Is the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 GMC Sierra 2500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2005 GMC Sierra 2500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:35:37.810Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 115
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2005: 115 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	1
1997	14
1998	15
1999	36
2000	48
2001	134
2002	134
2003	160
2004	143
2005	115
2006	66
2007	83
2008	63
2009	31
2010	10
2011	63
2012	30
2013	46
2014	30
2015	89
2016	59
2017	37
2018	35
2019	32
2020	79
2021	51
2022	45
2023	32
2024	104
2025	28
2026	14

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

37% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-02-03

After returning from a day of shopping, I parked my truck at the back, like always. I had been noticing oil spots for the last few days but chalked it up to age and mileage of the truck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-06

Also filed under Steering

Tl* the contact 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 hd. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, the fan motor relay wires burned. The failure was not diagnosed by the dealer or a local mechanic. The manufacturer was notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-10

Service brakes

36% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Brakes failed while driving due to metal brake line corrosion causing an accident. Police report: mooresville, Indiana pd #A17315

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-19

Steering

15% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and diesel.

Power train

6% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2005Complaint volume 115 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-10-16Equipment adaptive/mobility08V519000 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…

Remedy: Mobilityworks is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (Please see 07E097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileSteering06E010000 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.

Remedy: Fabtech will notify owners and replace the pitman and idler arms free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2006. Owners may contact fabtech at 909-597-7800.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

Date not on fileService brakes, air06E050000 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.

Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify its owners and will either credit the customers account or replace the unit. The recall is expected to begin during June 2006. Owners can contact federal-mogul customer service at 1-800-563-8507 ext 3530.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 42 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 41 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E010000 · Steering
Recall 06E050000 · Service brakes, air
Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 08V519000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.