2005 GMC Sierra Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 7%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,936miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2005 GMC Sierra, 7% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,936 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.
“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 miles“Took vehicle in for new brakes and coolant leak. No complaint about brakes, but complaint about coolant leak. Coolant leak issue is connected to GM TSB 06-06-01-019b and affects castech 706 cylinder heads. The coolant is leaking into the heads because of a known porosity issue. My engine will have to be replaced if the problem is not addressed because of glycol contamination. Gm dealer said to just keep an eye on it. A second, independent mechanic, did confirm the coolant leak is not external and my engine will fail if the heads are not replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560337, filed 2014-01, 100,872 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“Faulty castech heads are leaking coolant into engine oil. Gm is aware that the 5.3l v8 engines have faulty heads, and they refuse to place a recall to fix the problem. It is not right to not stand behind your product. The repair costs are in the $5000 range.”
NHTSA complaint #10554861, filed 2013-12, 147,526 miles“Crank vehicle turn corner , message engine power reduced, check engine light appeared, turn around return 200 feet to home, check all fluids connections turn off ignition, unable to start engine, let sit, unable to start engine, drive wife to work other vehicle, recheck all fluids connections, refill coolant, crank engine, coolant discharge on overflow line on cold engine, kill engine would not start, go to autozone get extra coolant and new gas cap. Return coolant level ok. Install new gas cap, engine hard to crank like vapor lock or no fuel to engine. Crank engine, let run, kill engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10593888, filed 2014-05, 59,640 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10112272Jan 14, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.
- 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…
- 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…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 17% |
| 2011 | 7 | 16% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 8 | 7% |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
| 2000 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2005 GMC Sierra
37 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsSuspension
9 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