Most common 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Sierra 3500 complaints by model year
Best Sierra 3500 years: 2012, 2014, 2013. Years to avoid: 2024, 2020, 2023, 2025, 2022. Compare all years →
What 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 owners say
Brakes
The contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to come to a stop while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the brake pedal felt loose. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and the contact became aware of a brake fluid leak coming from under the hood, and that both front and rear brake lines were rusted. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 3500. While driving at approximately 40 MPH, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact lost control of the vehicle and the service braking system warning indicator illuminated. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact observed that the brake line was rusted. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Steering
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 GMC 3500 truck. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked outside his home with the engine shut off. While inside the home, he heard an unusually loud explosion. Upon further inspection, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished and the dealer was contacted accordingly. The dealer stated that they would further investigate failure and have failed to do so. The contact was able to locate a recall for her year, make and model describing the potential for a vehicle fire but was unaware if her vehicle was included in the recall. The failure mileage was 30,000. According to the fire report, the fire was most likely caused by a power steering fluid leak in the left front engine compartment at the power steering fluid lines or line connection. Updated 05/17/10.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 3500. While driving at an unknown speed, the speedometer became inoperable and an abnormal noise emitted from the steering wheel. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,250.
Engine & cooling
I have a GMC pickup truck with a diesel engine that has a chronic overheating issue. I am not the only one with such an issue, as there are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands with this problem. This issue is exclusive to GM diesel pickups with the 6.6 liter duramax diesel engine model year 2004.5 and 2005. I have had my truck for only 2 months and am taking it to the dealer for the second time. I have read that GM has had to buy back several of these vehicles. While some dealers across the country are recognizing the problem and telling customers that GM is aware of the problem, many are denying any documented service bulletins or that a problem even exists. This problem is predominant when towing and hauling, which is what these vehicles are designed for. I purchased my vehicle specifically to tow a travel trailer with. I can't do that without having an engine overheating issue. …
GMC 3500 crew cab dually with the 6.6 duramax diesel and allison automatic can to perform its designed job with out over heating. Truck is rated for 23,500 gcwr and a 16000 towing capacity. However it struggles to pull 7000 pounds and engine temperature got over 230, and transmission temperature over 210. The cooling fan struggles to control the heat and runs constantly, the noise is unbearable. If one were to attempt to pull my rv up a mountain grade in the summer I would be left stranded on the road or in traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 a good car?
Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Sierra 3500 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Sierra 3500 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500?
The brakes — 10 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (5) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 GMC Sierra 3500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Sierra 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2014 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2020, 2023, 2025 and 2022. See the full GMC Sierra 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 GMC Sierra 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.