RoadVitals

2005 GMC Sierra 2500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
115
Latest Dec 23, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 6, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 115 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 383 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Oct 6, 2008
133 units potentially affected
The defect: MOBILITYWORKS IS RECALLING 133 MY 2005-2006 FORD E250, MY 2000, 2004-2006 E350, MY 2000, 2005 E450, MY 2005-2006 GMC 2500, GMC 3500, AND MY 2006 DODGE 2500 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
The risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: MOBILITYWORKS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.
MOBILITY WORKSView on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

Jun 6, 2006
6,800 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE ROTOR DUST SHIELD INTERFERING WITH THE ABS SENSOR CORD. IF THE HUB ASSEMBLY IS INSTALLED DESPITE THIS INTERFERENCE, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.
The risk: IF STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS AND WILL EITHER CREDIT THE CUSTOMERS ACCOUNT OR REPLACE THE UNIT. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-563-8507 EXT 3530.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 23, 2023

1). Dash light stays on constantly and reads SERVICE AIR BAG. This was checked out at an auto repair shop. If air bag doesn't respond, it could be fatal. 2). Check engine light is always on. Was checked out at an auto repair shop and repaired on 10/19/2021. 3). Right engine exhaust manifold is cracked and leaking exhaust. Was checked out at a muffler repair shop. In time I'm afraid fumes my leak into the truck cab. 4). A brake line ruptured and was repaired on 09/02/2020.

NHTSA ID
11561631
Incident
Sep 2, 2020
Filed Feb 1, 2022

This is a test

NHTSA ID
11449688
Incident
Feb 1, 2022
Body & structureBrakes
Filed Mar 4, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED HE REPLACED ALL THE BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE AND ALSO STATED THAT THE BODY FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENCE MECHANIC WHERE ALL THE CORRODED BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.

NHTSA ID
11399067
Incident
Mar 1, 2019
Mileage
61,000 mi
Filed Feb 15, 2020

MY TRUCK HAS HAD THE ODOMETER ROLLED BACK ACORDING TO THE CARFAX REPORT. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND WAS UNAWARE OF THE UNTIL TODAY WHEN I TRIED TO TRADE IT IN AND THE SALESMAN MADE ME AWARE OF THIS

NHTSA ID
11309419
Incident
Feb 15, 2020
Electrical
Filed Feb 3, 2020
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE FOG LAMPS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD HAD MELTED AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID
11306703
Incident
Feb 3, 2020
Mileage
160,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 19, 2018
Crash reported

BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO METAL BRAKE LINE CORROSION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. POLICE REPORT: MOORESVILLE, INDIANA PD #A17315

NHTSA ID
11073553
Incident
Oct 6, 2017
Mileage
95,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 1, 2017

ALWAYS TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE AT IDLE

NHTSA ID
11021058
Incident
Nov 1, 2015
Mileage
5 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 8, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND DISPLAY WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS POSITIONED IN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ID
10984285
Incident
Dec 1, 2010
Mileage
85,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5851F

This Preliminary information communicates an issues with the odometer being incorrect after a programming event and how the dealership can resolve the issue.

23-NA-001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Sierra 2500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026910
2025250044.7
2024983052.8
2023311048.9
2022423056.1
2021516163.7
2020739160.0
2019327060.9
2018355048.5
2017376053.2
2016595046.7
2015896161.0
2014302150.9
2013463146.7
2012303150.1
2011634151.1
2010105144.9
2009315149.0
2008633358.1
2007833357.3
2006663050.1
2005Viewing1154050.5
20041434047.4
20031603048.7
20021344359.3
20011345259.5
2000483158.7
1999362050.8
1998153041.2
1997144047.5
1996000
1995000
1994100

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.