Chevrolet Sierra pu problems

General information about Chevrolet Sierra pu
Chevrolet Sierra pu years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The fourth generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors. Marketed by the Chevrolet and GMC brands from the 1988 to the 2002 model years, this is the final generation of the C/K model line. In a branding change, GMC adopted the GMC Sierra nameplate for all its full-size pickup trucks, leaving the C/K nomenclature exclusive to Chevrolet.

Internally codenamed the GMT400 platform, GM did not give the model line a word moniker (e.g., "Rounded-Line series" for its predecessor). After its production, the model line would informally become known by the public as the "OBS" (Old Body Style), in reference to its GMT800 successor. In starting a different tradition, the model line overlapped production with both its predecessor and successor; the model line again shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.

Over nearly a 14-year production run, the fourth-generation C/K was assembled by GM in multiple facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After the 2000 model year, the fourth-generation C/K was discontinued and was replaced by the GMT800 platform (introduced for 1999); the C3500HD heavy-duty chassis cab model remained in production through 2002. In line with the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet subsequently adopted a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate for its full-size truck line (which remains in use).

photo of Chevrolet Sierra pu car production

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Chevrolet Sierra pu model years

Sierra pu 1996

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Sierra pu 1995

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Sierra pu 1994

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Common Chevrolet Sierra pu problems

The Chevrolet Silverado and its twin, the GMC Sierra, are popular full-size pickup trucks. While they are praised for their power and performance, they have also been plagued by a number of issues that owners should be aware of. This article will focus on the GMC Sierra, specifically the 2017 model, and discuss some of the most common problems and recalls associated with this popular truck model.

Transmission and Engine Problems

One of the most common issues reported by 2017 GMC Sierra owners is transmission and engine problems. These problems include hard or delayed shifting between gears, transmission slipping and jerking, fluid leaks or overheating, limp mode or stuck in gear, severe vibration, and total transmission failure. Some of these problems may be related to a recall issued for 2014 GMC Sierra models with six-speed transmissions. In some cases, a visit to a car dealership or auto repair facility may be necessary to check for computer control systems.

Four-Wheel Drive Problems

Numerous Sierra models have experienced four-wheel drive problems, even though it isn't specifically mentioned as a 2017 model issue. The most frequent GMC Sierra complaint from hundreds of car owners is that the selector switch on four-wheel drive models can malfunction. When this happens, four-wheel drive service alarms will appear, and the switch will likely need to be replaced. Fortunately, the issues don't seem to be too serious, and the 2017 model doesn't seem to have as many of them.

Air Bags

Front airbag deployment is one of the most prevalent problems in the 2017 GMC Sierra. This issue was later recalled, as the airbags wouldn't deploy under certain driving circumstances. Pretensioners for seat belts would also fail to operate, which could be a serious safety concern for drivers and passengers.

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.

What problems does the GMC Sierra 1500 have?

What are the best years for GMC Sierra?

As you can see, the GMC Sierra's reliability goes back to 2004 due to its stout engine and good crash test results. If you're looking for a heavy-duty pickup, the most reliable GMC Sierra 2500HD has high reliability for model years 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2011, and 2010, all from JD Power's rankings.

What are the most problematic Silverado years?

The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet Sierra pu years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet Sierra pu cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Chevrolet Sierra pu model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet Sierra pu model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet Sierra pu years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet Sierra pu car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet Sierra pu , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Visibility problems
Seats problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet Sierra pu vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sierra pu model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sierra pu model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet Sierra pu . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet Sierra pu vehicles.

List of Chevrolet Sierra pu complaints

Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 2008-03-07
Date Complaint: 2008-03-26
VIN: 1GTEC14H0SZ
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. HE WAS ABLE TO USE THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171289 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171374. RK

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1996

Date Of Incident: 2003-02-26
Date Complaint: 2003-03-05
VIN: 1GCGC24R1TZ
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MELTED AND BURNED THE INSIDE OF THE GAS TANK. *JB

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 2000-07-05
Date Complaint: 2000-07-05
VIN: 2GTFK29K4S1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL STREET AND COMING TO A STOP APPLIED BRAKES, AND PEDAL GOES STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. ABS LIGHTS COMES ON INTERMITEENTLY. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1996

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 2000-05-08
VIN: 2GTEC19N3W1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT SUCKS BACK IN AFTER IT'S LOCKED IN BUCKLE. KEEPS TIGHTENING IF A BUMP IS HIT OR A PERSON MOVES. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED IT'S FOR A CHILD RESTRAINT. CAN PULL OUT BELT, BUT IT KEEPS TIGHTENING. HAS CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. *AK *ML

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 2000-01-10
Date Complaint: 2000-02-24
VIN: 1GTEK19K1SE
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 1999-12-14
Date Complaint: 1999-12-15
VIN: 1GCEK19K9SE
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
Summary: ON 14 DEC 99, SUBJECT VEHICEL FAILED TO START. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO PRIOR INDICATION OF POTENTIAL FAILURE. INITIAL ASSESSMENT BY OWNER WAS THE STARTER FAILED TO OPERATE. LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, "JIM RATHMANN CHEVROLET" WAS CONTACTD AND SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD OF INITIAL VEHICLE ASSESSMENT OF FAILURE. SERVICE ADVISOR AGREED WITH INITAIL ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TOWED INTO SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR EXAMINATION. FINAL ASSESSMENT BY AUTHORIZED/CERTIFIED CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WAS THE "STARTER FAILED TO OPERATE AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT FOR NORMAL OPERATION. OWNER AUTHORIZED SUGGESTED REPAIRS. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS AND TOWING WAS $417.71, WHICH WAS COMPLETELY PAID BY THE OWNER. ADDITIONAL DEFECT WAS ALSO IDENTIFIED BY OWNER. THE WINDSHILED WIPER SYSTEM, WHEN ACTIVATED, FAILS TO OPERATE EVERYTIME WHEN EMPLOYED. IT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN EMPLOYED AT ANY SETTING. WHEN EMPLOYING THE WIPER SYSTEM, THERE IS NO WAY OF TELLING IF THE WIPER SYSTEM WILL WORK OR NOT, THEREFORE HAVING THE POTENTIAL OF CREATING A FATAL ACCIDENT. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACTED AND SHOWS NO OPEN RECALL OR SAFTEY NOTICE ON EITHER THE STARTER OR WINDSHILED WIPER SYSTEM. OWNER HAS WRITTEN CHEVROLET TO REQUEST COMPLETE RE-IMBURSEMENT OF STARTER AND TOWING EXPENSE AND COMPLETE FINANCIAL COVERAGE OF WINDSHILED WIPER SYSTEM REPAIR. OWNER NOW AWAITING RESPONSE FROM CHEVROLET. *AK

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 1999-11-19
Date Complaint: 1999-11-22
VIN: 2GTEC19H3S1
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THERE WAS A HEAVY MORNING DEW AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS DIDN'T WORK AT ALL. GOT OUT AND PULL ON THE WIPER BLADES, AND THE STARTED TO WORK. CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO HELP. *AK

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1996

Date Of Incident: 1999-08-26
Date Complaint: 1999-09-21
Crash: 1
VIN: 1GTEC14W7VZ
Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS
Summary: PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY 29 IN LIBERTY HILL AND WENT OVER A OIL SPILL ABOUT A GALLON OF OIL.AFTER GOING OVER IT, THE VEHICLE LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF STEERING AND WENT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD .THE STEERING SHOT TO THE RIGHT, AND COULN'T MOVE THE WHEEL. VEHICLE RAN INTO THE DITCH AND HIT A TREE. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. DRIVING SPEED 40 TO 45MPH EVEN ROAD.TOOK THE VEHICLE 4 TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. *AK

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 1999-07-22
Date Complaint: 1999-09-01
VIN: 1GCEC14K7SZ
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THEY WON'T COME ON, AND CONSUMER HAS TO USE HIS HANDS IN ORDER FOR THE WIPERS TO WORK. THEN WINDSHIELD WIPER'S WILL ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1996

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 1998-04-28
VIN: 2GTEK19RXT1
Components: TIRES
Summary: TWO TIRES WENT FLAT DUE TO PUNCTURE OF THE TREAD SIDE OF TIRE (WRANGLER 265/7R16 TIRES).

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 1998-03-06
Date Complaint: 1998-03-12
Number Of Injuries: 1
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: CHILD ACCIDENTALLY ENGAGED POWER WINDOW DUE TO LOCATION OF SWITCH, RESULTING IN CHILDS HEAD STUCK IN WINDOW.

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1994

Date Of Incident: 1998-01-14
Date Complaint: 1998-02-03
VIN: 2GTEC19K3R1
Components: SEATS
Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT CAME UNFASTENED AT LOWER LEFT PORTION OF SEAT FRAME, FRONT SEAT INVOLVED IN TWO RECALLS IN 1997.

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 1998-01-16
VIN: 1GCGC29F6SE
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: FUEL INJECTION PUMP FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKES, ALSO ENGINE FAILURE.

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 1997-09-30
Date Complaint: 1998-01-07
VIN: 1GCFB29K6SE
Components: SEATS
Summary: THE DEFECTIVE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE DRIVER SEAT TO THE MOUNT BROKE OFF THE BRACKET ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY, ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *AK

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Chevrolet Sierra pu 1995

Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
Date Complaint: 1997-11-05
VIN: 2GTEK19K0S1
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: BENT FRAME CAUSED THE ABS LOCKED UP.

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Recalls Chevrolet Sierra pu

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet Sierra pu.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Chevrolet Sierra pu 1996
Report Received Date: 2003-04-28
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Summary: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.