GMC Sierra 2500 Engine Problems

Owners have filed 209 complaints about engine & cooling problems with the GMC Sierra 2500 — 11% of all Sierra 2500 complaints. The worst model years are 2001 (29), 2004 (18) and 2005 (18). Problems typically start around 65,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

209complaints
2001worst year
65ktypical miles
1related recalls
3crashes
8fires

Engine complaints by model year

’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2614291311181853531632479688128531241
Engine complaints per model year, GMC Sierra 2500.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
202618%—
2025414%1,000 miles
20241211%18,000 miles
202339%—
2022512%—
2021815%77,000 miles
20201215%100,000 miles
2019825%32,000 miles
2018823%6,000 miles
2017616%64,000 miles
2016915%7,000 miles
201578%74,000 miles
2014413%74,000 miles
201324%—
2012310%87,000 miles
2011610%155,000 miles
2010110%77,000 miles
2009310%40,000 miles
200858%48,000 miles
200734%46,000 miles
200658%30,000 miles
20051816%51,000 miles
20041813%53,000 miles
2003117%90,000 miles
20021310%52,000 miles
20012922%80,000 miles
200048%81,000 miles
199817%40,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Exhaust system
    11
  • Engine
    10
  • Engine › Diesel
    8
  • Cooling system
    6
  • Engine › Gasoline
    2
  • Cooling system › Radiator assembly
    2
  • Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    1
  • Engine › Engine control module (ECU/ECM)
    1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    3122%
  • 25k–50k
    2417%
  • 50k–75k
    3324%
  • 75k–100k
    2417%
  • 100k–150k
    2115%
  • 150k+
    75%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the RPM was fluctuating while driving. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 600.

2025 Sierra 2500 · 1,000 miles · Jan 2025

We were towing a fifth wheel camper with our truck on an interstate highway in Pennsylvania when our serpentine belt burst suddenly and without warning. Our truck is a 2025 model with only 10,000 miles driven. We lost all power steering and power brakes of both the truck and the camper and the motor shut off while we were driving at 65 mph. My husband struggled to gain control of the truck and camper which was severely fishtailing and was eventually able to get over to the shoulder and stop the vehicles. We were towed to a GMC dealership where a factory technician happened to be on site providing an in-service for the dealership's service team. He inspected our truck and we were told that he said that GMC is aware of catastrophic failures in these serpentine belts. We were also told that he took photos and was sending a report to the GMC factory regarding our situation. …

2025 Sierra 2500 · Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The 4WD system engaged unintendedly, and the park assist sensor was inoperable while an unknown message was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced an unknown module and reset the computer, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer five times, but the failure recurred after several unknown repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had requested for a buyback from the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

2024 Sierra 2500 · 8,000 miles · Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly, and the RPM fluctuated between 500 and 1,000 RPM while idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel economy had decreased to 13 miles per gallon. The contact stated that upon scanning the vehicle, the contact retrieved DTC: P0606 and P062B. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N232415860 (Fuel Injector Flow Rate Compensation). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

2024 Sierra 2500 · 70,000 miles · Jul 2025

I was driving on the interstate and had just exited to refuel. As I was re-entering traffic, I accelerated to merge, and suddenly, as I was about to pull in, I felt and heard a massive metallic crash, like the entire transmission had dropped. The engine sounded abnormal, and immediately, the dashboard flashed a warning: 'Engine Power is Reduced.' The check engine light came on, and I got messages saying the transmission needed service and to schedule an appointment. I called my dealership and took it in as soon as possible. After they held the truck for a while, the service manager told me a critical part was on indefinite backorder with no fulfillment date. He handed back my keys, saying they'd reach out when it arrived. I asked if it was safe to drive, and he said yes. Later, driving from Illinois to California, my truck malfunctioned again. …

2023 Sierra 2500 · Oct 2024 · 1 injury

Defective valve body We took in our vehicle for issues with the engine. We were not able to drive it over 50 mph it only has 22,000 miles. The dealership has had the vehicle since August 13th. They have had the vehicle for 9 weeks. They said that neither them or customer [redacted] (CASE # [redacted]). Can locate a valve body, to replace the defective one. We were made aware that we had an issue when our check engine light came on. We proceeded to have a diagnostic done thru on-star. Then immediately took it to the dealership for repair.

2023 Sierra 2500 · Aug 2024

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. …

2022 Sierra 2500 · Jun 2025 · fire

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front muffler exhaust baffle was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the rattling sound could not be heard; however, the contact stated that the rattling sound had become louder, and other individuals were able to hear the rattling sound. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

2022 Sierra 2500 · Feb 2022

Related recalls (1)

Engine

NHTSA recall 19V-328 · Apr 25, 2019 · 318,374 vehicles

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater.

Remedy: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord.

NHTSA investigations

Crank position sensor failure - stall

NHTSA investigation EA06016 · opened Sep 14, 2006 · closed Nov 9, 2007 · led to recall 07V-521

In a letter dated November 7, 2007, general motors (GM) reported to the office of defects investigation (odi) that it will conduct a safety recall (07v-521) to replace the crank position sensor (ckp) in approximately 12,000 model year (my) 2001 Chevrolet silverado and GMC sierra vehicles equipped with 8.1 liter engines manufactured on or before November 15, 2000.according to GM, the ckp can fail intermittently or…

Frequently asked questions

Which GMC Sierra 2500 years have engine problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (29), 2004 (18), 2005 (18), 2002 (13) and 2020 (12) model years. Engine complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2001.

Is there a recall for GMC Sierra 2500 engine problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 19V-328 (engine, Apr 25, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do GMC Sierra 2500 engine problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the exhaust system (11 mentions), followed by the engine (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.