON AND GAUGE READ ABOUT 10 VOLTS.MY TRUCK RAN FINE AND STARTED WHEN I GOT TO MY FIRST THEN AT THE SECOND STOP IT SAID THE SAME , I PUT IN REVERSE BACKED OUT PUT IT DRIVE AND THE CLUSTER QUICK WORKING THE AC QUIT YOU COULD ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN NOR DID THE LOCKS WORK AND IT DID NOT ANY POWER WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE GAS PED2 TO COME UP A HILL IT FELT LIKE IT SHIFTED WHEN YOU LET OFF THE PEDAL YOU COULD FEEL JERK, GO HOME TURNED IT AND WOULD NOT START OR MAKE ANY SOUND NOT EVEN THE CLICKING ON THE STARTER, SO I LEFT HOME AND CAME BACK ABOUT 4 HOURS LATER AND IT STARTED BUT THE VOLT READ ABOUT 10 VOLTS. I HAD THE BATTERY TESTED AND IT TEST GOOD. THIS WAS ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 I HAVE PUT THE BATTERY BACK IN YET.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes , air bag, wheel hubs, lights, alignment, power steering. brakes coming to a stop instantly stops the vehicle. Air bag light comes on. Wheels hubs towed in from top. Light switch will not turn light off when driving. Alignment, steering wheel goes everywhere. Front tire getting wore out . Power steering leaking oil.
MY GMC SIERRA I BOUGHT NEW IN 2006 IT HAS 68,800 MILES ON IT WHEN I WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL LOST PRESSURE AND WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED AND BRAKE FLUID WAS POURING OUT WHEN I TAPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. IF I WAS MOVING AT THE TIME THIS HAPPEN SOMETHING REAL BAD COULD HAVE HAPPEN. I OWN A 1948 CHEVROLET PICKUP AND THE BRAKE LINES ARE STILL GOOD ON THAT 70 YEAR OLD TRUCK. GM IS USING POOR QUALITY PARTS FROM LOW BIDDERS ON CONTRACT PUTTING THE PUBLIC AT RISK.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes , air bag, wheel hubs, lights, alignment, power steering. brakes coming to a stop instantly stops the vehicle. Air bag light comes on. Wheels hubs towed in from top. Light switch will not turn light off when driving. Alignment, steering wheel goes everywhere. Front tire getting wore out . Power steering leaking oil.
THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY LOSE WHERE I CAN TURN THE WHEEL ALMOST HALF WAY BEFORE IT TURNS THE TIRES. THE HEADLIGHTS MOVE CONSTANTLY AFTER BEING ADJUSTED AND MAKE IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. THE 4WHEEL DRIVE BOX IS CONSTANTLY THROWING THE TRUCK INTO 4WHEEL AUTO AND 4WHEEL LOW WITHOUT WARNING, WHATCHA IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING THE INTERSTATE
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Instrument panel stops working from time to time. My Guages go crazy. My rpm and speedometer mess up and can't tell how fast I'm going. This has been going on for a few years now. My airbag sensor light is on and was In a light wreck few months ago. Hit pretty hard on front end of truck and yet neither one of my airbags deployed.
The brakes , air bag, wheel hubs, lights, alignment, power steering. brakes coming to a stop instantly stops the vehicle. Air bag light comes on. Wheels hubs towed in from top. Light switch will not turn light off when driving. Alignment, steering wheel goes everywhere. Front tire getting wore out . Power steering leaking oil.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPLAINT ON GM EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT DEFECT, INFERIOR BRAKE/ FUEL LINES. MINE IS A 2005 GMC. DEFECTIVE EXHAUST BOLTS AFFECT 12 MILLION GM TRUCKS FROM 1999 TO 2007. GM EXHAUST BOLTS ARE TO SMALL BRITTLE FOR SECURING EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. BOLTS SNAP OFF CAUSING EXHAUST LEAKS. TRUCKS NOT PASSING EMISSIONS AND DANGEROUS EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE DRIVERS COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING. I AND MY FAMILY GET A CARBON MONOXIDE HEADACHE WHEN I DRIVE IT AND HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FEELING LIKE I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT, OPEN WINDOWS AND SIT UNTIL I FELT BETTER. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS GETTING MY TRUCK TO PASS EMISSIONS DUE TO THE LEAKS AND THE LEAKS ARE CAUSING THE VEHICLES TO BE NONE EPA COMPLIANT BECAUSE OF O2 SENSOR ERRORS RESULTING IN FAILED EMISSION TEST. ALSO BRAKE AND FUEL LINES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR NORTHERN STATES CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE WITH OUT WARNING, FUEL LINES ARE ALL RUSTED AND SWELLED IN DANGER OF BURSTING CAUSING FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. FORD AND OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE WORKED ON USE STAINLESS FUEL LINES AND LOOK LIKE NEW FOR LIFE OF VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO SEEN OTHER MANUFACTURERS USE POWDER COATED BRAKE LINES ON THE ENTIRE VEHICLE AND 20 YEAR OLD VEHILCES SHOW NO RUST PROBLEMS. MY 2005 GMC FROM THE REAR END BRAKE HOSE TO THE WHEEL CYLINDERS THEY USED POWDER COATED BRAKE LINES. THOSE LINES LOOK LIKE NEW YET. GM KNEW THE POWDER COATED LINES WERE BETTER WHY DID THEY USE FAULTY GALVANIZED STEEL ON THE REST OF THE TRUCK? AS IT IS NOW MY TRUCK CAN'T BE OPERATED ON THE ROAD WITHOUT $3000 IN REPAIRS DUE TO GM USING POOR QUALITY PARTS. THE TRUCK HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS FOR OVER 5 YEARS NOW AND ONLY HAS 138,000 MILES. TRUCKS LIKE THIS IN SOUTHERN STATES HAVE OVER 250,000 MILES, LINES STILL GOOD. RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE. GM IS MAKING MONEY NOW YOU TUBE VIDEO ABOUT DEFECTIVE BOLTS HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=0YG6WLBNZGI *JS
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ON EACH SIDE OF ENGIN SNAPPED OFF FOR NO APPEARANT REASON / NORMAL USE, BIG CONCERN OF EXAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CAB
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT NOTICED SEVERE RUST TO THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION, FRONT SUSPENSION, AND STARTER SUPPORT SHOWED EXCESSIVE RUST. ADDITIONALLY, THE SHOCK TOWER, SUPPORTS, TRANSMISSION BOLTS, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTUATOR, AND HARDWARE ALSO SHOWED EXCESSIVE RUST. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HORN ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. BECKLEY AUTO MALL (3934 ROBERT C BYRD DR, BECKLEY, WV 25801, (304) 252-3300) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR SEVERAL FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE RUST ISSUE WAS NOT ADDRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. *BF UPDATED 9/18/18*JB
CASTECH CYLINDER HEADS ON 2001 THROUGH 2006 5.3L VORTEC ENGINES ARE POROUS AND ALLOW ANTIFREEZE TO SEAP INTO THE OIL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS IT CAN DESTROY THE ENGINE (OIL DOESN'T LUBRICATE CORRECTLY, SLUDGE BUILDUP) AND LEAVE SOMEONE, AT THE LEAST, STRANDED, AT THE WORST, IT CAN CAUSE A HUGE ENGINE FIRE. GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS SINCE 2007. THEY ISSUED A BULLETIN DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIX, BUT NO RECALL. TO FIX EITHER THE CYLINDER HEADS NEED TO BE REPLACED ($2500) OR THE ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ($5500). MY VEHICLE IS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 1500 SLE. ALSO THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY A LICENSED MECHANIC. THE FOLLOWING IS A LINK TO THE GM ISSUED BULLETIN. HTTP://WW2.JUSTANSWER.COM/UPLOADS/BLUEGORILLA/2008-12-05_142924_COOLANT_LOSS_5.3.PDF
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE MESSAGE KEEPS COMING UP ON VEHICLE...REPLACED ALTERNATOR THREE WEEKS AGO AND IT SEEMS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM...FOR A WHILE AT LEAST...TWO NIGHTS AGO TRUCK DIED...REPLACED BATTERY WITH A BRAND NEW ONE YESTERDAY AND TRUCK IS STILL SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS BATTERY IS NOT GETTING CHARGE FROM ALTERNATOR.
I DRIVE A 2005 SIERRA 1500 4 WHEEL DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE TRUCK WENT FROM NORMAL 2 WHEEL DRIVE (D ON THE STEERING COLUMN), INTO NEUTRAL. I DID NOTHING TO CREATE THIS ACTION . THE SITUATION WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I DID PULL OFF AFTER OTHER DRIVERS ALMOST CRASHED DUE TO MY IMMEDIATE DECREASE IN SPEED. ONCE STOPPED I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE STEERING WHEEL SHIFT LEVER TO PUT THE TRUCK IN DRIVE OR PARK. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT, EVEN WITH FOOT ON THE BREAK. I NOTICED MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE SELECTOR SWITCH WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. I PUSHED THE 2WD BUTTON AND IT MADE A TERRIBLE NOISE. I TRIED THE AUTO 4WD BUTTON AND THEN WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING LEVER BACK TO PARK AND THEN TO D FOR DRIVE. NOW WHEN I SLOW TO TURN THE TRUCK DROPS INTO LOW 4 WHEEL DRIVE WHICH MAKES THE TRUCK SLOW TO 10 MPH MAX. THIS COULD GET ANYONE KILLED EVEN IF INITIALLY ONE HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO TURN. THERE ARE 100S OF FORUMS ON THE INTERNET DEALING WITH EXACTLY THIS PROBLEM YET NOTHING IS BEING DONE. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO TELL? HOW MANY MORE MUST DIE BEFORE ANYTHING IS DONE?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
COMPLAINT ON GM EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT DEFECT, INFERIOR BRAKE/ FUEL LINES. MINE IS A 2005 GMC. DEFECTIVE EXHAUST BOLTS AFFECT 12 MILLION GM TRUCKS FROM 1999 TO 2007. GM EXHAUST BOLTS ARE TO SMALL BRITTLE FOR SECURING EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. BOLTS SNAP OFF CAUSING EXHAUST LEAKS. TRUCKS NOT PASSING EMISSIONS AND DANGEROUS EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE DRIVERS COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING. I AND MY FAMILY GET A CARBON MONOXIDE HEADACHE WHEN I DRIVE IT AND HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FEELING LIKE I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT, OPEN WINDOWS AND SIT UNTIL I FELT BETTER. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS GETTING MY TRUCK TO PASS EMISSIONS DUE TO THE LEAKS AND THE LEAKS ARE CAUSING THE VEHICLES TO BE NONE EPA COMPLIANT BECAUSE OF O2 SENSOR ERRORS RESULTING IN FAILED EMISSION TEST. ALSO BRAKE AND FUEL LINES ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR NORTHERN STATES CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE WITH OUT WARNING, FUEL LINES ARE ALL RUSTED AND SWELLED IN DANGER OF BURSTING CAUSING FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. FORD AND OTHER VEHICLES I HAVE WORKED ON USE STAINLESS FUEL LINES AND LOOK LIKE NEW FOR LIFE OF VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO SEEN OTHER MANUFACTURERS USE POWDER COATED BRAKE LINES ON THE ENTIRE VEHICLE AND 20 YEAR OLD VEHILCES SHOW NO RUST PROBLEMS. MY 2005 GMC FROM THE REAR END BRAKE HOSE TO THE WHEEL CYLINDERS THEY USED POWDER COATED BRAKE LINES. THOSE LINES LOOK LIKE NEW YET. GM KNEW THE POWDER COATED LINES WERE BETTER WHY DID THEY USE FAULTY GALVANIZED STEEL ON THE REST OF THE TRUCK? AS IT IS NOW MY TRUCK CAN'T BE OPERATED ON THE ROAD WITHOUT $3000 IN REPAIRS DUE TO GM USING POOR QUALITY PARTS. THE TRUCK HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS FOR OVER 5 YEARS NOW AND ONLY HAS 138,000 MILES. TRUCKS LIKE THIS IN SOUTHERN STATES HAVE OVER 250,000 MILES, LINES STILL GOOD. RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE. GM IS MAKING MONEY NOW YOU TUBE VIDEO ABOUT DEFECTIVE BOLTS HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=0YG6WLBNZGI *JS
POWER STEERING HOSE HAS RUSTED AND BEGAN LEAKING. NOTICED A LOT OF UNDERCARRIAGE AND FRAME RUST ON THE WHOLE TRUCK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN BOUGHT NEW, BETWEEN 40 AND 60 MPH THERE IS A BOUNCING IN THE SUSPENSION. FIX WAS TO PLACE 400 LBS JUST BEHIND THE TAILGATE. I PUT 330 LBS ACROSS THE REAR AXIAL WITH GOOD BALANCED TIRES. BEEN THIS WAY SINCE 2005 AND IT'S A STUPID FIX.
WHEN PULLING IN MY DRIVEWAY THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT CLEAR TO THE FLOOR. UPON INVESTIGATING I FOUND THE BRAKE LINES TO BE SEVERELY CORRODED. I WAS FORTUNATE NOT TO BE DRIVING AT A FASTER RATE OF SPEED ON THE OPEN ROAD. THAT SAME WEEK THE STEERING HAD BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN LIKE IT WAS LOW ON FLUID, WHICH IT WAS NOT. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE COMPUTER AT 400 MILES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY LOSE WHERE I CAN TURN THE WHEEL ALMOST HALF WAY BEFORE IT TURNS THE TIRES. THE HEADLIGHTS MOVE CONSTANTLY AFTER BEING ADJUSTED AND MAKE IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. THE 4WHEEL DRIVE BOX IS CONSTANTLY THROWING THE TRUCK INTO 4WHEEL AUTO AND 4WHEEL LOW WITHOUT WARNING, WHATCHA IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING THE INTERSTATE
PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WILL NOT TURN ON. BOTH LOWBEAM AND HIGH BEAM DON?T TURN ON. BULB IS IN WORKING CONDITION, FUSES ARE NOT BLOWN, CAN?T SEEM TO FIND A SOLUTION. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE VERY DANGEROUS WITH NO RIGHT SIDE VISIBILITY. UNKNOWN REASON BEHIND THE PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
HELLO, MY COMPLAINT IS THAT GM PLACED AN UNDERSIZED TRANSMISSION (4L60E) IN THE POPULAR CREW CAB 1/2 TON TRUCKS AND I AM REQUESTING FOR NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE GM REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND MAKE A RECALL. MY TRUCK IS A 2005 GMC SIERRA SLE Z71 CREW CAB (K1500) WITH ONLY 76K+ MILES AND HAS THE 4L60/65E TRANSMISSION. THIS 4L60E TRANSMISSION IS ALSO USED IN GM TRUCKS COLORADO & CANYON AND WORKS GOOD FOR THESE SMALLER TRUCKS BUT IN THE LARGER SILVERADO & SIERRA CREW CABS THE TRANSMISSION WEARS OUR THE 3-4 CLUTCH PREMATURELY DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE TRUCK. THIS IS A BAD DESIGN AND GM HAS FIXED IT IN THE 2007+ CREW CAB TRUCKS BY USING A 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION INSTEAD OF THE PREVIOUS 4-SPEED. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY TRANSMISSION SLIPPED IN 4TH GEAR. I SHIFTED TO 3RD GEAR AND TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO SLIP. THIS WAS DURING RUSH HOUR AND I WAS GOING 65 MPH. I HAD TO WAIT FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE SO I COULD GET TO THE SHOULDER WHILE I HAD SEVERAL CARS BEHIND ME WAITING. MY TRUCK COULD NO LONGER HOLD SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH WITHOUT SLIPPING THE TRANSMISSION. I COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE MY TRUCK COULD NOT ACCELERATE. THIS IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD. I HAD THE TRUCK TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD I NEED A REBUILD AND THE MOST IT WOULD COST ME IS $3K TO FIX. I SAID NO THANKS AND PAID THE $45 DIAGNOSES FEE. I TOLD THEM WHY IF I DO NOT TOW WITH MY TRUCK AND DRIVE PASSIVE TO GET THE BEST MILEAGE AND SOME HOW MY TRANSMISSION NEEDS A REBUILD AT ONLY 76K MILES? THIS SHOULD NOT BE. I HAVE A 10 YEAR OLD CAR WITH 193K MILES AND IT HAS NEVER HAD A TRANSMISSION REBUILD. I HAVE CALLED GM AND THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECALL AND THERE IS NO TRANSMISSION PROBLEM BUT I DISAGREE. I ASKED THE DEALER TO PROVIDE ME WITH HOW MANY TRANSMISSION REBUILDS THEY HAVE DONE AND THEY SAY THEY DO NOT TRACK THIS INFORMATION. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT GIVE GM ANY FEEDBACK ON HOW MANY REPAIRS THEY DO TO CARS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHIFTED INTO FIFTH GEAR, THE FAN STOPS BLOWING. WHEN SWITCHING BACK TO FOURTH GEAR, THE FAN WILL BLOW. THE FAILURE BEGAN IN DECEMBER OF 2007. IN AUGUST OF 2008, THE WIRING PLUG AND RESISTOR MELTED. THE WIRING PLUG WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE METAL CONNECTOR IS DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE PLUG TO PROPERLY CONNECT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE DRIVEN IN THIRD GEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,100 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT NOTICED SEVERE RUST TO THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION, FRONT SUSPENSION, AND STARTER SUPPORT SHOWED EXCESSIVE RUST. ADDITIONALLY, THE SHOCK TOWER, SUPPORTS, TRANSMISSION BOLTS, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE ACTUATOR, AND HARDWARE ALSO SHOWED EXCESSIVE RUST. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HORN ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. BECKLEY AUTO MALL (3934 ROBERT C BYRD DR, BECKLEY, WV 25801, (304) 252-3300) STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR SEVERAL FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE RUST ISSUE WAS NOT ADDRESSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. *BF UPDATED 9/18/18*JB
POWER STEERING HOSE HAS RUSTED AND BEGAN LEAKING. NOTICED A LOT OF UNDERCARRIAGE AND FRAME RUST ON THE WHOLE TRUCK.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL- THE CONTACT WANTED TO USE THE COMPLAINT THAT WAS SENT VIA EMAIL. JO I PURCHASED THIS USED GMC SIERRA P/U IT HAD GOODYEAR WANGLER ATS TIRES. I WAS DRIVING ON OUR HIGHWAY 3 IN IOWA AND I WAS PASSING A BUS, AT ABOUT 70MPH THE TIRE SIDEWALL EXPLODED I HAVE A PICTURE TO SEND YOU IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT. LEFT FRONT TIRE. THERE WERE PLENTY OF TREAD AND THE AIR WAS AT PROPER NUMBERS. I WON'T BUY ANOTHER WANGLER BUT THINK IT WAS IMPORTANT TO LET YOU KNOW. UPDATED 01/14/13 *BF UPDATED 01/17/2013 *JS
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE HEARD A SCRAPING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT WHEEL HUB FAILED. THEY MADE THE REPLACEMENT AND THERE HAVEN'T BEEN ANY FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. (OR) UPDATED 09/24/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/30/08. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CONNECTOR THAT PLUGS INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR UNDER THE GLOVE BOX BECAME TOO HOT AND MELTED THE PLASTIC RESULTING IN THE A/C AND HEAT NOT TO WORK (THIS INCLUDES THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER). I'VE BEEN LOOKING UP PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH GMC AND CHEVY TRUCKS YET THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY RECALL, IN FACT THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE AN EXTREMELY OVERPRICED KIT TO FIX THEIR FAULTY WIRING. ABOUT 66,000 MI. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WITH THE HEAT ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING COMING FROM THE BLOWER MOTOR. SOMETIMES, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, HE WOULD SMELL FUEL. WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, ONE OF THE REAR TIRES SLIDES AND THE OTHER ONE KEEPS SPINNING. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL OR THE ABS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR MECHANIC AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
2005 GMC SIERRA WITH 68,000 MILES HAD WHEEL BEARING FAILURE ON PASSENGER SIDE. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP DUE TO MY FEAR OF POSS LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
GMC SIERRA 1500 FRONT SEAT METAL FAILED ON THE UPPER BACK CUSHION/ SUPPORT OF SEAT CAUSING THE SEAT TO FALL ON ONE SIDE. THIS IN TURN CAUSED THE DRIVE ABILITY OF THE TRUCK TO BE DANGEROUS FOR SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AND ALL IN TRUCK. THIS IS NOT AT A WELDED AREA BUT IN THE METAL ITSELF. *TR
FAN SPEED 5 WILL NOT WORK AND SPEED 4 SMELL LIKE BURNING WIRES, DRIVERS TEMP CONTROL WILL NOT WORK ONLY COLD AIR. CONNECTOR UNDER PASSENGER SIDE FAN BLACK WIRE BURNED INTO AND MELTED CONNECTOR. GMC PARTS MAN SAID THERE WAS A NATIONAL BACKORDER ON PARTS BECAUSE SO MANY WES GO BAD. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY LOSE WHERE I CAN TURN THE WHEEL ALMOST HALF WAY BEFORE IT TURNS THE TIRES. THE HEADLIGHTS MOVE CONSTANTLY AFTER BEING ADJUSTED AND MAKE IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT. THE 4WHEEL DRIVE BOX IS CONSTANTLY THROWING THE TRUCK INTO 4WHEEL AUTO AND 4WHEEL LOW WITHOUT WARNING, WHATCHA IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING THE INTERSTATE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ACTIVATING THE A/C, THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE YEARS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V043000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V417000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,510.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .