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GMC Sierra loss of power problems

47 of the 3,904 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
47
worst model year
2005
typical mileage
63,370
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2017
    3
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    2
  • 2012
    3
  • 2011
    5
  • 2010
    2
  • 2008
    2
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    6
  • 2004
    2
  • 2003
    3
  • 2002
    4
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    4
  • 1999
    1
  • 1998
    2
  • 1997
    2
  • 1996
    1
  • 1994
    2

Often reported together

Power steering loss 12Check engine light 10Stalling 4Overheating 3Fuel pump 3Brake failure 3Won't start 2ABS 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P2471 1P2135 1P20CC 1P113A 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 12, 2023 · Engine · 100,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle veered to the side of the road and was restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer multiple times where the failure was not able to be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 70,000 miles · MO

When I'm driving at a slow speed turning the truck looses all power and the steering wheel jerks out of my hand, stabilitrak is on the display and it says roll down driver window and roll back up! It also looses all power just driving down the road no matter the speed! I have also been stopped at a stoplight and it lost all power wouldn't come back on so I had to get out pop the hood and bang I. The battery box and cables and it started again! Very scary going 75 MPH and it shuts off leaving you no steering no brakes no lights no nothing! Sometimes it says power steering failure sometimes and sometimes it says stabilitrack problem at something about towing! The brakes were also affected no brakes

Filed Jan 3, 2020 · Brakes · 36,500 miles · UT

Vehicle frequently exhibits loss of braking power. When this occurs, something sounding like the ABS systems is sometimes engaged by the vehicle and other times not. While gm claims braking performance meets federal standards, the braking power is greatly reduced when the hydraulic system is engaged and almost non-existent when neither vacuum pump nor the hydraulic system functions. Even if the braking performance meets federal standards, it creates a dangerous situation when the driver is not expecting a failure. A gmc dealership has admitted there is an issue and recommends replacing the vacuum pump but has been unable to source the parts in over two weeks and has no eta for when the part will be available. Meanwhile the braking power loss condition occurs every time the vehicle is driven. During the first instance, I was towing a travel trailer in stop and go traffic down a 7% grade. Had it not been for the trailer brakes, this could have been catastrophic. The second occurrence involved backing into my driveway and nearly causing a collision because of poor braking performance. Now that I fully aware of the issue, the vehicle is driven sparingly (only when absolutely needed) and with great care. The characterization of this issue by gm as not being a grave safety concern is inaccurate. Their inability to source parts in a timely manner is inexcusable.

Filed Oct 26, 2019 · Brakes · 28,000 miles · FL

While braking pedal feels like gurgling and at times complete loss of power assist making pedal very hard to depress all were in motion and intermittent making dealer diagnosis difficult and not yet able to replicate so dealer refuses to do work

Filed Apr 8, 2016 · Transmission · 65,722 miles · ME

While driving at normal highway speed, truck shut off except for the lights. Lost powers steering, brakes etc. Once I got the truck pulled over and stopped, attempted to restart. Was unable to do so until the 4th attempt during a 5 minutes time span. Once started, appeared to be running fine except for the mil on the dashboard which was lit.

Filed Mar 29, 2016 · Engine · 59,980 miles · NY

While driving down the interstate at 70 MPH my service traction control message, service stabilitrak message, check engine light, and reduced engine power message came on. The vehicle started running very rough it would not go above 50 MPH. I drove approximately 3 miles to get off the interstate into the gas station parking lot. I turned it off for about 10 minutes when I turned it back on only the check engine light was on I took it to the shop and they ran tests and said it was the battery. Two weeks later it happened again same thing when I turned it off it worked fine after sitting for 10 minutes I got home and when I got a chance to look at it to days later the check engine light was off. I have read a lot and forums about people having the same issue but no resolution truly being found. This is a 2011 gmc sierra 1500 with the all-terrain package and only has about 60,000 miles on it it gets oil changes regularly. This really makes me think this is something gm should look into.

Filed Jan 5, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · 100,000 miles · WA

The tbs goes out. Putting the truck into reduced power. I was going 65 MPH and the truck slowed down to 15 MPH on the freeway. Lose all breaks control , ABS goes out to. Almost have been due to gm

Filed Dec 16, 2015 · Electrical · 75,000 miles · GA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of power which resulted in a front end collision with a guardrail. When the failure occurred, all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to be operated after the crash. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Oct 15, 2015 · Fuel system, Transmission · 78,480 miles · NY

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.

Filed Oct 15, 2015 · Engine · 31,500 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc sierra. While at a stop light, the vehicle lost power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that two spark plugs needed to be replaced and that the vehicle consumed excess engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the pcv valve, valve cover, and two spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,500.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust systemReported January 13, 2014 · 325,213 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Risk
The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC at 1‑800‑462‑8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.

Recall number 14V007000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 7, 2007 · 11,974 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if so, may re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Risk
If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2007. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 07V521000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported August 3, 2006 · 38,439 vehicles affected
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

Questions about the GMC Sierra loss of power

Which GMC Sierra years have sudden loss of power problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (6 complaints), 2011 (5 complaints) and 2000 (4 complaints).

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