GMC Sierra Structure Problems
Owners have filed 193 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the GMC Sierra across 22 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (34). The words owners use most often: “tailgate cables” (8% of reports).
- 193structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 11mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 28%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Tailgate cables: mentioned in 16 of 193 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 137 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 193 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 11 an injury.
GMC Sierra structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Sierra | 1 | 2% | 39,100 |
| 2015 Sierra | 2 | 4% | 5 |
| 2014 Sierra | 8 | 8% | 5,750 |
| 2013 Sierra | 3 | 8% | 3,000 |
| 2012 Sierra | 6 | 21% | 21,725 |
| 2011 Sierra | 8 | 19% | 47,500 |
| 2010 Sierra | 7 | 21% | 47,000 |
| 2009 Sierra | 6 | 16% | 49,006 |
| 2008 Sierra | 12 | 18% | 59,500 |
| 2007 Sierra | 6 | 10% | 65,000 |
| 2006 Sierra | 1 | 2% | 21,425 |
| 2005 Sierra | 7 | 6% | 76,000 |
| 2004 Sierra | 9 | 5% | 36,600 |
| 2003 Sierra | 6 | 3% | 89,326 |
| 2002 Sierra | 17 | 7% | 40,650 |
| 2001 Sierra | 13 | 5% | 40,000 |
| 2000 Sierra | 34 | 8% | 83,784 |
| 1999 Sierra | 30 | 5% | 79,500 |
| 1998 Sierra | 4 | 2% | 49,000 |
| 1997 Sierra | 5 | 2% | 87,353 |
| 1996 Sierra | 3 | 1% | — |
| 1995 Sierra | 5 | 2% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Model years: 1999, 2000
Problem: Certain pickup trucks have galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position. Over time these cables can corrode and fracture when loads are applied to them.
Risk: If one cable fractures, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If both cables fracture, the tailgate would drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone is sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured, they could fall and be injured. On vehicles without a bumper, the tailgate may drop to a lower position.
Fix: Dealers will replace the galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables. In addition, dealers are to inspect the tailgate hinge and replace it, if necessary. The recall is expected to begin during april 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Risk: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I live in oregon, my truck that i purchased from a private owner from utah in june of 2019 had 37,300 miles today's date march 1 2020 my truck has 39,100 miles. A couple of days ago i changed to my oregon license plate. While under the truck i noticed a lot of rust on many parts of the brakes…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc sierra. The contact stated that the dashboard cracked on the passenger side of the vehicle and expanded to a gaping hole. It was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc sierra. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed multiple fractures on the dashboard around where the front passenger side air bag was located. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage…
When at speeds of roughly 50mph seats vibrate. Truck has roughly 3000miles and the frame, rearend and other underbody components have alot of surface rust
The dashboard is cracking above the instrument panel to the right of the airbag assembly. The truck is rarely driven, and has just passed 30,000 miles. The crack appeared while the truck sat in a stationary position in an enclosed garage.
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Sierras have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 193 owner complaints about structure for the GMC Sierra. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Sierra structure?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about structure problems on the GMC Sierra?
The most frequent phrase is “tailgate cables”, in 16 of 193 complaints.
Other GMC Sierra problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (954)
- Visibility problems (343)
- Service Brakes problems (304)
- Power Train problems (293)
- Steering problems (248)
- Electrical System problems (241)
- Air Bags problems (193)
- Suspension problems (160)
See all GMC Sierra problems.