GMC

Sierra 1500 (GMT800)

2000-2006 · Full-Size Truck ยท 13 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.3)
3,799 NHTSA Complaints
27 Recalls
67 Fire Reports
252 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the GMC Sierra 1500 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

L65

6.5L 8-cyl Turbo
โœ… Recommended (4.3)
10 complaints 3.3 per year Diesel
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
3
cooling
3
steering
2
brakes
2
fuel system
2

Known Issues

Engine Issues (3 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (3 complaints)
Steering Issues (2 complaints)

L29

7.4L 8-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.4)
17 complaints 17.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
12
body
4
electrical
2
steering
2
transmission
2

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (12 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (4 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)

LR4

4.8L 8-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.1)
457 complaints 65.3 per year Gasoline
6 fire reports
View details

L31

5.7L 8-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.0)
31 complaints 15.5 per year
1 fatality
View details

LM7 Iron

5.3L 8-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.9)
760 complaints 97.9 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
469
electrical
68
transmission
47
body
40
other
39

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (469 complaints)
Typical onset: 60,600โ€“113,635 mi Est. repair: $394โ€“$1,006 (62 reports)
Electrical System Issues (68 complaints)
Est. repair: $462โ€“$588 (6 reports)
Transmission Issues (47 complaints)

L18

8.1L 8-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.9)
131 complaints 18.7 per year Gasoline
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
54
cooling
47
brakes
46
transmission
11
electrical
10

Known Issues

Engine Issues (54 complaints)
Typical onset: 54,375โ€“69,000 mi Est. repair: $400โ€“$700 (5 reports)
Cooling System Issues (47 complaints)
Typical onset: 54,250โ€“72,500 mi Est. repair: $400โ€“$700 (5 reports)
Brakes Issues (46 complaints)

LB7

6.6L 8-cyl Turbo
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
391 complaints 42.0 per year Diesel
10 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
149
electrical
65
fuel system
55
steering
34
transmission
31

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (149 complaints)
Typical onset: 43,000โ€“120,000 mi Est. repair: $725โ€“$1,640 (11 reports)
Electrical System Issues (65 complaints)
Typical onset: 55,000โ€“130,500 mi Est. repair: $438โ€“$590 (11 reports)
Fuel System Issues (55 complaints)
Typical onset: 84,096โ€“118,302 mi Est. repair: $1,000โ€“$3,891 (8 reports)

L61/LBZ

2.2L 4-cyl / 125 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.5)
46 complaints 40.0 per year Gasoline
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
14
steering
12
transmission
11
wheels tires
6
electrical
4

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (14 complaints)
Steering Issues (12 complaints)
Transmission Issues (11 complaints)

LQ4

6.0L 8-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.1)
567 complaints 80.7 per year Gasoline
15 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
317
electrical
68
engine
60
steering
44
cooling
35

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (317 complaints)
Typical onset: 40,000โ€“89,250 mi Est. repair: $600โ€“$1,548 (33 reports)
Electrical System Issues (68 complaints)
Typical onset: 59,566โ€“78,750 mi Est. repair: $365โ€“$900 (6 reports)
Engine Issues (60 complaints)
Est. repair: $1,000โ€“$1,000 (5 reports)

13 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the GMC Sierra 1500 regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (1,630 complaints)
brakes critical
Electrical System Issues (407 complaints)
electrical critical
Steering Issues (172 complaints)
steering critical
Engine Issues (158 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (138 complaints)
transmission critical

Recalls (27)

09E025000Nov 4, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

07E066000Aug 27, 2007serious
Equipment

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

07V521000Jul 10, 2007serious
Engine & Cooling

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION CAN OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY OR FAIL COMPLETELY. IF THE SENSOR OPERATES INTERMITTENTLY, THE SES LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE MAY RUN ROUGH. THE ENGINE MAY STALL, AND IF SO, MAY RE-START IMMEDIATELY OR AFTER A COOL DOWN PERIOD.

06V417000Oct 30, 2006serious
Air Bags

CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

06V307000Nov 7, 2006serious
Wheels

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INCOMPLETE TIRE RIM DESIGNATION ON THE CERTIFICATION/TIRE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR EDGE. IN ADDITION, THE LABEL MAY ALSO BE MISSING THE TIRE LOAD RATING ON THE LABEL. ALTHOUGH THIS INFORMATION IS NOT REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD, IF A TIRE OF A LESSER LOAD RATING IS INSTALLED, THE TIRE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THE LOADS ENCOUNTERED DURING USE.

06V066000Aug 2, 2006cosmetic
Structure

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.

06V289000Mar 7, 2006serious
Engine & Cooling

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.

05V379000Aug 28, 2005serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.

05V161000Apr 21, 2005serious
Parking Brake

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.

05V163000Apr 21, 2005serious
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

05V018000Jan 20, 2005serious
Steering

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT TO THE STEERING GEAR MAY NOT MEET SPECIFICATION. THE BOLT MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF STEERING.

05V055000Feb 13, 2005serious
Powertrain

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.

05V043000Aug 1, 2005serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

05V552000Jul 11, 2005serious
Equipment

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

05V005000Jun 30, 2005cosmetic
Powertrain

SOME PICKUP TRUCKS, VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HYDRAULIC PUMP DRIVESHAFT THAT CAN FRACTURE, RESULTING IN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING ASSIST. ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, THE SAME CONDITION CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER ASSIST FOR BRAKING AFTER THE RESERVE PRESSURE IS DEPLETED.

05V455000May 9, 2005serious
Steering

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.

04E022000Mar 22, 2004cosmetic
Equipment

AFTERMARKET PICKUP TRUCK OVER-THE-RAIL BEDLINERS MANUFACTURED FOR INSTALLATION ON 1999-2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCKS. THE TOGGLE WING ASSEMBLY USED TO ATTACH THE BEDLINER TO THE TRUCK BED IS NOT ENGAGING FULLY IN THE STAKE POCKET OF THE PICKUP TRUCK.

04V129000Mar 16, 2004cosmetic
Structure

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.

04V225000Nov 4, 2004cosmetic
Seat Belts

CERTAIN EXTENDED AND REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND CARGO VANS CONVERTED TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE ONE SEATING POSITION, THE CENTER REAR SEAT, EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES.

04V045000Apr 1, 2004cosmetic
Service Brakes

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

04V376000Feb 7, 2004serious
Fuel System

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.

03V018000Jan 22, 2003serious
Visibility

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, "WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." SOME OF THESE VEHICLES LACK A CONTINUOUS URETHANE BONDING BEAD BETWEEN THE BODY SURFACE AND THE WINDSHIELD.

03V435000Mar 10, 2003serious
Fuel System, Other

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.

02V178000Jan 6, 2002serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN PICKUP AND UTILITY TRUCKS, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG SENSING DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) WHICH CONTAINS AN ANOMALY THAT COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAG FAILING TO DEPLOY DURING CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASHES.

00V345000Oct 29, 2000serious
Service Brakes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CLEARANCE CONDITION BETWEEN THE FRONT RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE AND THE BODY CROSS SILL THAT COULD DECREASE TO THE POINT OF ALLOWING CONTACT DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. IF CONTACT OCCURS AND THE BRAKE PIPE BECOMES DAMAGED, IN HALF OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM THERE CAN BE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND PRESSURE. THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WILL BE ACTIVATED WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL REACHES THE INDICATOR LIMIT.

00V055000Feb 27, 2000cosmetic
Service Brakes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DISC BRAKES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MOTOR CONTAINING AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION SPRING CLIP. THIS CLIP COULD ALLOW THE MOTOR BEARING TO BECOME MISALIGNED. IF MISALIGNMENT OCCURS, EVENTUALLY THE ABS WOULD BE NON-FUNCTIONAL.

00X001000May 22, 2000cosmetic
Service Brakes

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1/2 TON LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE SET FORTH IN THE SERVICE MANUAL FOR REMOVAL OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER CAN RESULT IN MOVEMENT OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE RELATIVE TO ITS KNUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET. IF THIS MOVEMENT RESULTS IN INCREASED LENGTH BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND THE BANJO FITTING THAT ATTACHES TO THE BRAKE CALIPER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE BRAKE HOSE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL RIM.

Alternatives in Full-Size Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?

The 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 has accumulated 3,799 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Electrical System, Steering. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which GMC Sierra 1500 engine is most reliable?

The 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 was offered with 26 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.3L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 a good used car?

The 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 3,799 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

The 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 has 3,799 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500?

There are 27 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used GMC Sierra 1500?

Before buying a used GMC Sierra 1500, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Electrical System, Steering, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Sierra 1500 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2006 GMC Sierra 1500. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 3,799 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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