Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Instrument panel stops working from time to time. My Guages go crazy. My rpm and speedometer mess up and can't tell how fast I'm going. This has been going on for a few years now. My airbag sensor light is on and was In a light wreck few months ago. Hit pretty hard on front end of truck and yet neither one of my airbags deployed.
Started my truck and the failure electrical system came across I pushed in the botton that changes it and came back on then it said tighten fuel cap washer fluid low I hit the button again it went of but battery light stayed on and gauge read about 10 volts.my truck ran fine and started when I got to my first then at the second stop it said the same , I put in reverse backed out put it drive and the cluster quick working the ac quit you could roll the windows down nor did the locks work and it did not any power when pushed down the gas ped2 to come up a hill it felt like it shifted when you let off the pedal you could feel jerk, go home turned it and would not start or make any sound not even the clicking on the starter, so I left home and came back about 4 hours later and it started but the volt read about 10 volts. I had the battery tested and it test good. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact noticed severe rust to the subframe of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear suspension, front suspension, and starter support showed excessive rust. Additionally, the shock tower, supports, transmission bolts, four wheel drive actuator, and hardware also showed excessive rust. The contact also stated that the horn also failed to operate intermittently. Beckley auto mall (3934 robert c byrd dr, beckley, wv 25801, [phone]) stated that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was repaired for several failures; however, the rust issue was not addressed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 9/18/18
I was driving my 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 truck and the cab filled with smoke the a small fire developed on the wire bundle that connects to the fan blower under the dash passenger side. I had to pull over and pry the burnt connector off of the resistor / blower hook up. The fuse did not work and the connector continued to burn until I shut off the truck and remove the connector. I plan to take the truck into skillman GMC since a fuse did not blow prior to the burning of the wiring. Also I did a brief search and found others had similar issues with either the GMC Sierra and the Chevy silverado truck.
Tl contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving at 65 MPH, the contact noticed that the ABS light illuminated on the instrument panel. An hour later, the contact noticed that the vehicle displayed difficulty stopping. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driver side tire was tilted and smoke and flames had began rising from behind the wheel. The contact called the fire department but no report was filed. The vehicle had not been inspected at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 49,000. Updated 07/26/10. Updated 08/06/10
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500. When the vehicle was placed into gear, the contact noticed that the gear selector was barely illuminated. The failure progressively worsened and the contact had to memorize in what gear the vehicle was placed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000. Updated 06/15/16 the consumer stated the LED shift indicator display had faded, and he was unable to determine what gear the vehicle was in. Updated 06/22/16.
Tl contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a stop sign, all the lights on the instrument panel began flashing intermittently. Also, the headlights turned on and off independently, the speedometer and temperature gauges showed inaccurate readings. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with electrical failures on the computer system. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Charging system failure message keeps coming up on vehicle...replaced alternator three weeks ago and it seems to solve the problem...for a while at least...two nights ago truck died...replaced battery with a brand new one yesterday and truck is still sitting on the side of the road as battery is not getting charge from alternator.
The passive alarm system is malfunctioning aprox every 10 cranks. When this happens you are stuck for at least a hour before it will start. Dealership can not find the problem and a complaint was made to GMC complaint department I have changed numerous parts m switches and boxes ,
My speedometer fails intermittently. I was driving to florida from virginia and my speedometer failed on interstate 95. I was summarily arrested in summerton, georgia for speeding. It is dangerous when you don't know your speed.
Electrical complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 38% of the model year's 177 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 GMC Sierra 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.