2005 GMC Sierra problems
Owners have filed 152 complaints about the 2005 GMC Sierra with NHTSA. Service brakes account for 17.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 15.1%.
Complaints152
Crashes3
Fires2
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes 17.8% · 27
Electrical system 15.1% · 23
Steering 8.6% · 13
Power train 7.2% · 11
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.6% · 10
Engine and engine cooling 5.9% · 9
Suspension 5.9% · 9
Engine 5.3% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 3 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 14 model years of the GMC Sierra in this data, 2005 draws comparatively few complaints; 1999 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising — 62 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 55,437 miles.
In owners' own words
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. Service brakes · reported at 60,000 miles
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, Service brakes · reported at 30,000 miles
Vehicle was driven on a driveway and the brake pedal lost complete resistance and went flat to the floor. Total brake failure occurred without any warning indicators. Inspection of the metal brake lines positioned near the left front wheel revealed that all four lines showed severe signs of corrosion and one of the lines had produced a hole therefore leaking brake fluid. Service brakes · reported at 55,833 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other GMC Sierra years
1999 721 complaints · 40.4% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 557 complaints · 35.0% service brakes, hydraulic 2001 333 complaints · 30.9% service brakes, hydraulic 2002 291 complaints · 34.4% service brakes, hydraulic 2003 248 complaints · 18.1% service brakes 2004 224 complaints · 19.6% service brakes