GMC Sierra 2500 · model year

2005 GMC Sierra 2500

159 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 4 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
159
Recalls
4

The verdict

The 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

16th pctile
complaint volume, own model years
4
recall campaigns

The 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 carries 159 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 8 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2005 Sierra 2500 is electrical system with 31 filings, followed by service brakes (19) and service brakes, hydraulic (15). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2005 Sierra 2500. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

159
Complaints
5
Crashes
8
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2005 GMC Sierra 2500

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

159 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

Component Count
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 31
SERVICE BRAKES 19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 15
STEERING 14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL 11
WHEELS 5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM 5
POWER TRAIN 5
ENGINE 5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL 3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP 3
AIR BAGS 3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3
STRUCTURE:BODY 3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 3

Recalls (4)

06E043000 19/05/2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CE

08V519000 06/10/2008

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

MOBILITYWORKS IS RECALLING 133 MY 2005-2006 FORD E250, MY 2000, 2004-2006 E350, MY 2000, 2005 E450, MY 2005-2006 GMC 2500, GMC 3500, AND MY 2006 DODGE 2500 VANS EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STAN

06E050000 06/06/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL NATIONAL AND CARQUEST AFTERMARKET HUB ASSEMBLIES, P/N 515058, SOLD FOR USE ON 2001-2006 GENERAL MOTORS 1500 AND 2500 4WD TRUCKS. ON THE SUBJECT HUB ASSEMBLIES, THE ABS SENSOR CORD DEPARTS FROM THE HUB ASSEMBLY AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A FIT ISSUE WITH THE B

06E010000 01/02/2006

STEERING

CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS

Recent Complaints

20231223 AIR BAGS

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 cracked and leaking exhaust. Was checked out at a muffler repair shop. In time I'm afraid fumes my leak into the truck cab. 4). A brake line ruptured and was repaired on 09/02/2020.

20231223 ENGINE

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 cracked and leaking exhaust. Was checked out at a muffler repair shop. In time I'm afraid fumes my leak into the truck cab. 4). A brake line ruptured and was repaired on 09/02/2020.

20231223 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 cracked and leaking exhaust. Was checked out at a muffler repair shop. In time I'm afraid fumes my leak into the truck cab. 4). A brake line ruptured and was repaired on 09/02/2020.

20220201 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This is a test

20210304 STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED HE REPLACED ALL THE BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE AND ALSO STATED THAT THE BODY FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENCE MECHANIC WHERE ALL THE CORRODED BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.

Mileage: 61,000

20210304 SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED HE REPLACED ALL THE BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE AND ALSO STATED THAT THE BODY FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENCE MECHANIC WHERE ALL THE CORRODED BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.

Mileage: 61,000

20200215 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY TRUCK HAS HAD THE ODOMETER ROLLED BACK ACORDING TO THE CARFAX REPORT. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND WAS UNAWARE OF THE UNTIL TODAY WHEN I TRIED TO TRADE IT IN AND THE SALESMAN MADE ME AWARE OF THIS

20200203 Fire ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

20180219 Crash SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING DUE TO METAL BRAKE LINE CORROSION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. POLICE REPORT: MOORESVILLE, INDIANA PD #A17315

Mileage: 95,000

20170901 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ALWAYS TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE AT IDLE

Mileage: 5

20170901 ENGINE

ALWAYS TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE AT IDLE

Mileage: 5

20170901 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ALWAYS TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE AT IDLE

Mileage: 5

20170508 POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND DISPLAY WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS POSITIONED IN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

20170302 SERVICE BRAKES

BREAK LINE RUSTED AND BROKE ALMOST RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN TRYING TO STOP BRAKE PETAL WENT TO FLOOR

Mileage: 130,000

20161213 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 55,000

20160922 SERVICE BRAKES

BLEW OUT ONE BRAKE LINE LOST ALL BRAKES NO BACKUP,PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. 54,000 MILES ALL LINES RUSTED ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THANK GOD I JUST PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT.

Mileage: 54,000

20160721 AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 (NA) GMC SIERRA 2500 HD. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V324000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

20160709 SERVICE BRAKES

TAKING VEHICLE OUT OF PARK BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL WAY TO FLOOR BECAUSE STEEL LINE RUPTURED CAUSING MASSIVE LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID, ROLLED OUT OF DRIVE WAY INTO STREET CUTTING WHEEL TO AVOID WRECK BEFORE COULD GET IN NEUTRAL AND ROLL TO STOP !

Mileage: 100,000

20160427 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FUEL GAGE,SPEEDOMETER BROKEN, OIL GAGE , BATTERY INDICATOR ETC ALL STOPPED WORKING. ALSO STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN FIXED THREE TIMES AND BROKE AGAIN.

20160427 STEERING

FUEL GAGE,SPEEDOMETER BROKEN, OIL GAGE , BATTERY INDICATOR ETC ALL STOPPED WORKING. ALSO STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN FIXED THREE TIMES AND BROKE AGAIN.

Compare 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 have?▼
The 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 has 159 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 8 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500?▼
Yes, the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500?▼
The most-complained component for the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 31 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
Is the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.