2005 GMC Sierra Problems
- Complaints
- 117filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 106 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 9campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid RWD · 16 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 GMC Sierra (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2005 GMC Sierra most often write about brake problems, and the single most common theme is brake lines that rust through and leak, which several describe as a pedal going to the floor while driving. Instrument-cluster faults (speedometer and other gauges reading wrong or failing) come up next, followed by steering complaints and, on some trucks, coolant loss linked to the 5.3L V8 heads. Many of these reports come from trucks with well over 60,000 miles, though the brake-line corrosion reports appear across a wide mileage range.
- Brakes
Rusted-through brake lines and fluid loss
- 24 complaints (21%)
- median 75,000 mi at 9.5 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- filed 2011–2015
Complaints describe brake lines corroding until they rupture, often noticed when the pedal sinks toward the floor and the reservoir is found low or empty. Several owners say fluid was visible dripping near the driver-side frame rail or above the fuel tank, and that a shop then found most or all of the lines rusted and needing replacement. Some report the dealer attributed the corrosion to road salt, and one owner was told early rust was only discoloration. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 150,000 miles, with many between 65,000 and 120,000 miles, typically on trucks used in salt-belt areas.
What to check: Have the brake lines inspected along the frame rails, above the fuel tank and behind the front wheels, and ask whether any lines have been replaced. A service bulletin notes that pre-formed, pre-flared replacement pipes are available for these trucks.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“A vehicle approaching from my left side was speeding and ran the stop light in front of me at approximately 40mph. I slammed on my brakes to avoid the collision and my brakes wet to the floor. I missed hitting the car by about 1 foot. At an inspection at a dealership it appears the brake lines had rusted through under the drivers side of the truck. Apparently form road salt corrosion,”
NHTSA complaint #10717589, filed 2015-05, 30,000 miles“I drove into lumber yard hit the brakes and they were gone. As my speed was low due to parking lot, I was able to stop without incident. Brake lines were completely rusted and all the brake fluid drained into parking lot. I had the brake lines repaired at considerable cost as they were all rusted. They needed to be custom bent by the shop. Luckily no one was hurt or killed. This should not have happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #10598331, filed 2014-06, 32,000 miles - Electrical system
Speedometer and gauge cluster faults
- 18 complaints (15%)
- median 60,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2015
Owners report the speedometer reading incorrectly — stuck at 0, pegged at 120, or drifting — and in some cases other gauges (fuel, oil pressure, tachometer) also fail or fluctuate. Several say the dealer recommended replacing the instrument cluster, while others report no repair because the vehicle was not covered by a recall. A few mention related electrical oddities such as dash lights out or the odometer reading wrong. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 80,000 miles, with some reports at higher mileage.
Recall 05V0550002 related service bulletins
What to check: Test every gauge through a full sweep and compare the speedometer against a GPS or phone app; ask whether the cluster has been rebuilt or replaced. Bulletins describe a spec of about +/-2 mph for speedometer accuracy.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2005 Gmc 2500 hd Sierra 4x4 speedometer is stuck on 120mph and never reads below 70 head lights shut off for no reason while driving at night. Mileage odometer was moving 1 mile for ever 30 miles I drove now it went black all together auto seat adjustment is stuck and will not work right all dash lights are not working and everytime I unlock the truck the alarm goes off , I have to put the key in and turn it to stop the alarm.”
NHTSA complaint #10365609, filed 2010-11, 24,344 miles“My speedometer quit working around 78,000 miles. Slowly but surely all my other gauges have quit working over time. The RPM gauge, speedometer, oil temp, and gas gauge. Only one works now. The rest either don't work or fluctuate back and forth. I would have reported this earlier if I knew about this site. It's not the first complaint so there is something up with these models. They should be recalled and fixed by the dealers. I won't ever buy another Gmc vehicle. That's for sure.”
NHTSA complaint #10615809, filed 2014-07, 78,000 miles - Steering
Steering noise, shake and loss of power assist
- 12 complaints (10%)
- median 22,000 mi at 1.4 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2014
Complaints describe the steering wheel shaking or vibrating when slowing for stops, clicking or knocking felt through the wheel on turns, and rattling from the intermediate steering shaft. Some owners report power steering assist dropping away at very low speed or when stopped with the brakes applied, and one says multiple parts were replaced without resolving it. Others link wandering or uneven tire wear to worn inner tie rod ends. Spread from a few thousand miles to about 70,000 miles, with several reports under 40,000 miles.
Recall 05V018000Recall 05V455000
What to check: Drive slowly with the wheel turned lock-to-lock and listen for clicks or rattles, and check the intermediate shaft and tie rod ends for play. Recalls covering the steering shaft bolt and power steering hose apply to certain vehicles, so check by VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“For the past 6 months I have noticed that my steering wheel shakes when I slow down at stop signs. I also have noticed a clicking/knocking noise when I make turns and I can feel it through the steering wheel. I will be scheduling an appt. For this immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #10187054, filed 2007-04, 24,000 miles“Intermediate steering shaft has been rattling for a few weeks now, and my truck only has 38,000 miles. I'm told that lubricating it will only stop it short term.”
NHTSA complaint #10195509, filed 2007-07, 36,250 miles - Engine cooling
Coolant loss and overheating
- 11 complaints (9%)
- median 34,000 mi at 2.3 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2014
Owners report coolant disappearing with no visible external leak, and in some complaints the dealer identified the cylinder heads as the source; one owner cites a bulletin stating the casting was at fault. Others describe repeated overheating and burst or leaking hoses, sometimes shortly after purchase, with a dealer unable to find the cause at first. A separate complaint notes high coolant and transmission temperatures while towing near the rated limit. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 150,000 miles, with coolant-loss reports often at higher mileage.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for residue around the heads and hoses, and ask whether the coolant system has needed topping off between services. A bulletin covers coolant leaking from the EGR cooler into the combustion chamber on some engines.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“05 duramax is running very warm and overheating while towing. Four times we have towed and all four times the truck ran warm the last time the heads up display said engine over heating. This truck is rated to tow 16,000 + pounds and I'm towing around 15,500 and it can't do it without overheating the coolant and transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10136982, filed 2005-09, 2,000 miles“Since we purchased the 2005 Gmc Sierra we have had problems with the radiator hose bursting within the first few months and having to have it towed. Since then we have had several overheating problems. The dealer constantly says they can not find anything wrong. We insisted they change the thermostat on one of our times there = they replaced that and a hose. We came home and anti-freeze was leaking. We thought it may be they overfilled it. Then it kept leaking and the truck overheated again 4th or 5th time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10167712, filed 2006-09, 7,838 miles - Engine
Rough idle or running issues on the 5.3L V8
- 10 complaints (9%)
- median 59,260 mi at 7.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2015
Some owners describe a rough idle after warm-up, with the truck stumbling at stoplights hard enough to shake the cab, and report being told it was normal for that engine. Others mention a knocking noise on start-up that a dealer attributed to a cracked cylinder, and one reports exhaust smell in the passenger compartment traced to broken manifold bolts. Reported from very low mileage (a few hundred miles) up to about 100,000 miles.
Recall 06V289000Recall 04V3760002 related service bulletins
What to check: Listen to the engine cold and warm and feel for a shaky idle at a stop, and ask about any exhaust or manifold work. Recalls covering fuel rail retainer hardware apply to certain engines, so confirm by VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle has a very rough idle after warming up. When stopped for a light the vehicle stumbles so bad it causes the cab to shake. I took it to the dealership, they downloaded the computer and could find no defects. I was told that this was normal for this year group with the 5.3l engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10143086, filed 2005-11, 100 miles“Truck was making a knocking noise upon start. Took to dealership mechanic and informed, based on the noise and where it's coming from, it's most likely a cracked cylinder and informed this is common. Really?? Will cost thousands to repair ... Which I don't have. Frustrating to say the least. It has low miles, serviced regularly. If this is common why won't Gmc step up and take care of it??”
NHTSA complaint #10561402, filed 2014-01, 97,000 miles
Buying note. On a used 2005 Sierra, put the most weight on the brake lines and the instrument cluster: have the lines inspected for corrosion and verify every gauge works before buying. Also check for coolant loss and steering noise on a test drive, and confirm by VIN whether any open recalls apply to the truck.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 117 consumer complaints for the 2005 GMC Sierra. 106 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 291 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Brakes37 32%
- Electrical system23 20%
- Steering11 9.4%
- Transmission and drivetrain11 9.4%
- Engine cooling9 7.7%
- Suspension9 7.7%
- Engine8 6.8%
- Body and structure7 6.0%
- Air bags6 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control6 5.1%
Also reported: Fuel system (5), Tires (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Equipment (2), Other or unknown (2), Seats (2), Interior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Went to stop at stop sign, brakes felt spongy. Stopped up the road about 2 miles at my moms house to get my kids, looked under the truck and saw brake fluid dripping down on the left side of the frame behind the left front wheel.I have to replace all of my brake lines now due to rust.”
NHTSA complaint #10690140, filed 2015-02, 99,634 milesElectrical system: “My vehicle was parked in my driveway. I was walking down the driveway and thought the car was being stolen as it was starting. There was no one in the car. The car did start several times on its own so I disconnected the battery cable and had it serviced immediately. How long it had been doing this I do not know. I do know it had not been doing this on the previous day as I walk be there every day at least 2 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10576141, filed 2014-04, 68,000 milesSteering: “Power steering stops working on slow right hand turns. I sometimes need to back up in order to complete the turn. I also end up crossing into oncoming lanes if no traffic is comeing towards me. If there is traffic I need to stop in the middle of the turn until the traffic clears. The check airbag light came on at 85000 miles after the battery discharged from the vehicle sitting to long without being driven.”
NHTSA complaint #10627826, filed 2014-08, 57,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Issues with emissions switch. Check engine light will not go off. Also 3 and 4th gear are completely gone out. I do not tow or have had anything even remotely heavy in this truck. It's a 2005 Gmc Sierra with only 78,480 miles on it. I am not the only one having issues with this 4 speed transmission. It is not heavy duty enough for this size truck. Gm needs to recall all of these transmissions. When it first started slipping I lost all power going down the road at about 55mph. The vehicle that was behind me slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10782566, filed 2015-10, 78,480 milesMileage when problems were reported
40% of the 106 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,000 and 97,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 GMC Sierra. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra · sedan | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Sierra · coupe | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2005 GMC Sierra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Sierra 15 Hybrid 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V417000Oct 31, 2006Air bags › FrontalCovers: GMC Sierra 2005, Buick Lacrosse 2005–2006, GMC Envoy 2005–2006 +9 more
Certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat…
- 06V289000Aug 3, 2006Engine and engine coolingCovers: GMC Sierra 2004–2006, Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2006, GMC Yukon XL 2004–2006 +6 more
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-vin g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
- 05V455000Oct 5, 2005Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: GMC Sierra 2005–2006, Chevrolet Silverado 2005–2006, Corvette 2005–2006 +12 more
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
- 05V161000Apr 22, 2005Parking brakeCovers: GMC Sierra 1999–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 1999–2005
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing…
- 05V163000Apr 22, 2005Seat belts › Rear/otherCovers: GMC Sierra 2003–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2005, GMC Yukon 2003–2005 +5 more
On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this…
- 05V055000Feb 14, 2005Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicatorCovers: GMC Sierra 2005, Chevrolet Tahoe 2005, GMC Yukon 2005 +7 more
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under…
See all 9 recalls for the 2005 GMC Sierra → · Check a 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. 291 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10108599Jul 17, 2017Suspension. This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.
- 10113406Feb 8, 2017Body and structure. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10114431Feb 23, 2016Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work…
- 10112299Jan 27, 2016Equipment. This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)
- 10112272Jan 14, 2016Engine. This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
- 10113810Aug 18, 2015Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides dealership personnel with policy and procedure requirements for essential tools that include consumable parts (U.S. Only).
- 10113792Aug 4, 2015Engine cooling. This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
- 10113703Jun 23, 2015Electrical system, Engine cooling. This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with…
- 10113701Jun 22, 2015Equipment. This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when and how to submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
Other model years of the GMC Sierra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 61 | 35,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 6 | 39,500 | 2 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 53 | 2,750 | 6 | — | — | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 101 | 3,000 | 11 | — | — | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 39 | 7,250 | 3 | — | 21 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 29 | 31,450 | 2 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 43 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 34 | 53,500 | 0 | — | 22 | 11 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 37 | 42,000 | 1 | — | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 68 | 66,850 | 2 | — | — | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 59 | 70,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 53 | 43,500 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 117 | 60,000 | 9 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 188 | 49,752 | 7 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 206 | 55,750 | 6 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 249 | 40,490 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 264 | 61,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 443 | 67,666 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 600 | 62,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 190 | 71,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 238 | 78,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 246 | 83,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 261 | 114,184 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1994 | 190 | 110,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 72 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 30 | 178,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 12 | 108,500 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 18 | 115,832 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1989 | 16 | 187,575 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 6 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Sierra?
Owners of the 2005 GMC Sierra most often write about brake problems, and the single most common theme is brake lines that rust through and leak, which several describe as a pedal going to the floor while driving. The issues reported most often: Rusted-through brake lines and fluid loss; Speedometer and gauge cluster faults; Steering noise, shake and loss of power assist.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA recorded 117 consumer complaints for the 2005 GMC Sierra as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 GMC Sierra is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 37 complaints (32% of the total), followed by electrical system with 23.
Has the 2005 GMC Sierra been recalled?
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 GMC Sierra get?
The EPA rates the 2005 GMC Sierra (Sierra 15 Hybrid 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl · hybrid) at 17 mpg combined, 16 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 GMC Sierra reported?
Among the 106 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 20,000 and 97,000 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.