2005 GMC Sierra 3500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 8%of 24 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,550miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500, 8% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,550 miles.
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.
“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 miles“Gmc 3500 crew cab dually with the 6.6 duramax diesel and allison automatic can to perform its designed job with out over heating. Truck is rated for 23,500 gcwr and a 16000 towing capacity. However it struggles to pull 7000 pounds and engine temperature got over 230, and transmission temperature over 210. The cooling fan struggles to control the heat and runs constantly, the noise is unbearable. If one were to attempt to pull my rv up a mountain grade in the summer I would be left stranded on the road or in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10138128, filed 2005-09, 3,600 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 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2016 | 1 | 5% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 20% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 17% |
| 2000 | 3 | 12% |
| 1999 | 2 | 11% |
| 1997 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
10 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
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