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 have owned this truck since new and have cared for it meticulously. The truck has 66,00 miles on it. I have never owned any vehicle that had it brake lines rust through like this. A major catastrophe to me and my family was averted by pulling over at the first sign of failure. Gm should be held liable for every vehicle it manufactured with poor quality materials that can cause failure to the single most important part of an automobile, the brakes. As you can see from the attached photos, this truck is not rusted anywhere else.
The worst 2005 GMC Sierra problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes37
- Electrical23
- Engine17
- Steering11
- Transmission11
- Suspension9
- Body7
- Acceleration6
- Airbags6
- Fuel system5
- Tires4
- Visibility3
- Seats2
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 GMC Sierra
Brake failure 7Overheating 7Loss of power 6ABS 5Check engine light 5Knocking 5
Recalls 9
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 06V417000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 06V289000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 05V455000 · Recall details
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 05V161000 · Recall details
Seat belts: rear/other
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 05V163000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 05V055000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 05V043000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 05V018000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 04V376000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 GMC Sierra 365
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may...
- This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may...
- This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for...
- This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly...
- This warranty administration bulletin provides dealership personnel with policy and procedure requirements...
- This informational bulletin provides information to technicians regarding intake manifold...
- This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to...
- This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on when and how to submit a Field...
2005 GMC Sierra fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8‑cyl Hybrid | RWD | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 19 | 16-17 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl Hybrid | 4WD | 15 | 18 | 16 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 18 | 15-16 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 8-13 | 11-18 | 9-15 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 17-18 | 15 |
What 2005 GMC Sierra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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. This problem with the transmission is going to kill someone.
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 the chassis. Note: this vehicle has never been operated in snow or road salt to my knowledge.
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.
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 times. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred without warning. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the throttle body wire harness, the throttle accelerator control module, and the accelerator pedal assembly were repaired. The repair failed to remedy the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
Without any warning, my brake lines failed and I could not stop my truck. I live in the northeast and it would seem reasonable for brake lines to rust out. However, my truck is only 10 years old and I have spent thousands of dollars keeping it washed, including the undercarriage. I have never had a brake line fail on another car and I have driven some really old vehicles. I have also never heard of anyone I know having a problem with their vehicles. This is because it is a specific problem with gmc sierra and chevy silverado.
A vehicle approaching from my left side was speeding and ran the stop light in front of me at approximately 40mph. I slammed on my brakes to avoid the collision and my brakes wet to the floor. I missed hitting the car by about 1 foot. At an inspection at a dealership it appears the brake lines had rusted through under the drivers side of the truck. Apparently form road salt corrosion,
2005 gmc sierra. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle speedometer stopped working.
Another gm rusty brake line failure while attempting to stop on a 2005 gmc sierra 1500. I don't expect things to last forever, but brake lines are essential to the safety of a vehicle and they should not be rusting to failure at this point. I don't care what the climate is. At this point my truck is in the shop getting fixed on my dime (gm refuses to repair it). But they need to look into this. I have worked on/driven many much older cars in the same condition, and I have never seen brake lines rust to this extent in 10 years. My last car was a 20 year old monte carlo that still had original brake lines. In my opinion this has the potential to turn into bigger safety issue at some time. In my opinion, it is only a matter of time.
Speedometer does not return to zero when you stop if it goes down to 40 and you drive off doing 40 it reads 80.
Compare the 2005 GMC Sierra
Other model years
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Questions about the 2005 GMC Sierra
Is the 2005 GMC Sierra reliable?
Owners have filed 117 complaints about the 2005 GMC Sierra, 2.0 times a typical Sierra model year.
What is the 2005 GMC Sierra year score?
The 2005 GMC Sierra scores 44 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 GMC Sierra?
Brakes, with 37 complaints, typically around 67,320 miles. Next is electrical (23).
How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Sierra have?
9 recalls, covering air bags, engine and engine cooling and steering.
Was there a recall on the 2005 GMC Sierra brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 05V161000, 05V043000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Sierra have bad brakes?
The GMC Sierra model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (338 complaints), 2000 (228 complaints) and 2001 (150 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2005 GMC Sierra get?
Official estimates for the 2005 GMC Sierra range from 9 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 16 city and 19 highway.
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