2005 GMC Sierra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 9%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,609miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 GMC Sierra, 9% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,609 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.
“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 miles“Within 4 months of purchase, was driving at approx. 25 MPH when transfer case shifted into 4 high on it's own. Shut off vehicle, restart and able to put back into 2 wheel drive. Happened on and off for a little more than a month when it went to 4 lo while driving at 30 MPH through town. Unable to reset. Limped it the 2 miles to dealership for diagnosis. Cost me $1200 to have the transfer case rebuilt. Smoked the clutch pack, burned out 2 bushings and bent shift shaft. Had second issue of shifting on it's own, may 15th, 2014. This time it cost me $500 for the shift motor to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10594705, filed 2014-05, 53,000 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“I own a 2003 2500 hd 4x4, a wonderful vehicle it would be even more wonderful if I could find a dealer that would stand behind his product. My next car probably will not be Gmc or chevy. I have owned the car since june of 2003. Due to the nature of my business I already have 98,000 miles. During that time I have complained about fuel mileage. The reports lie. Nobody will do anything about the fuel mileage. Because it can't get any better because they lied. I have lost a vaccume pump, and a left front wheel hub which had to be completely replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10133970, filed 2005-08, 54,000 miles“Gmc Sierra 1500 crew cab; hile driving at interstate speed, the driveshaft fell off the vehicle and shattered. There was substantial damage to the underside of the vehicle including muffler, yoke, heat shield & driveshaft. These parts were replaced with new manufacturer provided parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10116485, filed 2005-04, 1,252 milesRelated recalls
- 05V055000Feb 14, 2005Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102…Covers: GMC Sierra 2005, Chevrolet Tahoe 2005, GMC Yukon 2005 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 10113664May 29, 2015This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
- 10112401Oct 9, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have not engagement into drive, delayed, no engagement into reverse, and or…
- 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.
- 10023751Feb 1, 2013Engine surge or stall at stop and/or dtc p0742 possible tcc applied. Equipped with allison lct1000 transmission rpo m74 or mw7. *nj updated 4/22/13.
- 10112697Dec 27, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
- 10112681Dec 17, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a planetary gear whine noise in first and second gear. Technician…
- 10112523Oct 30, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing…
- 10043185Nov 1, 2011Cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/hummer: some suvs and trucks are exhibiting a condition where by grinding/ratcheting type noise coming from automatic transmission when shifting into park…
- 10026804Oct 1, 2008Gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. All 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 23 | 38% |
| 2015 | 6 | 11% |
| 2014 | 10 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 2 | 7% |
| 2011 | 6 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 11 | 9% |
| 2004 | 18 | 10% |
| 2003 | 29 | 14% |
| 2002 | 18 | 7% |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% |
| 2000 | 26 | 6% |
| 1999 | 37 | 6% |
| 1998 | 15 | 8% |
| 1997 | 28 | 12% |
| 1996 | 24 | 10% |
| 1995 | 12 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 11% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2005 GMC Sierra
37 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 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 30, 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