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2005 GMC Sierra 2500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 115 owner complaints about the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2005 GMC Sierra 2500
37
CarFlaw IndexUse caution1.7× the Sierra 2500 median · #6 of 28 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints11513 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage70kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 23, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 has problems

115 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system425
Service brakes192
Service brakes, hydraulic191
Steering161
Engine and engine cooling130
Power train70
Structure62
Wheels50
Engine50
11 other systems203

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2005 GMC Sierra 2500 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Mileage at failure

When do electrical system problems start?

70kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 37 electrical system complaints. 78% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
3under 30k miles29under 100k miles8100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2005 vs. every other Sierra 2500 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sierra 2500 median. How we score

'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Sierra 2500 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

1). Dash light stays on constantly and reads SERVICE AIR BAG. This was checked out at an auto repair shop. If air bag doesn't respond, it could be fatal. 2). Check engine light is always on. Was checked out at an auto repair shop and repaired on 10/19/2021. 3). Right engine exhaust manifold is…
Complaint 11561631 · Dec 23, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE FOG LAMPS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD HAD MELTED AND A BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE.…
Complaint 11306703 · Feb 3, 2020 · 160,000 miles
THE SPEEDOMETER IS FAILING. IT WORKS ERRATICALLY. IT EVENTUALLY GOES TO ZERO AND STAYS THERE UNTIL I STOP AND RESTART THE TRUCK OR LET IT SIT OVERNIGHT.
Complaint 10934945 · Dec 13, 2016 · 55,000 miles

Own a 2005 Sierra 2500?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.