2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 177 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 3% of the 177 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Concerning GM 706 castech cylinder heads/GM TSB 06-06-01-019b I have a 2005 Gmc sierra which has slowly been leaking coolant for about 6 months. I have had it looked at and the dealer informed me that I have a 706 castech cylinder head that is notorious for cracking and leaking. The dealer told me there was coolant inside my oil and recommended replacing the engine. As I have begun researching this issue I realize these cylinder heads affect millions of GM vehicles and loyal customers. …”
NHTSA complaint #10864326, filed 2016-05, 107,500 miles“Engine oil leak on or around rear main seal. As oil drips while driving the oil lands on the exhaust pipe and begins to burn. This leak landing on the exhaust while hot can catch on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10786590, filed 2015-10, 130,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10894924, filed 2016-08, 157,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service 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 or…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10082869Aug 29, 2016This informational bulletin provides additional information on how to install pistons and suggest what tools to use.
- 10082822Aug 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on how to test a battery and what is needed to warranty a battery.
- 10082814Aug 2, 2016This informational bulletin provides information to gm dealers on the correct cleaning methods when cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces.
- 10082820Aug 1, 2016This informational bulletins provides information on the intake manifold inspection/replacement after servere internal engine damage.
- 10201100Dec 1, 2015New Tool Availability - EN-48974-EGR Cooler Pressure Tester Adapter Set to Diagnose Duramax Diesel Engine EGR Cooler Engine Coolant Leaks into Combustion Chamber
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 101 | 69% |
| 2025 | 59 | 48% |
| 2024 | 190 | 51% |
| 2023 | 211 | 42% |
| 2022 | 241 | 40% |
| 2021 | 322 | 54% |
| 2020 | 244 | 51% |
| 2019 | 313 | 48% |
| 2018 | 67 | 22% |
| 2017 | 58 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 11% |
| 2015 | 84 | 12% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 8 | 7% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 16 | 6% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 6% |
| 2008 | 19 | 5% |
| 2007 | 19 | 7% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
67 complaintsBrakes
50 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 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