2005 GMC Sierra 3500 Problems
- Complaints
- 24filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,500miles, 22 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500. The part named most often is brakes, with 10 complaints (42% of the total), followed by steering (5) and electrical system (3). 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 227 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 7 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Steering complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes10 42%
- Steering5 21%
- Electrical system3 13%
- Engine cooling2 8.3%
- Tires2 8.3%
- Engine1 4.2%
- Equipment1 4.2%
- Fuel system1 4.2%
- Suspension1 4.2%
Example complaints
Brakes: “My 2005 Gmc SIERRA 3500 crewcab with less than 77,000 miles on it experienced a ruptured brakeline. As I commenced going out my driveway the brake pedal felt mushy then went to the floor. Thank-goodness this happened in my driveway opposed to out on the road! Brake line was rusted and rotted through causing a rupture in the line and brake failure. This vehicle is not routinely driven but used for hauling a horse trailer, trips or server weather winter driving; thus the low mileage for it's age. …”
NHTSA complaint #10545302, filed 2013-09, 76,554 milesSteering: “Exited the interstate and while rounding a corner when I started braking at low RPM the steering locked up and the brake pedal was jumping under my foot. Finally got vehicle stopped but the problem continued as I made my way home.”
NHTSA complaint #10198273, filed 2007-08, 39,400 milesElectrical system: “Speedometer was off a lot!! 74 MPH while sitting still, 130+ MPH while driving at normal road speeds. I did not know how fast I was traveling. School zones etc. Never know if I was speeding or not. This happened several times while on vacation in california. Sometimes it was normal, but it got worse. It first happened at about 65,000 miles. I contacted my dealer and was told it may be under warranty, as many have had this same problem. They said my 2005 Gmc did not fall under a warranty. I had to pay $356.70 plus tax to have the instrument cluster replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10245007, filed 2008-10, 69,587 milesEngine cooling: “I have a Gmc pickup truck with a diesel engine that has a chronic overheating issue. I am not the only one with such an issue, as there are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands with this problem. This issue is exclusive to GM diesel pickups with the 6.6 liter duramax diesel engine model year 2004.5 and 2005. I have had my truck for only 2 months and am taking it to the dealer for the second time. I have read that GM has had to buy back several of these vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10132977, filed 2005-08, 1,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
50% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 75,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 227 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. 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.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. 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.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. 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.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Other or unknown, Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
Other model years of the GMC Sierra 3500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 2,250 | 2 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 17 | 40,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 51 | 38,300 | 3 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 28 | 33,800 | 1 | — | — | 47 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 32 | 31,154 | 3 | — | — | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 20 | 101,500 | 5 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 51 | 28,700 | 8 | — | — | 95 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 13 | 53,004 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 14 | 53,800 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 13 | 21,000 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 19 | 27,500 | 7 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2015 | 31 | 38,500 | 7 | — | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 7 | 68,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 14 | 49,218 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 9 | 31,200 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 20 | 77,250 | 5 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2009 | 5 | 36,600 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 25 | 59,000 | 3 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 16 | 36,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2006 | 11 | 49,974 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 24 | 50,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 24 | 84,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2003 | 7 | 60,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 20 | 79,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 36 | 63,540 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 26 | 57,007 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 19 | 59,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 12 | 128,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 10 | 95,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra 3500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 10 complaints (42% of the total), followed by steering with 5.
Has the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 reported?
Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,500 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 75,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.