Every vehicle has its own set of issues that tend to crop up more often than others, so what are the common problems with the GMC Sierra? To find out, we scoured the internet for the most commonly reported problems for every model year of the Sierra since it first appeared in 1999. By familiarizing yourself with these common issues, you will know what to look out for when you shop or a used Sierra or what to expect if you currently own one. So, what are some of these common problems?
While no issues persist through all model year, most early model year GMC Sierras have some shared common problems like transmission issues and HVAC control failure. There are some other issues that were resolved by GM soon after cropping up. But it's worth learning all common problems because even small niggles; a squeak here, a crack there, can end up causing a huge headache. Also note that there are some issues, like rough idling, that were not included because a common cause has not been found at this point.
Okay, ready to learn? Let's find out which issues commonly plague GMC's Sierra trucks by model year.
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GMC Sierra 1999 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Transmission sunshell failure
The 4L60E transmission commonly develops broken sunshells, meaning 2nd, 4th, and reverse gears no longer work.
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD motor position selector switch failure
Solution: A new switch must be ordered, usually costing about $50.
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
A faulty fuel gauge will show the incorrect fuel level in your Sierra.
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
The temperature inside the cab becomes erratic.
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
GMC Sierra 2000 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Transmission sunshell failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200.
Problem: 4WD motor position selector switch failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
GMC Sierra 2001 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Parking Brake Failure
Solution: Replace tailgate hinge cables.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel Gauge Failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
GMC Sierra 2002 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Tailgate Hinge Corrosion
Solution: Replace tailgate hinge cables.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel Gauge Failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
GMC Sierra 2003 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Tailgate Hinge Corrosion
Solution: Replace tailgate hinge cables.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Incorrect Rear Seat Belt Position
Solution: Removing a portion of the guide loop.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
GMC Sierra 2004 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Transmission sunshell failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Problem: Incorrect Rear Seat Belt Position
Solution: Removing a portion of the guide loop.
Cost: Free (under recall)
GMC Sierra 2005 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Fuel Rail Failure (5.3-liter engines only)
Solution: Replace fuel filter.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Fuel Leak
Solution: Hub assembly replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Incorrect Rear Seat Belt Position
Solution: Removing a portion of the guide loop.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
GMC Sierra 2006 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Power Steering Failure
Solution: Power steering hose replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel gauge failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Problem: Wheel Hub Failure
Solution: Hub assembly replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
GMC Sierra 2007 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Transmission Sunshell Failure
Solution: A complete gearbox disassembly is required to replace the sunshell.
Cost: $800 - $1200
Problem: 4WD Motor Position Selector Switch Failure
Solution: New 4WD switch
Cost: $150.
Problem: Fuel Gauge Failure
Solution: Fuel gauge replacement.
Cost: $85 for parts, $700 to $1000 for a full repair including fuel pump.
Problem: Temperature Control Failure
Solution: New HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) actuators will fix this problem in most cases.
Cost: $100 (easy to do at home).
Problem: Washer Fluid Heater Can Catch on Fire
Solution: Disable washer fluid heater.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Wheel Hub Failure
Solution: Hub assembly replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
GMC Sierra 2008 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Washer Fluid Heater Can Catch on Fire
Solution: Disable washer fluid heater.
Cost: Free (under recall)
GMC Sierra 2009 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Washer Fluid Heater Can Catch on Fire
Solution: Disable washer fluid heater.
Cost: Free (under recall)
GMC Sierra 2010 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
GMC Sierra 2011 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Steering Linkage Separation
Solution: Tighten intermediate steering shaft bolts.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Ignition Lock Actuator Binding
Solution: Ignition lock housing replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Rear Axle Cross Pin Failure
Solution: Install new cross pin.
Cost: Free (under recall)
GMC Sierra 2012 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Fuel Transfer Pump Failure
Solution: Replace Fuel Transfer Pump
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Fuel Transfer Pump Failure
Solution: Replace Fuel Transfer Pump
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Ignition Lock Actuator Binding
Solution: Ignition lock housing replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
GMC Sierra 2013 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Fuel Transfer Pump Failure
Solution: Replace Fuel Transfer Pump
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Steering Column Lock Failure
Solution: Replace Steering Column
Cost: Free (under recall)
GMC Sierra 2014 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Power Steering Failure
Solution: Software update.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Ignition Lock Actuator Binding
Solution: Ignition lock housing replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Front Airbag Failure
Solution: Software Update
Cost: Free (Under recall)
GMC Sierra 2015 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Ignition Lock Actuator Binding
Solution: Ignition lock housing replacement.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Front Airbag Failure
Solution: Software Update
Cost: Free (Covered under recall)
GMC Sierra 2016 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Broken Front Control Arm
Solution: Replace both upper control arms.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Front Airbag Failure
Solution: Software Update
Cost: Free (Covered under recall)
GMC Sierra 2017 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Broken Front Control Arm
Solution: Replace both upper control arms.
Cost: Free (under recall)
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
Problem: Front Airbag Failure
Solution: Software Update
Cost: Free (Covered under recall)
GMC Sierra 2018 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Broken/Warped Dash
Solution: New dash panel.
Cost: $500 - $600
GMC Sierra 2019 Models - Reported Issues
Problem: Faulty Electrical Components
Solution: Take the truck to the dealer for warranty repairs.
Cost: Free under warranty
In Summary
As you can see, some GMC Sierra model years have proven themselves to be more problematic than others.
Does that mean you should avoid those years with more frequent problems?
Not necessarily.
For one thing, the older a model gets, the more problems they accumulate. Just remember: All of these pickups are capable of staying on the road for many hundreds of thousands of miles if properly maintained.
By knowing what problems to expect, you can ensure your truck is safe and road-ready. Also, if purchasing a more problematic model year, you can be sure to factor in any expected repairs as you decide on a price.
And of course, the same kind of list can be made for any vehicle. GMC is a great brand and we're not bashing the Sierras here! Just trying to help prospective owners know what to look for when buying a used one. And if you still need help with that, check out our guide about buying a used pickup truck for more tips and tricks.