2005 GMC Sierra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 8%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 GMC Sierra, 8% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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“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“Overheating of 2005 Gmc duramax diesel engine while pulling small 5th wheel in mountains of colorado. This caused me to have to slow down to the point where I was a hazard to myself and others on the highways because of my vehicle causing a traffic obstruction.”
NHTSA complaint #10150482, filed 2006-02, 6,200 miles“Extreme overheating of 3500 duramax while towing. Loss of power and overheating of transmission and engine. Numerous contacts with general motors and attorney general in michigan. Gm acknowledges there is a problem but don't know what the problem is therefore no fix for the problem. Are continuing to find a fix. We tow a 5th wheel in the colo. Mountains and this could lead to very serious problems if the engine should blow and we would have loss of steering and braking.”
NHTSA complaint #10147212, filed 2006-01, 500 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. This was just driving home from about 10 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10167712, filed 2006-09, 7,838 milesRelated recalls
- 06V289000Aug 3, 2006On 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…Covers: GMC Sierra 2004–2006, Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2006, GMC Yukon XL 2004–2006 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10113792Aug 4, 2015This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold inspection/replacement after severe internal engine damage.
- 10113703Jun 23, 2015This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)…
- 10028831Jun 1, 2015General motors: intermittent mil/ses/ dtc p2138 with reduced engine power (repair instrument panel (ip) to body harness connector). 2005-08 gm passengers cars/light duty trucks…
- 10056354Sep 1, 2014Gmc/chevrolet: engines, with egr system, has leakage from egr cooler engine coolant into the combustion chamber. Model 2002-15 silverado, sierra, 2004-09 kodiak c4500-c5500…
- 10058259Jul 16, 2014General motors: an optional engine block heater plug in for onboard ac power and with continuous usage will result in shorting of wires, over heating system, electrical failure…
- 10112069May 14, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
- 10113502Aug 26, 2013This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information on a revised customer concern not duplicated/verified labor operation numbers and how to submit CCND.
- 10113494Aug 19, 2013This informational bulletin provides information on close-coupled converter and engine replacement.
- 10113059Jun 24, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
- 10036464May 1, 2011Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/hummer/pontiac/saab: oil consumption and/or exhaust smoke-possible pcv baffle or lifter concern. Upon inspection, obvious oil will be found in the…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 9% |
| 2001 | 22 | 8% |
| 2000 | 21 | 5% |
| 1999 | 17 | 3% |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% |
| 1997 | 15 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2005 GMC Sierra
37 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 GMC Sierra
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology