GMC Sierra Vehicle Speed Control Problems
Owners have filed 152 complaints with NHTSA about vehicle speed control problems on the GMC Sierra across 20 model years. The 1999 model year has the most (39). The words owners use most often: “throttle body” (9% of reports).
- 152vehicle speed control complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 12mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 51%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.
- Throttle body: mentioned in 14 of 152 complaints (9%)
- Pedal sticks: mentioned in 13 of 152 complaints (9%)
At what mileage do vehicle speed control problems happen?
Based on 58 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 152 complaints, 12 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.
GMC Sierra vehicle speed control complaints by model year
| Model year | Vehicle Speed Control complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Sierra | 1 | 2% | 415 |
| 2014 Sierra | 1 | 1% | 3,000 |
| 2013 Sierra | 2 | 5% | 3,500 |
| 2012 Sierra | 2 | 7% | 6,273 |
| 2011 Sierra | 4 | 9% | 37,500 |
| 2010 Sierra | 1 | 3% | 70,000 |
| 2009 Sierra | 2 | 5% | 32,000 |
| 2008 Sierra | 1 | 1% | 43,783 |
| 2007 Sierra | 1 | 2% | 39,471 |
| 2005 Sierra | 6 | 5% | 103,000 |
| 2004 Sierra | 8 | 4% | 5,100 |
| 2003 Sierra | 12 | 6% | 53,290 |
| 2002 Sierra | 4 | 2% | 30,625 |
| 2001 Sierra | 11 | 4% | 45,000 |
| 2000 Sierra | 27 | 6% | 46,000 |
| 1999 Sierra | 39 | 7% | 31,000 |
| 1998 Sierra | 6 | 3% | — |
| 1997 Sierra | 4 | 2% | — |
| 1996 Sierra | 12 | 5% | 140,050 |
| 1995 Sierra | 8 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Equipment; vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Model years: 2014
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles manufactured May 15, 2013, to January 29, 2014, and GMC Sierra vehicles manufactured September 19, 2013, to February 8, 2014, and equipped with both optional accessory all-weather floor mats (option RPO VAV) and optional vinyl flooring (option RPO BG9). The affected vehicles built with the vinyl flooring option do not have the retention features necessary to properly secure the floor mat on the driver's side.
Risk: The floor mat could shift such that it could interfere with the accelerator pedal, preventing its return to an idle position, which could result in unintended vehicle speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and reimburse the owner for the purchase price upon their return. The owners will also be provided an insert for their owners manual instructing them not to use floor mats, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet) or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14310.
Vehicle speed control
Model years: 1995, 1996
Problem: 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."
Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was traveling down the interstate and the throttle cable was stuck wide open and i reached speeds of almost 100 in heavy traffic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SIERRA. WHILE REVERSING, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND SURGED FORWARD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SILVER STAR BUICK GMC (3601 AUTO…
The tbs goes out. Putting the truck into reduced power. I was going 65 mph and the truck slowed down to 15 mph on the freeway. Lose all breaks control , abs goes out to. Almost have been due to gm
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 gmc sierra. The contact stated that while driving at night, the headlights seized and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 gmc sierra. While driving 60 mph, the engine power suddenly reduced to 40 mph and the engine completely shut off. The engine restarted with slow acceleration and unknown warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Sierras have vehicle speed control problems?
No. NHTSA has 152 owner complaints about vehicle speed control 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 vehicle speed control?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list vehicle speed control. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about vehicle speed control problems on the GMC Sierra?
The most frequent phrase is “throttle body”, in 14 of 152 complaints, followed by “pedal sticks” (13).
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)
- Structure problems (193)
See all GMC Sierra problems.