Chevrolet Sierra problems
The Chevrolet C/K is a series of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1960 to 2002 model years. Marketed by both the Chevrolet and GMC divisions, the C/K series encompassed a wide range of vehicles. While most commonly associated with pickup trucks, the model line also included chassis-cab trucks and medium-duty trucks and served as the basis for GM full-size SUVs. Through its entire production, the model line competed directly against the Ford F-Series and the Dodge D series (later the Dodge Ram pickup).
Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, "C" denoted two-wheel drive, while "K" denoted four-wheel drive. Four generations of the C/K series were produced, including the GM monikered second-generation "Action Line" and third-generation "Rounded Line" vehicles (colloquially aka Square-Body trucks). For the fourth-generation (colloquially also known as OBS trucks), Chevrolet kept using the C/K designation while GMC revised its branding, changing to a singular GMC Sierra nameplate (C/K remained as an internal model code).
For South America, the model line was manufactured by General Motors de Argentina from 1960 to 1978, Sevel Argentina from 1986 to 1991, and General Motors Brazil, who produced versions of the model line for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile from 1964 to 2001.
As GM entered the 1990s, the company revised its truck ranges, replacing the medium-duty C/K trucks with the Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick for 1990. For 1999, GM replaced the fourth-generation C/K pickup trucks with an all-new model line; in line with GMC, Chevrolet dropped the C/K nameplate (in favor of a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate). Initially marketed with its successor, the final C/K pickup trucks were produced for the 2000 model year. From 2001 to 2002, the final vehicles of the C/K model line were medium-duty chassis cab trucks.
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Chevrolet Sierra model years
Common Chevrolet Sierra problems
Based on complaints from owners of Chevrolet Sierra cars, several common problems have been reported:
- Faulty Power Steering: Another prevalent problem is related to power steering, where certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks experienced a temporary loss of electric power steering assist during low-speed turning maneuvers. This issue was attributed to a software/electrical problem that caused the power steering to disable and then suddenly return, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control.
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) System Failure: The GM 2.7 Turbo engine, used in some Chevrolet Sierra models, has been associated with failures in the Active Fuel Management system. Common complaints include lifter issues, engine failure, excessive oil consumption, stalling, and hesitation during acceleration. Repairing this system can be costly, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, and may not be covered by all warranties.
- Tailgate Safety Issue: A significant safety concern reported by owners involves the tailgate of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. The electronic gate-release mechanism was found to unlatch the tailgate while the vehicle is in motion, posing a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. This issue could also lead to unsecured cargo flying out of the truck bed onto the road, creating potential dangers for both the driver and other road users.
These problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt identification of issues, and timely repairs to ensure the safety and reliability of Chevrolet Sierra vehicles.
Do GMC Sierras have problems?
Sierra 1500 owners have made 1,070 complaints over 31 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 13th in overall reliability out of 15 GMC models , with real lights and hvac concerns.
What year Sierra is most reliable?
Most Reliable GMC Sierra by Model Year
JD Power ranked the 2020 GMC Sierra as America's most reliable full-size truck after three years of ownership. For the most reliable GMC Sierra 1500, look for model years 2021, 2016 to 2018, 2011 to 2012, and 2004.
What year is it Sierra to stay away from?
GMC Sierra Years You Should Avoid
2005. 2007. 2012.
What years did the GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
GMC's Sierra 1500 is one of the toughest pickups there is, offering a plethora of powertrain options to suit buyers' needs. However, owners report transmission problems in models from 2009 to 2013, including hesitating between shifts.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Sierra years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Sierra cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet Sierra model years:
- Chevrolet Sierra 1999
- Chevrolet Sierra 2000
- Chevrolet Sierra 2001
- Chevrolet Sierra 2002
- Chevrolet Sierra 2003
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Sierra model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Sierra years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet Sierra car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Sierra , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Steering problems
- Suspension problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Sierra vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sierra model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Sierra . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Sierra vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Chevrolet Sierra 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-15
- Date Complaint: 2014-10-10
- VIN: 1GTHK29G91E
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE BATTERY/CHARGING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Chevrolet Sierra 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-19
- Date Complaint: 2014-03-03
- VIN: 1GTEK19T53E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: A SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER LIGHT CAME ON RANDOMLY ONE DAY WITH A BUZZ IN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AT THE DEALER WHO HAD $600 WORTH OF SERVICE DONE TO REPROGRAM THE COMPUTER AND LUBE THE 4WD COMPONENTS IN MY 2003 GMC SIERRA 1500 TO KEEP MY TRUCK RUNNING GREAT. HOWEVER, JUST A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS COMING TO A STOP AND MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON WITH A SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT. I DROVE ANOTHER 20 MILES BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AT ABOUT 15MPH SO I COULD JAM THE BRAKES TO STOP. THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED $1700 TO RUN ALL NEW BRAKE LINES.I JUST PUT NEW BRAKE LINES IN MY 2003 BUICK REGAL SO THE TRUCK IS GOING TO SIT IN MY DRIVEWAY IN HOPES OF A RECALL. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. IF I HAD NEEDED TO STOP IN AN EMERGENCY, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO SO IN TIME. *TR
Chevrolet Sierra 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2013-01-19
- VIN: 1GTEK19T1YE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK SINCE MAY, 2001 (USE WITH APPROX 10K MILES). I TOOK IT TO HAVE IT SERVICED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING BRAKE FLUID AND I COULD NOT FIND A LEAK AT ANY OF THE WHEELS OR THE FLEXIBLE LINES TO THE CALIPERS. THE SHOP I TOOK IT TO CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES HAD CRACKED WHERE IT HAD RUSTED JUST BELOW THE MASTER CYLINDER NEXT TO THE FIREWALL AND THAT HE HAD REPAIRED THAT SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE. HE FURTHER INDICATED THAT I WOULD LIKELY HAVE FUTURE PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME ISSUE BECAUSE THE BRAKE LINES ALL APPEARED TO BE VERY RUSTY. I JUST RECENTLY HAD AN ISSUE WHERE THE CALIPERS ON THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE TRUCK LOCKED UP DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN IN SALT WATER OR ON THE BEACH, NOR OUTSIDE OF NC WHERE THE ROADS ARE HEAVILY SALTED OR THE BRINE SOLUTION USED. THE BRAKE LINES ARE VERY CORRODED AND I KEEP THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR FOR FURTHER LEAKS OR RUPTURES. *TR
Chevrolet Sierra 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-23
- Date Complaint: 2012-06-25
- VIN: 1GTEK19T21E
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: HAD TO STOP FOR RED LIGHT PUSHED HARD ON BRAKE PEDAL IT AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. SCARED TO DRIVE IT. FLUID ALL OVER THE PLACE STEEL FRAME LINES BURST. LUCKILY ONLY 1 LINE WENT STILL HAD FRONT BRAKES HAVING TRUCK TOWED TO DEALER. *TR
Chevrolet Sierra 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-22
- Date Complaint: 2010-10-18
- VIN: 1GTGK13U62F
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED WHICH WAS DONE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000. UPDATED 01/12/11*LJ UPDATED 03/28/11
Chevrolet Sierra 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-30
- Date Complaint: 2008-08-21
- VIN: 1GTHK23G61F
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET SIERRA. THE CONTACT HAS EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING THE VEHICLE SINCE 2002. THE VEHICLE FAILS TO PROVIDE AN ERROR CODE WHEN IT IS DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE ENGINE WILL START. RECENTLY, IN JULY OF 2008, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V521000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Chevrolet Sierra 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2005-09-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCEK14V2XZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DT: THE BRAKES FAILED ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2005, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A CONCRETE POLE. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT INJURED. THERE WAS RECALL 05V379000 CONCERNING ABS BRAKES. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY TOLD HIM THAT THEY HAD NO RECALL INFORMATION AS OF YET. *AK
Chevrolet Sierra 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2005-07-28
- VIN: 1GTEK19M3XR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DT: CONTACT STATED ABS BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. WHILE TRAVELING UNDER 10 MPH THEY WERE ACTIVATING, MAKING THE BRAKING VERY HARD, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. CONTACT NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES ALMOST ONE YEAR AND A HALF AGO. HE PULLED THE FUSE. HAS BEEN WAITING ON A RECALL. HE COULD NOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER BECAUSE THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON.*AK
Chevrolet Sierra 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-06
- Date Complaint: 2005-01-12
- VIN: 2GTEK19T811
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED, THAT CHUNKS WERE FALLING OFF OF THE ROTORS. THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS NOT STOPPING THE VEHICLE AS IT SHOULD. CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY HARD PRESSURE. ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS WERE AFFECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WITH NO SATISFACTION.*AK
Chevrolet Sierra 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-19
- Date Complaint: 2004-11-19
- VIN: 1G3NL52E81C
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEEL BEARING SENSORS DO NOT WORK, CAUSING THE BRAKES TO FAIL. *AK
Chevrolet Sierra 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-02
- Date Complaint: 2004-11-16
- VIN: 2GTEK19T511
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: VEHICLE IS MAKING A NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER AND IT WAS DETECTED, THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Chevrolet Sierra 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2004-09-29
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04E022000 IN APRIL 2003. DEALERSHIP PUT ON A TEMPORARY TAILGATE UNTIL PARTS CAME IN. CONSUMER RECEIVED ANOTHER LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATING THAT THE TAILGATE PARTS WERE IN . CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL REPAIRS, AND DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THEY HAD NO PARTS.*AK
Chevrolet Sierra 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2004-08-19
- VIN: 1GTHK33F1YF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AT 30,000 AND 90,000 MILES THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, AT THE CONSUMERS EXPENSE OF $3.000. EACH TIME. ALSO THE VEHICLE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE WATER PUMP. *JB
Chevrolet Sierra 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-28
- Date Complaint: 2004-07-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCGC24U8YZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. AS RESULT, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING A BUNCH OF BUSHES. PREVIOUS TO THE COLLISION BRAKE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD.*AK
Chevrolet Sierra 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2004-03-25
- VIN: 1GTEK14G33Z
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT ON A BUMPY ROAD THERE WAS A NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE GREASE AND STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB
Are you having problems with your Chevrolet Sierra?
