291 of the 2,297 complaints filed about the GMC Sierra 2500 are about the electrical system — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2004.
291
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
28
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I try to start my truck it comes up as service trailer brake control module and it has caused my truck battery to drain so I cant even crank my truck up.
NHTSA complaint #11762323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 experienced repeated electrical failures that caused complete battery drainage and multiple overnight no‑start conditions within the first year of ownership. These failures occurred in extreme desert heat, where temperatures in [XXX] reach 120°F. A vehicle that repeatedly fails to start in these conditions creates a serious safety hazard, including risk of heat‑related medical emergencies if stranded. The defect persisted despite multiple repair attempts and two battery replacements. The dealership ultimately told me I would “need to replace batteries as needed,” instead of diagnosing the underlying electrical issue. Detailed Description of the Problem Multiple overnight no‑start incidents Several jump‑start events required XXX – 15,265 miles: Battery replaced due to electrical drainage XXX: Battery replaced again for the same defect Electrical system continued to fail after repairs Dealer advised ongoing battery replacement rather than addressing root cause The truck was unreliable and unsafe in extreme heat. A no‑start condition in 120°F temperatures can leave occupants stranded without air conditioning, posing a life‑threatening risk. Frequency of the Problem The electrical failure occurred multiple times over several months, including late 2025, early 2026, and again in mid‑2026. The defect was consistent and repeatable. Consequences Risk of being stranded in extreme heat Loss of air conditioning during no‑start events Potential for heat exhaustion or heat stroke Vehicle unreliable for daily use Safety hazard for driver and passengers INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11759584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact called on behalf of an insurer who owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked and turned off, a neighbor informed the owner that the vehicle had caught on fire. The owner and the neighbor extinguished the fire using water hoses. The contact stated that the fire originated under the rear passenger’s side seat and was caused by an overheating amplifier that had short-circuited. No warning light was illuminated. The Fire Department responded to the scene and filed a report. There was no Police report filed. There was no injury or property damage. The vehicle remained parked, and the owner intended to return the vehicle to the dealer. The owner was provided a loaner vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 07/10/2026 at approximately 1:10 a.m., the parked and unoccupied vehicle caught fire while turned off. The vehicle had not been driven for several hours. A neighbor was awakened by the horn/alarm and popping noises, observed fire near the passenger-side cab/engine area, and called 911. The fire rapidly spread throughout the cab, engine compartment, rocker-panel areas, wheel wells, and truck bed, creating an explosion hazard and threatening a nearby occupied residence and garage. The fire department extinguished the blaze, but the vehicle was completely destroyed. Before the fire, the vehicle had experienced recurring coolant warnings, a DEF-system warning, and delayed starting associated with the main battery. No smoke, fuel odor, intentional ignition source, charging device, or known external fire source was present before the incident. Weather was calm. The exact failed component and cause remain UNKNOWN. A firefighter stated that the apparent fire origin was near the passenger side of the vehicle. The remains are available for inspection, subject to coordination with the vehicle owner and insurer. The incident has been reported to the fire department, insurer, manufacturer, and NHTSA.
NHTSA complaint #11752275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On XXX, I was towing my camper to Copper Center, Alaska from Palmer, Alaska when my truck experienced a full transmission shut down which put the truck into "Reduced Power Mode". We descending down the road right next to Victory Bible Camp (64741 Victory Rd, Sutton-Alpine, Ak 99674) when the exhaust break turned off and the truck decreased power and the Check Engine Light illuminated. The Diagnostic that was produced by OnStar revealed 3 different codes. ( P0700 TCM, P0747 Pressure Control Solenoid A is stuck in the "ON" position, C116b faulty brake pad wear sensor.) I called GMC of Palmer and GMC OnStar advisor, both informed me that the truck needed to be towed. My safety concerns is this.... I had minimum cell phone signal and not a gas station or service station within MILES. I was on the side of the Alaska Highway 1 which is a major thoroughfare for traffic going to and from [XXX]. Thankfully there were a few kind folks that pulled over to offer assistance. My truck is a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500hd with only 26,262 Miles on it. I purchased this vehicle XXX. (It Still has the Temporary Tags on it.) If had been in a different part of Alaska when this transmission failed to function properly then we could be talking about a life or death situation. Especially, if my child was with me. I was hauling my camper that weighed ATMOST, 7,000 pounds. This is less than 40% of the trucks ability. I feel that this could put someone into a dire situation had they not had the experience with emergency situations like I have had. (Prior Military Service). I have also filed a complaint with GMC Motors. Case# XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and pulling a 10,000 pounds trailer, the vehicle experienced an intermittent loss of trailer brakes. The message "Check Trailer Wiring" and another message pertaining to the trailer brake system were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the Trailer Brake Power Module (TBPM) was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to GM Customer Satisfaction Program Number: N232414840 (Intermittent Loss of Trailer Brakes). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance in adding the VIN to the Customer Satisfaction Program. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11748443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My HMI was "bricked" when onstar pushed an incompatible update when I changed the service plan. While driving the screen has intermittently turned off and on causing temporary unexpected loss of navigation functions, Bluetooth connectivity, and use of the back up camera. This causes a safety issue as the unexpected loss of display and connectivity has caused me to be unable to continue using hands free features during operation, and to no longer view behind the vehicle during entirety of backing. When I contacted OnStar support I was instructed to perform some troubleshooting and was then referred to the Connection Center Team. The CCT representative told me that my hardware was outdated and could not support the update. If a representative can confirm the problem retrospectivly, I think the representatives making changes to the service plan should also be able to proactively confirm incompatibility before causing the issue. There were no warnings. The issues first occured while I was driving on the day (6/25/26) my new plan began and the update was sent. I can make the HMI available for inspection upon request. I don't believe there is any actual issue with the hardware, just a negligent and incompatible software update.
NHTSA complaint #11747986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Intermittent trailer disconnect and loss of electric trailer brake output while towing Airstream. The truck is connected to the trailer through the seven Way plug. There are no modifications to the truck. This is a safety hazard as I pull a 9000+ lb trailer. Trailer connection drops momentarily and integrated trailer brake controller loses communication with trailer brakes. I went on a 5000 mile trip and my trailer brakes were connecting in disconnecting consistently. Every time there was a disconnection or connection the vehicle would “ding ding. This virtually happened consistently while we were on this long trip. During the trip, we tried to wedge the plug tight and zip tie the door shut, attempting to keep the plug tight. My truck is at the dealership, waiting on a “tool“. This is the second time it has been in the shop for this issue. I supplied a picture of the dash message after it got tired of connecting and disconnecting. I feel this is a serious safety issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM Duramax L5P diesel engine electrical connector for #4 fuel injector. This failure caused the Diesel exhaust brake, which controls downhill speed, to disengage, extreme shaking of the vehicle, emissions system warning and speed limiting. This occurred while descending a steep grade while towing a 34 feet long, 10,000 pound trailer. This is a known issue with this diesel engine and documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin 23-NA-027. Inspection and repair at a GM dealership confirmed a known issue with the #4 injector pigtail connector caused by improper wire routing and interference wit the Sound Shield and Valve Cover Heat Shield This was a sudden failure of the #4 pigtail connector with no advance warning. In addition to violent shaking of the vehicle, multiple warnings on the DIC indicating that the Diesel Brake was disengaged, the emission system had an issue, and speed would be limited.
NHTSA complaint #11736800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
During normal use, the factory wireless phone charging pad in the center console overheated, produced visible smoke inside the cabin, and melted the charging surface area. No liquids or foreign metal objects were present. The phone was placed normally on the charging pad. The incident created a burning smell and visible damage to the interior trim. The system did not shut down before damage occurred. This appears to be a potential electrical or thermal safety failure in the factory-installed wireless charging system.
NHTSA complaint #11736469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD was previously repaired under GM safety recall N232426400 / NHTSA recall 24V060 for the power-unlatching tailgate switch, which can fail from water intrusion. The recall repair was completed and the recall now shows as closed. Recently, the same tailgate switch problem occurred again. The dealer diagnosed water intrusion/corrosion affecting the tailgate release switch circuit, including damage to the related wiring harness/connector. GMC customer assistance stated they could not assist because the recall is closed. I am reporting this as a possible failed or inadequate recall remedy. The same water-intrusion condition addressed by the recall appears to have recurred after the recall repair, and the vehicle now requires additional repair to the same tailgate release system. This raises concern that the recalled safety defect was not fully remedied and that other vehicles may experience repeat failures after the recall is marked complete.
NHTSA complaint #11735839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IOK Radio Module failing. Would happen 10 times in less than 5 miles. Vehicle has been seen 3 times before diagnosing as IOK Radio Module failure. Inhibits hands free calling, total loss of all audio including safety chimes, dropped emergency call capability, multiple software updates have failed to resolve it. Vehicle is still under warranty. Serviced at Garrett Motors in Coolidge, AZ
NHTSA complaint #11734423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IOK Radio Module failure. Inhibits hands free calling, total loss of all audio including safety chimes, dropped emergency call capability, multiple software updates have failed to resolve it. Vehicle is still under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11734424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank screen. The 4WD system engaged unintendedly, and the park assist sensor was inoperable while an unknown message was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced an unknown module and reset the computer, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer five times, but the failure recurred after several unknown repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had requested for a buyback from the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
NHTSA complaint #11730404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Radio has zero sound - the issue is the radio sound also has the blinker sound, hands free safety/navigation guidance along with the On Star safety function. None of that is functional. The dealer states it's a known issue and parts are not available. How can this be when they keep building new units. GM has been contacted with zero help and no response around my safety concerns. While it seems like a small thing when we say radio I'm not concerned with the lack of music but this system controls way more than music.
NHTSA complaint #11727195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle went into low power mode and said to pull over. As soon as that message appeared the next warning appeared and said to shift to neutral and pull over immediately and attempt to restart. The vehicle immediately shut off after second warning before having time to pull over from first message. I was able to pull most of the way off the road as the vehicle had shut off there was no power steering and had limited ability to steer the vehicle. This all happened without advance warning or any other warning that there was an issue while traveling at over 75mph. Vehicle would not restart and needed to be towed. Dealer stated it was a fule control module that was hard to get due to a recall. But that my vehicle was not part of that recall.
NHTSA complaint #11724530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UI Bulletin #161b is for years 2020 and beyond. But my 2019 is having the same exact issue and the GM dealer will not cover the work as stated in the UI Bulletin #161b
NHTSA complaint #11724160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that on several occasions, after the vehicle had been parked for approximately two days, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jump-started and taken to a dealer three times, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The contact became aware of the failure when the horn failed to sound while locking the vehicle with the key fob. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Onstage control module fail and drains batteries leading to power failure.
NHTSA complaint #11715367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.