Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 7% | 0 miles |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% | 3,000 miles |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% | 21,000 miles |
| 2022 | 4 | 9% | 1,000 miles |
| 2021 | 5 | 10% | 94,000 miles |
| 2020 | 6 | 8% | 69,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2013 | 4 | 9% | 67,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 13% | 34,000 miles |
| 2011 | 11 | 17% | 57,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 13% | 15,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 8% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2005 | 6 | 5% | 78,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 3% | 54,000 miles |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% | 99,000 miles |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% | 90,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% | 124,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 10% | 92,000 miles |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% | 134,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the tailgate detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,000.
My truck is experiencing an issue that is already a recall for similar trucks, but my VIN is not included in the recall. My tailgate opens on its own. This sometimes happens when I am driving down the road. This is a safety risk because if I am hauling something in the back, and the tailgate drops down, there is a chance the load could fall out of the truck and harm another vehicle or person that is behind my truck. I brought the truck to the dealer and they said they could not find any evidence of this issue, even though they stated that it is a known issues with these trucks. There were no waring lamps or messages. The only symptoms are that the battery can die if the truck is not used for a day or more and that the tailgate opens on its own whether the truck is parked or driving.
I was driving my 2022 GMC 2500 HD (not towing, just normal drive) after an oil change <900 miles ago and new brakes/rotors 3 days prior <100 miles (total mileage 81,000, serviced exclusively at GMC dealership) when the loss of power alert flashed on the screen. I was 2 miles from my destination, going approx 55mph, so I kept driving to destination, when the vehicle stalled in driveway. As I was scrolling through menus to see the alert I looked up and smoke and flames were coming out of the engine. I attempted to extinguish with a fire extinguisher I had with me, but it was no use. The entire engine was engulfed, melting out, tires and windshield exploded from heat etc. Total loss. Vehicle was inspected by insurance co fire investigator, no origin confirmed due to extent of damage. …
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the subframe was severely corroded. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions, the automatic power side-out step failed to extend as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,726.
My tailgate unexpectedly open as I was driving down the road. (2021 GMC 2500 Denali Sierra) This was the second time this has happened and lost things driving down the road. (3 propane tanks and a small grill the first and then an air compressor the second time) Both times it happened I opened and closed the tailgate with the vehicle running. Both times I was unaware of tailgate opening and did not notice until I got home. The first time it happened I thought it was operator error but after this weekend, I looked into this and see there was a recall on it this month. I still felt it was necessary to report incidents.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband noticed that rainwater had entered the rear interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rainwater had entered through the rear sliding window. In addition, the contact stated that the aluminum casing around the rear window had fractured. The contact stated that due to the failure, the interior of the vehicle had a moldy odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured window frame. The contact was informed that the rear window and frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The rear defroster massively overheated. It started heavily smoking and eventually exploded the rear windows. Only warning sign was the smoke which we noticed quickly because the windows were up. Had the windows been down we might not have noticed before a fire started. I'm taking it to a dealership now. This module also triggers on from a remote start. Extremely dangerous!!!
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sierra 2500 years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (11), 2001 (7), 2007 (7), 2005 (6) and 2020 (6) model years. Body complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for GMC Sierra 2500 body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for any GMC Sierra 2500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Sierra 2500 body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (51 mentions), followed by the frame and members (10).
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.