2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 177 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5% of the 177 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,150 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1. Driving on interstate in my 2005 Gmc sierra with my mother who notices smoke coming out of the air vents. It was not safe to other vehicles to pull over for about .5 to 1 mile at which point it was all we could to evacuate the truck as it was going up in flames. 2. Gm's third party administrator esis denied my claim without even conducting an investigation. I did receive a letter from esis with information about submitting a formal claim against GM. I neither have nor can afford an attorney to assist me with this documentation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10218405, filed 2008-02, 80,000 miles“Purchased a used 2005 Gmc sierra from a GM dealership. Two months later the engine was found to have a blown head. After doing my due diligence, I was made aware that GM has had major problems with the head casting manufacture of my particular truck. I am having it repaired at a GM dealership and have asked GM to assist me in anyway with the costly repair, since it is only a 2005. They were not willing to work with me in the least. The GM mechanic even stated that these particular heads are notorious for cracking and GM is aware of this.”
NHTSA complaint #10224109, filed 2008-04, 94,000 miles“Gmc pickup developed coolant loss. Took in and found that head had cracked. Service bulletin revealed 50% of heads for that year came from one manufacturer and had been prone to cracking. Discovered mine indeed had the suspect head and did have the crack as described. Why didn't Gmc issue a recall on these and save me $4,000?”
NHTSA complaint #10251636, filed 2008-12, 85,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Gmc SIERRA 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle erupted into flames approximately three hours after it was parked. The fire and police departments stated that the fire originated in the engine compartment and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 54,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10202364, filed 2007-09, 54,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Gmc SIERRA 1500. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact released the accelerator pedal in order for the vehicle to coast. The vehicle then stalled. She shifted the gear from drive into neutral and restarted the vehicle. Later that week, the speedometer displayed 55 MPH while the vehicle was in park. While driving to her place of business, the speedometer displayed 100-120 MPH. Later that day, the contact drove the vehicle to the dealer and was informed to bring it back for a diagnostic and repair. The manufacturer has not been notified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10247867, filed 2008-11, 72,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10244273Oct 6, 2023This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10240344Jul 31, 2023This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 31 | 8% |
| 2023 | 23 | 5% |
| 2022 | 29 | 5% |
| 2021 | 49 | 8% |
| 2020 | 21 | 4% |
| 2019 | 26 | 4% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 5% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
67 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology