Owners have filed 224 complaints
about the 2004 GMC Sierra with NHTSA between 2004 and 2016.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 56
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
12.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 63
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
73.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3016.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1910.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4022.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2111.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3318.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2312.8%
150,000+ miles
73.9%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2004 GMC Sierra Regular Cab
—
—
—
18.5% risk
2004 GMC Sierra Extended Cab
—
—
—
18.5% risk
2004 GMC Sierra Crew Cab
—
—
—
18.5% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2004peak 10Feb 2016
Recalls on the 2004 GMC Sierra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07E066000
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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.
Risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
06V289000
ENGINE AND 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.
Risk: IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
05V163000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
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.
Risk: A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
05V161000
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.
Risk: IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
05V043000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Risk: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
04V225000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
Risk: THE STANDARD REQUIRES CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN TWO SEATING POSITIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH THREE REAR SEATING POSITIONS. THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES, WHICH ONLY HAVE FRONT SEATING POSITIONS, HAVE AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE STANDARD REQUIRES PASSENGER SEAT CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN VEHICLES WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE STANDARD DOES NOT REQUIRE VEHICLES WITH ONLY FRONT SEATING POSITIONS TO HAVE LOWER ANCHORAGE PROVISIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH.
04E022000
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.
Risk: THE BEDLINER CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PICKUP WHILE IT IS MOTION, POSSIBLY ENDANGERING FOLLOWING MOTORISTS OR PEDESTRIANS.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2011074190,310 units in Canada
Heater And Defroster
On certain vehicles, the interface between the electrical terminals of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower relay resistor module and the wiring connector (which powers the module) may be incapable of conducting higher current levels for sustained periods of operation. In addition, moisture and other contaminants (such as road de-icing materials) may enter the fresh air intake plenum and contact the internal circuit of the module or corrode the terminals. These conditions may cause the relay resistor module or wiring connector to overheat, causing various symptoms such as: the HVAC blower may not function on certain or all blower speed settings; a burning-plastic smell or smoke may be present in the vehicle, or; the HVAC blower may run continually with the ignition in the OFF position. These warning signs could, in certain instances, be leading indicators of an impending vehicle fire, which could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Owners will be provided with additional warranty coverage for the blower motor resistor module/wiring connector overheating condition. Under this "special warranty coverage", should this condition occur within 10 years or 240,000 km from first vehicle registration, dealers will install a replacement blower motor resistor and resistor module connector.
Recall 20061951,485 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture, resulting in inadequate retention of the damper. If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip.
Recall 200511973,473 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the 2nd row centre occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants. A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow unfavourable occupant kinetics in the event of a crash. Moreover, the higher routing allows the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can expose them to more risk of abdominal and internal organ injury. Correction: Dealers will modify the guide loop.
Recall 20051166,920 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain 1999-2002 1500 series and 2001-2005 2500 & 3500 series trucks equipped with a manual transmission, the parking brake friction lining may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle. Correction: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer on vehicles equipped with PBR parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicle equipped with a TRW parking brake system.
Recall 20050335,014 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the hydraulic brake booster's pressure accumulator may crack and/or separate from the Hydro-Boost assembly during normal vehicle operating conditions. If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle was open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. In addition, the presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort. Correction: Dealers will test and, if necessary, replace the Hydro-Boost assembly.
Recall 2004102301,974 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position can corrode over time and fracture when loads are applied to them. Tailgate support cable corrosion may not be visible because of the plastic sheathing covering the cable. If one cable fractured, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If the remaining cable was weakened by corrosion, it could fracture within moments of the first cable fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop approximately 10 degrees and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone is sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fracture, they could fall and be injured. On vehicles without a rear bumper, the tailgate may drop to a lower position. Correction: Dealers will replace the existing galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables.
Recall 20040374,075 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the relief valve o-ring seal within the brake hydro-boost module could fail. If this happens during braking applications, the driver may be able to hear an engine compartment noise similar to the sound that occurs when the steering wheel is turned to a full stop position. The driver could also experience a slight increase in steering efforts while braking and parking. Under certain driving conditions, a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort may be required to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seal failure. Correction: Dealers will inspect the hydro-boost module, and replace it, if necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 90,000 milesCheshire, CTFire
ENGINE
DROVE FROM MY HOME TO COWORKERS (20MINS) LEFT TRUCK IN COWORKERS DRIVEWAY ,AND WENT TO WORK. ONE HOUR LATER COWORKER REC'D CALL FROM NEXT DOOR THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10787590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesLockport, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. MY BRAKES FAILED AS MY FOOT/PEDAL HIT THE FLOOR. ALL I HEARD WAS BUZZING. I HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINE THAT FAILED. ADVISED ME THAT THE ABS PUMP JUST PLAN EMPTIED MY MC TO MAKE UP PRESSURE LOSS. MY COMPLAINT ISN'T SO MUCH THE FACT THAT MY BRAKE LINE RUSTED OUT AS IT IS A 10 YEAR OLD TRUCK, (ALTHOUGH STAINLESS LINES WITH STEEL CONNECTORS WOULD BE A HUGE IMPROVEMENT). BUT MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE ABS SYSTEMS IN THESE TRUCKS, AND MAYBE OTHER VEHICLES ARE FLAWED. BACK BEFORE ABS CAME OUT, IF A LINE WAS DAMAGED OR FAILED FOR WHATEVER REASON THE SEPARATED RESERVOIRS IN MC'S WOULD AT LEAST GIVE YOU FRONT OR REAR BRAKES TO STOP. THAT WAS THE BEST SINGLE DESIGN IMPROVEMENT MANUFACTURERS MADE TO BRAKES, AND I'VE BEEN DRIVING WHEN MC'S ONLY HAD ONE RESERVOIR. TO HAVE A COMPLETE MC DRAINED FOR A LINE FAILURE IS LUDICROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10548905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesElgin, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINE FAILURE AS AN EMERGENCY STOPPING PROCEDURE WAS IN PLACE. VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED, BUT REAR ENDED THE FORWARD VEHICLE. BRAKE LINE CORROSION IN HARD PIPING WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE PROBLEM AS THE HARD BRAKE LINE RUPTURED.
NHTSA complaint #10504703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesDelaware, OHFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
I HAD PURCHASED MY SIERRA 1500 FROM CHESROWN DEALERSHIP OF DELAWARE OHIO. I HAD THE TRUCK FOR LESS THAN 60 DAYS. I LOVED THE TRUCK VERY MUCH BUT WAS VERY UPSET WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED IN UNDER MY HOOD. THIS HAPPENED THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING AND SINCE I HAD THE FACTORY STEREO SYSTEM I HAD NO EXPLANATION FOR THE START OF THE FIRE. IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT A COUPLE OF MINUTES TO GET THERE AND BY THAT TIME THE FIRE HAD SPREAD FROM THE ENGINE THROUGHOUT THE WIRES DOWN THE FIREWALL AND INTO MY TRUCKS ENTIRER. ALL THAT I COULD DO WAS WATCH IN HORROR AS MY TRUCK WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES FROM A FAR. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE FIRE FROM SPREADING INSIDE AND MY HAND WAS BURNT. WHEN THE POLICE USED THE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THEIR CRUISER IT SEEMED TO GIVE IT OXYGEN AND SPREAD IT FASTER. I WAS DEVASTATED.
NHTSA complaint #10215374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesBuckeye, AZCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
A 1200 LB ELK JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING ME TO SWERVE AND ROLL THE VEHICLE END OVER END. THE AIRBAG(S) NEVER DEPLOYED IN EITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10202449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buckingham, IAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2004 SIERRA CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN THE TRUCK. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10174337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 154,000 milesWisconsin Rapids, WI
AIR BAGS
I HAVE A 2004 GMC SIERRA AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY AIRBAG LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT LOOKED AND THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE SENSOR AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO MORE IN DEPTH ON THE ABS BUT TO GO MORE IN DEPTH THEY CHARGE $80.00 AN HOUR JUST TO BE ABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT. I HAVE SEEN SIMILAR RESPONSES ON THE AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THIS VEHICLE PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10824516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesWisconsin Rapids, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE A 2004 GMC SIERRA AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY AIRBAG LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT CAME ON TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT LOOKED AND THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE SENSOR AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO MORE IN DEPTH ON THE ABS BUT TO GO MORE IN DEPTH THEY CHARGE $80.00 AN HOUR JUST TO BE ABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT. I HAVE SEEN SIMILAR RESPONSES ON THE AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THIS VEHICLE PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10824516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesValencia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RUSTED OUT/ CORRODED BRAKE LINES BURST WHILE STOPPING FOR A DEER RUNNING OUT ON THE ROAD. WAS WARNED OF THIS PROBLEM UPON PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN 2010 AND PERSONALLY COATED ALL BRAKE LINES B4 WINTER EVERY YEAR...NEVER SAW WORSE LINES! I OWN CLASSIC CARS THAT ARE TWICE AS OLD WITH SHINEY ORIGINAL BRAKE LINES. THE FUEL LINES ALSO ROTTED OUT SPILLING FUEL OVER THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND ON THE GROUND WHILE FILLING UP. ALL FUEL LINES AND FUEL PUMP CONNECTIONS WERE SEVERELY ROTTED. WORST I HAVE SEEN. DASH CONSISTENTLY CHANGES LANGUAGES RENDERING ODOMETER NON FUNCTIONAL. SPEEDOMETER IS INACCURATE SOME TIMES NOT EVEN WORKING ESPECIALLY ON COLD DAYS. HMMMM ROTTED BRAKES+NO SPEEDOMETER+LEAKY FUEL LINES=CRASH,BANG BOOM!..AND I HAVE A CAR SEAT IN MY VEHICLE! LUCKLY I PERFORM PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND DRIVE SAFELY. STILL WONDER HOW THESE ISSUES GOT SWEPT UNDER THE RUG.
NHTSA complaint #10818811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesValencia, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
RUSTED OUT/ CORRODED BRAKE LINES BURST WHILE STOPPING FOR A DEER RUNNING OUT ON THE ROAD. WAS WARNED OF THIS PROBLEM UPON PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN 2010 AND PERSONALLY COATED ALL BRAKE LINES B4 WINTER EVERY YEAR...NEVER SAW WORSE LINES! I OWN CLASSIC CARS THAT ARE TWICE AS OLD WITH SHINEY ORIGINAL BRAKE LINES. THE FUEL LINES ALSO ROTTED OUT SPILLING FUEL OVER THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND ON THE GROUND WHILE FILLING UP. ALL FUEL LINES AND FUEL PUMP CONNECTIONS WERE SEVERELY ROTTED. WORST I HAVE SEEN. DASH CONSISTENTLY CHANGES LANGUAGES RENDERING ODOMETER NON FUNCTIONAL. SPEEDOMETER IS INACCURATE SOME TIMES NOT EVEN WORKING ESPECIALLY ON COLD DAYS. HMMMM ROTTED BRAKES+NO SPEEDOMETER+LEAKY FUEL LINES=CRASH,BANG BOOM!..AND I HAVE A CAR SEAT IN MY VEHICLE! LUCKLY I PERFORM PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND DRIVE SAFELY. STILL WONDER HOW THESE ISSUES GOT SWEPT UNDER THE RUG.
NHTSA complaint #10818811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesValencia, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RUSTED OUT/ CORRODED BRAKE LINES BURST WHILE STOPPING FOR A DEER RUNNING OUT ON THE ROAD. WAS WARNED OF THIS PROBLEM UPON PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE IN 2010 AND PERSONALLY COATED ALL BRAKE LINES B4 WINTER EVERY YEAR...NEVER SAW WORSE LINES! I OWN CLASSIC CARS THAT ARE TWICE AS OLD WITH SHINEY ORIGINAL BRAKE LINES. THE FUEL LINES ALSO ROTTED OUT SPILLING FUEL OVER THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AND ON THE GROUND WHILE FILLING UP. ALL FUEL LINES AND FUEL PUMP CONNECTIONS WERE SEVERELY ROTTED. WORST I HAVE SEEN. DASH CONSISTENTLY CHANGES LANGUAGES RENDERING ODOMETER NON FUNCTIONAL. SPEEDOMETER IS INACCURATE SOME TIMES NOT EVEN WORKING ESPECIALLY ON COLD DAYS. HMMMM ROTTED BRAKES+NO SPEEDOMETER+LEAKY FUEL LINES=CRASH,BANG BOOM!..AND I HAVE A CAR SEAT IN MY VEHICLE! LUCKLY I PERFORM PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND DRIVE SAFELY. STILL WONDER HOW THESE ISSUES GOT SWEPT UNDER THE RUG.
NHTSA complaint #10818811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,500 milesLititz, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
RUSTED BRAKE LINE
NHTSA complaint #10806362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCheshire, CTFire
ENGINE
DROVE FROM MY HOME TO COWORKERS (20MINS) LEFT TRUCK IN COWORKERS DRIVEWAY ,AND WENT TO WORK. ONE HOUR LATER COWORKER REC'D CALL FROM NEXT DOOR THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10787590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paso Robles, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GMC REPLACED ALL 8 FUEL INJECTORS UNDER WARRANTY AT 95,000 MILES. SAME PROBLEM AGAIN AT 135,000 AND WILL NOT COVER THEM. ESTIMATED $5,500 TO REPLACE BY CONSUMER WITH ONLY A 12 MONTH WARRANTY. CREATES POOR FUEL ECONOMY, EXCESSIVE SMOKE AT IDLE AND WILL NOT PASS SMOG IF NOT CORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10787134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,690 milesPittsburgh, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I EXPERIENCED A BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON MY 2004 GMC SIERRA CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCK. I WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED AND COMING UP TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE REAR EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS USED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I FOUND THE AREA AROUND THE BRAKE MODULE, IN THE FRAME AREA UNDER THE DRIVER'S AREA, SOAKED WITH BRAKE FLUID AND CORRODED BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #10732170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,150 milesWaynesbor, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
ON DECEMBER 28, 2014 I WAS DRIVING MY 2004 GMC PICK-UP TRUCK AND SUFFERED TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. THIS HAPPENED AS I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AND I NARROWLY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE BRAKE FAILURE - NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ON, AND NO GRADUAL DECREASE IN BRAKING ABILITY. AFTER THE FAILURE, I DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN AND MASSIVE LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID FROM A RUSTED BRAKE LINE. PREVIOUSLY, IN APRIL OF 2014 I HAD MY PICK-UP TRUCK SERVICED AT AN AUTHORIZED GMC SERVICE CENTER. AT THAT TIME, THE SERVICE TICKET REFERENCED CONDITION OF BRAKES TO BE IN YELLOW REQUIRING FUTURE ATTENTION. IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE ISSUE AT THAT TIME WAS BRAKE ROTORS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT THE NEXT SERVICE INTERVAL. THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY POTENTIAL DANGER FROM BRAKE LINE RUSTING/FAILURE. UPON RESEARCHING VEHICLE ISSUES ON THE WEB I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE AN INORDINATE NUMBER OF BRAKE LINE FAILURES FOR VEHICLES OF MY TYPE. IT APPEARS GMC HAS REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE GMC DEALER AND HAD THEM REPLACE RUSTING BRAKE LINES ($801.64). THE REPLACEMENT GMC BRAKE LINES INSTALLED ARE OF A DIFFERENT (IMPROVED) DESIGN - THEY HAVE A PAINTED/PROTECTIVE COATING ON THEM, WHICH APPEARS TO BE AN ATTEMPT TO ADDRESS PAST PREMATURE BRAKE LINE FAILURE ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10715937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,500 milesLumber Bridge, NC
ENGINE
I SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CAB OF THE PICKUP TRUCK AND HEARD A SHRIEKING SOUND UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD TO PUT THE WINDOW DOWN TO RELIEVE MY DIZZINESS FROM THE FUMES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND 3 OF THE 6 BOLTS BROKEN THAT FASTEN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO THE ENGINE. EXHAUST FUMES ARE LEAKING FROM THE BURNED OUT GASKET.
NHTSA complaint #10713935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,546 milesYork PA, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
AGAIN. MY TRUCK HAD COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AGAIN DUE TO CORROSION ON THE STEEL LINES. THIS IS AN OTHERWISE NICE TRUCK WITH BRAKE LINES THAT LOOK LIKE THEY'VE BEEN IN THE OCEAN THEIR ENTIRE LIVES. GM DEALER QUOTED OVER $1,700 TO FIX. GM OWNED WARRANTY COMPANY REFUSES TO COVER REPAIR. GM CUSTOMER SERVICE TELLS ME TO POUND SAND.
NHTSA complaint #10704248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,200 milesBristol, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING ON WEST STONE DRIVE KINGSPORT, TN, A VEHICLE CUT ME OFF TRYING TO GET THRU A TRAFFIC LIGHT, I LOCKED MY BRAKES DOWN HARD AS I COULD, I COULD FEEL THE ABS SYSTEM WORKING, I WAS ABLE TO STOP ABOUT 12 INCHES FROM THE OTHER VEHICLE. WHEN I PULLED OUT AFTER THE LIGHT CHANGED TO GREEN, I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A SLIGHT GRADE, DEPRESSING MY BRAKE PEDAL LIGHTLY, THE PEDAL WENT ALL WAY TO THE FLOOR BOARD.. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A LOCAL SHOP TO HAVE IT CHECKED, ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES BEHIND LEFT FRONT WHEEL HAD RUPTURED. WHEN THE MECHANIC STARTED THE REPAIRS, HE CALLED SAID ALL LINES ON THIS TRUCK WERE EXTREMELY RUSTY, (HE ASKED WHAT I WANTED TO DO) I SAID FIX IT RIGHT. IN MAKING THE REPAIRS ALL LINES WERE REPLACED.. I HAVE PICTURES OF ALL LINES THAT CAN BE SENT. I ALSO HAVE ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES THAT CAN BE LOOKED AT AND OR ANALYZED.
NHTSA complaint #10671688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,385 milesTraverse City, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
AFTER HAVING A GM DEALER PERFORM OIL CHANGE, PERHAPS 1/4 MILE DOWN THE STREET FROM THEIR FACILITY ENCOUNTERED TRAFFIC STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION IN FRONT OF ME. APPLIED THE BRAKES TO FIND THAT THEY FELT MUSHY, AND BEFORE COMPLETELY STOPPING WENT TO THE FLOOR. I USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP WITHOUT CRASHING INTO THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I NURSED THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT USING THE PARKING BRAKE AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND COULD FIND NO ISSUE, THE WEATHER WAS VERY WET AND SLOPPY, AND LIGHT SNOW SO I COULD NOT SEE THE TELL TALE FLUID LEAKAGE FROM A BRAKE LINE. BECAUSE I HAD LOST ALL BRAKING I ASSUMED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD FAILED. I HAD CHANGED ALL CALIPERS, ROTORS AND PADS SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE, AND AT 140,000 THOUGHT THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILING WOULD BE UNUSUAL, BUT THE ONLY THING THAT WOULD CAUSE COMPLETE FAILURE. AFTER REPLACING THE MASTER I ATTEMPTED TO BLEED THE SYSTEM ONLY TO FIND THAT THE PROBLEM REMAINED. NOW THAT THE UNDER HOOD AREA WAS COMPLETELY DRY IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE FAILURE WAS RUST THROUGH AT A POINT THE LINE TO THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE FRAME RAIL BELOW THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE OIL CHANGE HAD PROBABLY CAUSED MOVEMENT OF THE LINE RESULTING IN THE FAILURE. MOVING SOME OF THE OTHER LINES MADE IT APPARENT THAT ALL OF THE HARD LINES WERE SHOT. THE SLIGHTEST MOVEMENT CAUSED THEM TO FRACTURE. WORSE THAN THAT, THEY WERE ALL ENCASED IN A "SHELL" OF RUST FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER, CONCEALING HOW FRAGILE AND DANGEROUS THEY REALLY WERE. REPAIR ESTIMATES WERE ANYWHERE FROM $800 (LOCAL MECHANICS) TO $3,400 (GM DEALER). LOVELY. I HAD A 1994 S10 BLAZER THAT I SOLD A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WITH 290,000 MILES ON IT, ORIGINAL BRAKE LINES AND ALL. CHANGED THE LINES MYSELF IN A WEEKEND FOR $120.00, THE GM PARTS GUY NEW EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED AND HAD THE "KIT" IN STOCK, WHAT A SURPRISE.
NHTSA complaint #10671548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFort Wayne, IN
ENGINE
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAKING OFF CAUSING EXHAUST LEAK WHERE MANIFOLD BOLTS ONTO HEAD. DUE TO EXHAUST LEAK NOW VEHICLE IS THROWING CODES FOR CATALYTIC THRESHOLD LOW. WHICH LEADS TO A MAGNITUDE OF PROBLEMS TO LACK OF POWER, POOR FUEL MILEAGE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO PASS EMISSION TEST IN SOME STATES. PROBLEM RESULTS IN UPWARD OF THOUSAND DOLLARS IN REPAIR FOR FAULTY BOLTS, AFTER RESEARCHING SAID PROBLEM IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM V8 OF THIS YEAR OLDER AND NEWER AS WELL. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT AND FLAW IN GM'S DESIGN AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASPA!!! THIS IS A PROB THAT IS AFFECTING EPA LAWS AND NEEDS ACTION TAKEN AGAINST GM TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT GETS WORSE. GM NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR VEHICLES AND POOR DESIGN AND OR PRODUCTS THAT GO INTO THEM THAT CAUSES LAWS OR SAFETY TO BE BROKEN OR EFFECTED!
NHTSA complaint #10662099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesYork, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
STARTED OUT WHEN BRAKE FLUID STARTED LEAKING FROM THE TRUCK. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. LUCKILY DID NOT HAPPEN WHEN WAS DRIVING. FOUND OUT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND WAS LEAKING AND THE REPAIR COST WOULD BE OVER $1200. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET THIS LOOKS TO BE A KNOWN FOR CERTAIN GMC/CHEVY YEAR TRUCKS.
NHTSA complaint #10661128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesHillsboro, OR
POWER TRAIN
WILL NOT GO INTO PARK.
NHTSA complaint #10659054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSpanish Fort, AL
ENGINE
AT THE ABOVE LISTED DATE MY VEHICLE BEGAN BLOWING EXCESSIVE BLUE SMOKE THROUGH THE EXHAUST. I DISCOVERED AT THAT TIME THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE FUEL INJECTORS SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE. I ATTEMPTED TO REMEDY THIS WITH GM AT THAT TIME AND WAS TOLD I WAS TOO LATE PAST THE DATE TO GET SERVICE ON THE RECALL. I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF A RECALL AND WOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF IT AT THAT TIME. IT CONTINUES TO BLOW EXCESSIVE SMOKE BUT ONLY AT IDLE. I WISH TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CORRECTED AS IT IS HURTING THE ENVIRONMENT. I WAS GIVEN A PRICE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE. I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT CORRECTED AS THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10650036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesNorth Branch, MN
ENGINE
MULTIPLE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS ARE BROKEN ON EACH SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10637767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesBell Gardens, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE HEATING AND AC CONTROLS WERE REPLACED 2 TIMES IN 2007.AND ARE STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY TODAY I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH THE AC ON BECAUSE IT'S 99 DEGREES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND LIKE IT HAS BEEN DOING FOR YEARS IT STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR ON ITS OWN. I HAVE SEE OTHER GM VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. SO I BELIEVE GM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10633779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesBell Gardens, CA
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
THE HEATING AND AC CONTROLS WERE REPLACED 2 TIMES IN 2007.AND ARE STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY TODAY I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH THE AC ON BECAUSE IT'S 99 DEGREES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND LIKE IT HAS BEEN DOING FOR YEARS IT STARTED BLOWING HOT AIR ON ITS OWN. I HAVE SEE OTHER GM VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE. SO I BELIEVE GM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10633779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,056 milesStaten Island, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING IN A 40 MPH STREET WHEN I NOTICED THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL WAS ABOUT TO TURN RED WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WHEN DOWN TO THE FLOOR I LOST ALL BRAKES I SLOWED DOWN BY DOWN SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION AND APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. WHEN I PULLED OVER THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID LEAKING ALL OVER UNDER DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICED THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT AND LOST ALL FLUID. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED THERE WAS NO WARNING. I NEEDED TO HAVE MY BRAKE LINES REPLACED I BELIEVE THIS IS A START OF SOMETHING BAD IF GM DOESN'T ACT ON THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10628988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLevittown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS TAKING MY 4 YR OLD TO SCHOOL THIS MORNING WITH HIS 1 YR OLD SISTER WHEN THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. UPON APPROACHING A RED STOPLIGHT AT 30 MILES PER HOUR WITH THREE CARS STOPPED AHEAD OF ME I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. I PULLED GEARSHIFT TO THE LOW POSITION AND SWERVED INTO THE VACANT LEFT HAND TURNING LANE TO AVOID THE CARS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT. THEN TURNED HARD RIGHT AS TO NOT ENTER THE BUSY INTERSECTION IN FRONT OF ME WITH NO AVAIL. SOMEHOW WE WERE NOT HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME I PULLED VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHICH ENDED ABRUPTLY AND TURNED INTO A GRASSY AREA OF A BASEBALL FIELD WHERE THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP.GM STATES THAT IF THERE IS A BRAKE LINE FAILURE THE VEHICLE STILL HAS BRAKING ABILITY. I CAN TELL YOU FIRST HAND THAT IS A TOTALLY FALSE STATEMENT. MY VEHICLE DASH DID NOT DISPLAY ANY PROBLEM PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TOW TO MY HOME I PUT KEY IN THE IGNITION TO CHECK MY MILEAGE AND NOW A BRAKE FAILURE MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED.I AM VERY ANGRY WITH GM FOR NOT NOTIFYING ME OF THIS PROBLEM AND NEVER HAD ANY IDEA THERE WAS AN ON GOING ISSUE UNTIL TODAY. MYSELF AND MY TWO CHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED TODAY BECAUSE OF THIS NEGLECT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE MANY MORE GM VEHICLE WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND INNOCENT PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL BE HURT OR EVEN DIE.
NHTSA complaint #10628453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,219 milesAtlantic Beach, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE PEDAL HAD NO PRESSURE AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. TRUCK WOULDN'T STOP. LATER I NOTICED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK. THERE WAS NO LEAK BEFORE THE INCIDENT AND BRAKES WORKED PERFECTLY EARLIER IN THE DAY. IF I HADN'T BEEN IN A PARKING LOT AND OUT ON THE ROAD, THERE WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10626106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesWappingers Falls, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE LINE RUPTURED ON MY 2004 GMC SIERRA 1500 PICK UP TRUCK - INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, ALL REMAINING LINES NEED TO BE CHANGE DUE TO CORROSION.
NHTSA complaint #10622548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.