Acceleration complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% | 69,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 4% | 4,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% | 7,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% | 62,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 44,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% | 39,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 5% | 103,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% | 7,000 miles |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% | 58,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% | 51,000 miles |
| 2001 | 11 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
| 2000 | 27 | 6% | 46,000 miles |
| 1999 | 39 | 7% | 32,000 miles |
| 1998 | 6 | 3% | — |
| 1997 | 4 | 2% | — |
| 1996 | 12 | 5% | 150,000 miles |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
After applying brake to slow down to < 5 MPH (not coming to a halt) and then trying to accelerate, vehicle becomes unresponsive for 1 to 2 seconds; it feels like the transmission goes into neutral during the braking period and when gas pedal is applied, there is a 1 - 2 second time period where vehicle is trying to figure out something and prevents any acceleration. Why is this dangerous? I found myself in a left turn only lane/green light with opposing traffic, and I attempted the left turn with oncoming traffic because I thought that I had ample time but the vehicle just sat there for 1 - 2 seconds, and with that I found myself in a dangerous predicament because the oncoming traffic was getting very close. If the vehicle had responded when I needed it to, it would not have been a close call. This behavior with the vehicle can be reproduced at will, every time. …
While driving on interstate the engine shut down to 1/2 power and began to shake/vibrate. The top speed then was about 40mph. I finally pulled over and read manual on how to reset it. It worked properly then. This has happened 4 other times. The latest incident happened yesterday, with out using cruise control. Traveling at 30 MPH it shut me down again . One of the scariest times , I was traveling in 5 lanes of traffic and it shut me down to half power and it was quite dangerous for us to try and merge out of the way and get off to a safe spot on side of interstate. I called the dealer and they told me there has not been a recall on this issue, but it seems very much like a safety issue with me. …
I was approaching a stop light and applied pressure to the brake pedal. My foot went to the floor and the truck did not stop. I was able to activate the parking brake and safely stop the truck. On inspection, it was discovered that the factory installed steel brake lines failed due to corrosion. The vehicle is well cared for and has no signs of body rust but the brake lines are almost completely rusted away front to back.
At any rate of speed truck will go into reduced engine power must pull over out of traffic and kill engine wait a couple of minutes and then restart sometimes you can go 1 mile till happens again sometimes 50 miles very dangerous situation in heavy traffic.
I purchased my 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4. I put it in 4 wheel drive to go through some ice and it made a very loud clank. Not long after that when I put it in reverse or drive it also made the same loud clank. It did not sound like that when I first bought the truck. Now the truck has trouble going into 4 wheel drive and also gets hung in reverse. It has almost caused me to get in a bad accident. My cruise control also has have 6 malfunctions. I had the dealer fix it initially. I have fixed it subsequently due to the fact they said it was a blown fuse. The 4 wheel drive and transmission problems were addressed 3 times and all the dealers said nothing was wrong. An independent mechanic said there is a defect with my transmission and transfer case. That is it with the truck. Now just last Thursday feb 3, my Bridgestone tire separated. My tire dealer said the tire was defective. …
Taking first road trip with 2004 GMC Sierra (3 moths old)in the middle of the nevada desert. The car was in cruise mode at 70mph and is just stalled. This happend at least 4 times over a stretch of 50 miles. Pulled to side of road and sat each time for about 15 minutes-(apparent cooling time)-and was able to re-start truck. We made it to bishop california dealer who tested it for lean fuel values but no engine light came on. They told us that they had seen several instances similar and suggested replacing the fuel pump. The fuel pumps seem to be over heating or acting up in higher altitudes. Part was unavailable for 10 days. We drove to reno in an effort to get it fixed at shop up there-part was thought to be available per dealership in reno but was not-the dealership was wrong. Made the trip back home (las vegas) with no further issues. …
While driving, coming to a complete sudden stop, and upon depressing the brakes pedal, they went completely to the floor, and the vehicle would not stop. The consumer then placed both feet on the brakes trying to stop the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated, resulting in an accident. The consumer rear ended another vehicle. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for the expenses.
When driving the vehicle with the cruise control on the vehicle surged forward then decelerated back to its original speed after 3 to 4 seconds. The consumer had made contact with the dealership. When the vehicle was empty, then it would work as it should. If a trailer was hooked with 400 lbs, the cruise control would go from 1500 RPM to 45 or 4600 RPM's for about 3 to 4 seconds, then drop down to 2600 RPM or 3500 RPM's depending on the hill the driver was going up and would stay that RPM until the driver was at the top. Three dealers suggested that they couldn't remedy the problem.
Related recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control
These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.
NHTSA investigations
Throttle sticking
There is no summary currently available
Throttle sticking closed
This investigation involves the general motors corporation (GM)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve May intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator May apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of…
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sierra years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (39), 2000 (27), 1996 (12), 2003 (12) and 2001 (11) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for GMC Sierra acceleration problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-057 (vehicle speed control, Apr 4, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Sierra acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 61% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (45 mentions), followed by the linkages (9).
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.