RoadVitals

2005 GMC Sierra 3500

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.
24
Latest Sep 16, 2024
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.
1
Latest May 19, 2006
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 24 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500, most frequently naming the brakes, steering and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 228 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

  • Brakes1037.0%
  • Steering518.5%
  • Electrical311.1%
  • Engine311.1%
  • Tires & wheels27.4%
  • Visibility13.7%
  • Fuel system13.7%
  • Other / unspecified13.7%

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

1 campaign 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
06E043000

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

View all 24
Brakes
Filed Sep 16, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID
11614819
Incident
Sep 12, 2024
Mileage
85,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 5, 2017

I HAVE HAD THE LOWER STEERING ARM REPLACED THREE TIMES DUE TO A BAD BUSHING. ONCE UNDER WARRANTY & TWICE I HAD TO PAY FOR IT WHICH IS OVER $300.00 EACH TIME. THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CHEVROLET & GMC TRUCKS. THIS IS ONLY NOTICEABLE WHILE IN MOTION.

NHTSA ID
11012979
Incident
May 5, 2006
Brakes
Filed Sep 9, 2016

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

NHTSA ID
10904906
Incident
Feb 13, 2016
Mileage
75,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 16, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID
10810735
Incident
Nov 11, 2015
Mileage
85,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 10, 2015

DRIVING 75MPH IN HEAVY HIGHWAY TRAFFIC THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK LOST POWER AND SLOWED TO 40 MPH IN ABOUT 200 YARDS. WE ALMOST GOT HIT BY ALL THE TRAFFIC BEHIND AND AROUND US AS THIS HAPPEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING. WE GOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HWY AND I HAVE A SCANNER AND FOUND 2 CODES P0207 AND P2146. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE WIRING TO THE #7 INJECTOR AND DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. PLUGGED IT BACK IN CLEARED CODES ,ENGINE RAN FINE SO START DOWN THE ROAD AGAIN. AFTER 5 MILES IT DID IT AGAIN. IT TOOK ME 5 HOURS TO GO 90 MILES TO GET TO THE NEXT CITY. AT THE HOTEL I FOUND THAT GM HAS A TECH BULLETIN FOR THESE FAULTS AND IT WAS PUBLISHED IN 2008 AT LEAST. SO I WENT TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CHARGE ME FOR THIS REPAIR. I WANT TO KNOW WHY GM DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THIS KNOWN DEFECT IN 2008 SO I COULD HAVE THE TRUCK REPAIRED IN 2008? THIS DEFECT CAUSES THE TRUCK TO LOOSE SO MUCH POWER THAT IT WILL SLOW IN TRAFFIC WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WHY WOULD THIS NOT BE A RECALL THAT GM SHOULD PAY FOR ? GM TB NUMBER IS 05-06-04-047C WHICH TELLS YOU WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TRUCK WHEN THIS DEFECT HAPPENS.

NHTSA ID
10789524
Incident
Nov 6, 2015
Mileage
59,921 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 3, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID
10703590
Incident
Apr 2, 2015
Mileage
46,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Nov 12, 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.

NHTSA ID
10654347
Incident
Nov 5, 2014
Mileage
62,250 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 11, 2014

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

NHTSA ID
10654228
Incident
Nov 7, 2014
Mileage
95,000 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.

23-NA-001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

03-06-01-023I

ENGINE

This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.

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 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026220—
2025161042.5
2024433051.6
2023281055.9
2022303061.5
2021205152.6
2020518162.6
2019137063.0
2018146049.9
2017137062.4
2016196042.0
2015307155.2
2014731—
2013144158.5
2012941—
2011205150.3
2010251—
2009551—
2008253355.8
2007163352.4
2006110049.5
2005Viewing241035.0
2004241038.9
2003710—
2002203157.4
2001363259.7
2000264157.8
1999193049.5
1998124052.4
1997103059.7
1996100—
1995000—
1994000—

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.