Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
I was driving along and felt a dragging sensation and scraping noise. I pulled the truck over, looked underneath expecting to see the muffler dragging. I was somewhat surprised to see the gas tank resting on the street. There was a small amount of gasoline leaking onto the street. I called aaa to come tow the car. They said I needed to call the fire dept., which I did [redacted] soon there were 2 fire trucks and a hazmat vehicle. They proceeded to call the maryland department of the environment, and 2 of their trucks arrived. The fire department cut the remaining strap and removed the tank. The mde pumped the remaining fuel into a metal barrel. In light of Ford's recall on 1.1 million pick-up trucks, I thought it important to register this report as it is possible that GMC might be using the same straps to support the gas tanks. …
The fuel level gauge in my 2000 GMC Sierra has been erratic and is now consistently reporting the tank is empty every time I fill it up and it will then keep flipping between full and empty for about the first 100 miles after fill up. I cannot trust the gauge any longer to tell me when the tank is getting low either, as it will show 1/8 to 1/4 even when it will take 26 or so gallons of gas. This seems to be a faulty level sensor that is affected when the tank is full, mostly, and I am concerned that the electrical system connecting to the sensor in the tank May be shorting out in the tank near or in the presence of gasoline! I understand this is a common problem with these vehicles and suggest that it should be recalled and fixed by the manufacturer.
My gas guage on my 2000 GMC Sierra pickup is acting eratic. It goes back and forth between full and empty for no apparent reason. This started several months ago. I did a search on google and found that this same problem was being reported to automotive help sites by a whole lot of people. Some say it is the sending unit in the gas tank - some dealerships told them this. The cost to drop the tank and fix the problem is around $800. Even if you have not received enough complaints to force a recall on this issue, you can easily see by searching google that this is indeed a major problem. I suspect that not too many people know that they can fill a complaint with the NHTSA. Thank you...
The lower half of the rear gas tank strap has rotted out and dislodged from the upper half of the strap. The front strap also has visible corrosion. A very serious situation. I was very fortunate to find the lower half of the strap, as I was moving firewood on my property. I feel blessed that I found the issue while the vehicle was not moving. I believe if undetected, the release of the gas from the chassis would have likely been catastrophic. I am very concerned for other vehicle owners!
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated they were traveling 25 MPH and the fuel tank failed and began to leak gasoline. The fire department had to come out to dispose of the gasoline. The tank was cut off and secured by the fire department. The vehicle was destroyed because the straps holding the tank and the surrounding areas were severely covered with rust. The failure and current mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that the fuel line strap fractured. The contact repaired the fuel line strap himself to prevent it from hanging. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 96,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 09/07/2011
Vehicle sporadically starts. Dealer advised needed a new fuel pump, filter. Independant shop stated there was a service bulletin for this problem. Independant flushed injectors and replaced hose that was melting from gas as per bulletin. Truck ran great for a week and then problem began again. Truck currently won't start again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 GMC Sierra. The contact stated the fuel gauge malfunctioned. The contact stated that he was unable to determine how much fuel was in the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer or a local mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The failure mileage was 41,000. Updated 03/07/12
No event leading up to failure. The fuel gauge quits reading full instead reads completely empty giving no indication of fuel level nothing has been currently done to fix the problem as it involves removal of pickup bed to replace sensor in fuel pump. 5 other vehicles in same area have same problem.
Dt*: the contact stated that while backing out of the driveway and applying pressure to the brakes, the pedal touched the floor and there was extended stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the problem was a rusted brake line . Updated 8/30/2006 -
Fuel System complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2000 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2000 GMC Sierra, 5% of the model year's 443 complaints. The component named most often is storage › fuel gauge system (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 GMC Sierra fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion 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.