2005 GMC Sierra recalls and problems

9 recalls and 117 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 GMC Sierra.

9
recalls
117
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 GMC Sierra recalls

Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 06V417000 · reported October 31, 2006 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 794 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 covers can cause the passenger sensing system to malfunction.
The risk
If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. In either case, in the event of a crash that requires air bag deployment, a front passenger's level of injury may be increased.
The fix
Because a replacement leather seat cover that is compatible with the passenger sensing system is not available, general motors (gm) will repurchase these vehicles in accordance with the terms stated in gm's letter to owners. The recall began on november 6, 2006. Owners should contact gm at 1-877-477-1022 to begin the process of repurchasing their vehicle.

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 06V289000 · reported August 3, 2006 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 38,439 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463.

Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA campaign 05V455000 · reported October 5, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 123,592 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

Parking brake

NHTSA campaign 05V161000 · reported April 22, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 90,242 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 a parked vehicle.
The risk
If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Seat belts: rear/other

NHTSA campaign 05V163000 · reported April 22, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,359,824 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 position. Appropriate use of a child seat or booster seat, as recommended for small children, does improve the fit condition for this user group. In addition to instructions on proper infant and young child restraint (with child seats or boosters), special verbiage for restraining older child is included in the owner's manual. Also, the suggested seat belt fit/routing for adults, irrespective of seating position, is described in the owner's manual text.
The risk
A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can expose them to more risk of abdominal and internal organ injury.
The fix
Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on july 21, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

Power train: manual transmission, shift pattern indicator

NHTSA campaign 05V055000 · reported February 14, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 7,194 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 certain vehicle starting conditions, the shift lever position indicator located in the instrument panel cluster may not illuminate. If the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver may not know which gear the vehicle is in.
The risk
The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 05V043000 · reported February 8, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 77,411 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
The risk
If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.
The fix
Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall began on march 23, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463 and hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

Steering: gear box, shaft sector

NHTSA campaign 05V018000 · reported January 21, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 3,344 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain trucks, the bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may not meet specification. The bolt may fracture resulting in the loss of steering.
The risk
If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.
The fix
Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft bolt free of charge. The recall began on january 24, 2005. Owners may contact gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 04V376000 · reported August 2, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,103 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3l (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and may break.
The risk
If the tube retainer screw breaks, fuel could leak from the fuel rail crossover joint, the engine may stall and, if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on july 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began august 5, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463. Note: the gm bulletin lists the tahoe and yukon models because canadian vehicles are included in the bulletin. No u.s. Tahoe or yukon vehicles are included in the u.s. Campaign.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 6, 2015 · Service brakes · 66,376 miles

ON 11-30-2015 I LOST THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE FROM THE PRIMARY SIDE OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE BRAKE LINE HAD FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. INSPECTING OTHER BRAKE LINES, I FOUND OTHERS THAT HAD CORROSION WHERE PLASTIC CLIPS WERE USED TO LOCATE LINES. I…

Oct 15, 2015 · Fuel/propulsion system · 78,480 miles

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…

Sep 23, 2015 · Service brakes · 60,000 miles

VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. NOT ABLE TO PUMP UP ANY PRESSURE. INVESTIGATION SHOWED BRAKE FLUID COMING FROM PERFORATED BRAKE LINE AT LEFT FRONT WHEEL. NO BRAKING ACTION AVAILABLE! APPEARS TO BE SOME TYPE OF CORROSIVE REACTION BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE CLAMPS USED TO FASTEN THE LINE TO…

Sep 14, 2015 · Service brakes · 101,000 miles

BRAKE FAILURE DO TO RUSTED OUT LINES.A ONGOING PROBLEM THAT GM WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POOR QUALITY OF THESE LINES PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIVES AT RISK.

Aug 12, 2015 · Engine · 270,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY INCREASED IN SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DISPLAY PANEL READ "REDUCED POWER MODE" AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE…

Sierra model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 4249232
2003 620681
2004 7188115
2005 911732
2006 45333
2007 25962
2008 26840

Across all years, the 2000 Sierra has the most complaints (443). All GMC Sierra years →

Questions

Does the 2005 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2005 GMC Sierra, the most recent reported on October 31, 2006 (Air bags: frontal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Sierra?
Owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (27 complaints), followed by electrical system (23).
How many 2005 GMC Sierra complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 117 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 6, 2015.