Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Had talked to dealership two times complaining of engine knock on start up. Both service advisors told me that is a common problem and I don't need to worry about it. I called GMC customer service to get the problem documented an to see what they think of it. They informed me to take it to the dealership and give my service request number (1-64044981) and have them diagnose the problem. The dealership had me pick the vehicle up and they told me the shop foreman listened to my noise along with two other vehicles of the same make, model, and year and all made the same noise. I called GMC back to let them know the problem was not diagnosed and got the voicemail box of the represenitive so I left a message to please call me back. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70mph, the engine failed without warning followed by smoke erupting from the front underhood area with no visible flames. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the curb in neutral and exit the vehicle. Upon initial inspection on the skid plates, there was a rod bearing failure, but oil was still present. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for further inspection. The mechanic determined there was a hole in the engine block, however the vehicle received regular maintenance and there were no obvious road hazards.
While coming down a hill put foot on brakes, and it felt like pushing on a brick wall. Consumer proceeded through a stop sign. Consumer has to press brake down twick before vehicle will stop. The brakes failed twice. The steering column makes a grinding noise when turning. Horn failed. Keyless entery failed. Door locks failed. Interior lights failed. The fan in the front end is very loud. The speedometer is inaccurate. The power steering pump shaft broke.
Valve tap on cold start lasts approximately one minute. GMC claims it is carbon build up in the combustion chamber and will not damage the engine. This is unsatisfactory. Any tapping sound is indicative of lack of lubrication and will prematurely wear the engine or its components particularly after warranty runs out. See service bulletin #01-06-01-028a. Or document #1271016 "engine knock on cold start".
Died on highway, cranked but wouldn't start, ended up being crankshaft position sensor, distributor cap, ignition rotor, crankshaft went out and burnt up the other two. Few days later happened again, died on highway, crank but won't start, had to replace distributor cap, ignition rotor, again with ignition coil. Caused 2 tow charges, now check engine light is on and the catalytic converter has gone out.
2000 GMC Sierra has problems with brake rotors, engine failing to restart, and the passenger cab was not level. Shims were installed to make the cab level. The rear rotors were crystallized and flaking off which caused pulsation while braking. The ABS sensor failed which resulted in intermittent brake loss. The gas pedal became stuck at times.
There is no indication on the panel that there is pulsation. Also there is no ABS noise and light braking power. Dealership is aware of problem. Consumer stated that heat vent cap keeps popping off and replaced. Tail gate bed liner not flat, panel rippled and rescuer rear panel, install additional fastener. Horn pad failed, brakes are squeaky,, ABS system checked could not duplicate any problem, brake pedal goes to floor at times and vehicle does not stop, master cylinder leaking internally.
The consumer states that there is a tapping noise in the engine. The technician at the dealer stated that when cold started, there is a light tapping noise. (found bulletin #01-06-028 for cold start engine knock) no current fix at the time and should not have an effect on the longevity of any of the engine components, and May be caused by an interaction between carbon that has formed on the piston/the piston motion and cylinder wall.
There is and has been an engine knock since 7/2000, has been in shop 6 times for same problem, GMC contends carbon knock, getting worse. Idles rough, told by dealer and GMC it is a characteristic of vehicle. GMC says they will continue to hornor warranty. What happens when warranty exprires, and the piston comes through the block. Drivetrain hestiates when in gear.
Problem only occures when engine and transmission are completly warmed and transmission is in overdrive mode. If transmission is in drive "3" no problems occur at any engine speed. Dealer states on repair order, "normal condition at this time until an update comes out". Suggestion was made by dealer that this could be caused by tourque converter.
Engine complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2000 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2000 GMC Sierra, 5% of the model year's 443 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 GMC Sierra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2000 GMC Sierra, though it has 8 recalls for other components. 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 2000 GMC Sierra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.