Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2015 | 3 | 4% | 160,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% | 78,000 miles |
| 2013 | 3 | 6% | 1,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% | 149,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% | 100,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% | 46,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% | 94,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% | 30,000 miles |
| 2006 | 3 | 5% | 52,000 miles |
| 2005 | 5 | 4% | 19,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% | 51,000 miles |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% | 102,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% | 70,000 miles |
| 2001 | 16 | 6% | 82,000 miles |
| 2000 | 22 | 5% | 69,000 miles |
| 1999 | 26 | 4% | 60,000 miles |
| 1998 | 12 | 6% | 80,000 miles |
| 1997 | 12 | 5% | 87,000 miles |
| 1996 | 19 | 8% | 111,000 miles |
| 1995 | 3 | 1% | 159,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for approximately a month. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed the high-pressure fuel pump was leaking fuel into the crank case, and the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred approximately 1 year and 5 months later. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was a loud sound coming from the engine compartment. …
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the "Engine Power Failure" warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system had failed and there were metal shavings in the fuel system. The contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to both an independent mechanic and the dealer to be diagnosed. The technicians informed the contact that the diesel reluctant tank assembly would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Upon low speed panic stopping with the fuel gauge reading 3/4 of a tank and below, there is a violent/noticeable bump. Like being rearended at low speed. It is a situation that GM has a bulletin out on #pit5161 or doc id:2851139 for the 2007-2012 chev. Silverado and GMC Sierra p/u with the 34 or 36 gallon tanks. I feel the brakes are challenged by this condition, and even more so on slippery, steep terrain.
The fuel lines are rusted through spraying fuel to under side of truck. The lines rusted through while driving fifteen hours strait from florida. If the fuel would have hit the tail pipe or diesel particulet filter when regenerating, there could have been a serious fire. I have been through an explosion at work and know what it is like to be burned. I only drove this truck daily two winters before I got hurt and last winter it was in florida. I haven't even changed the front brakes yet but the fuel lines are shot. Shame on GM and shame on NHTSA for not addressing this. You both know there is a problem with brake and fuel lines. How many people need to die or get hurt or how many not even reported have been touched before you act. And by the way I have a mechanics degree from years ago but am not a practicing mechanic.
2008 GMC Sierra denali has intermittent fuel gauge operation. After filling up the vehicle while driving the fuel gauge needle will drop from full tank indication to empty tank indication even thought the tank is fuel of fuel. The dealer has removed the tank and replaced the fuel sending unit, but has not resulted in a fix just an educated guess. Also in the mornings the vehicle experiences a very loud knocking noise which when confronted at the dealer was told that this was a normal noise. Occurs everyday in the morning and when leaving work in the afternoon.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra denali. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel while driving approximately 45 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 06e043000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000 and the current mileage was 77,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra. The contact stated the fuel gauge malfunctioned and he was unable to read the amount of fuel that was in the vehicle. The dealer stated that the reader inside the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The contact did not replace the reader although the vehicle could shut off when the fuel tank was empty without any warning. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Related recalls (3)
Fuel system, diesel
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, equipped with 6.6L diesel engines and dual fuel tanks. In the affected vehicles, the transfer pump which moves fuel from the rear tank to the front tank could malfunction and cause the fuel gauge to indicate an…
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel transfer pump, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3l (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and May break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on July 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began August 5, 2004.
Fuel system, other › Delivery
Some 2wd and 4wd pickup trucks, converted to either dedicated or bi-fuel compressed natural gas (cng) fuel usage, were assembled with a throttle cable that can contact and rub through the flexible pressurized fuel line creating a pinhole leak of natural gas to the atmosphere.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the throttle cable to eliminate the possibility of contact with the cng fuel line. The cng fuel line, throttle cable, and cruise control cable are also to be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sierra years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (26), 2000 (22), 1996 (19), 2001 (16) and 1997 (12) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for GMC Sierra fuel system problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 13V-615 (fuel system, diesel, Dec 11, 2013); 04V-376 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Aug 2, 2004); 03V-435 (delivery, Nov 3, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Sierra fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery › fuel pump (22 mentions), followed by the storage › fuel gauge system (21).
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.