Owners have filed 65 complaints
about the 2006 GMC Sierra with NHTSA between 2005 and 2015.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 21 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 — 16
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 61
36% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
711.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1423.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1220.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1016.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
58.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1016.9%
150,000+ miles
11.7%
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.
Oct 2005peak 5Dec 2015
Recalls on the 2006 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.
06V307000
WHEELS:RIM
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.
Risk: IF A CUSTOMER REPLACES A WHEEL AND ONLY RELIES ON THE RIM SIZE DESIGNATION THAT IS INDICATED ON THE LABEL, A WHEEL THAT IS OF A DIFFERENT RIM CONTOUR DESIGNATION MAY BE INSTALLED. IT MAY BE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO MOUNT THE TIRE ON A WHEEL WITH THE WRONG CONTOUR. IF THE TIRE IS MOUNTED ON THE WHEEL WITH THE WRONG CONTOUR, THE WHEEL AND TIRE MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
05V552000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
Risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
05V455000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201449214,242 units in Canada
Accessories
*** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** A safety defect may exist in aftermarket ACDelco brake shoes manufactured between April 1st 2013 to April 19 2014, sold and/or installed as service replacement parts. The lining of the rear brake shoe may detach from the steel shoe during normal service, causing the affected brake to fail. If the lining detaches from the steel shoe, it could cause rear-wheel lockup and it will reduce the available braking force which could lengthen the required stopping distance, and increase the risk of a crash without prior warning. Correction: GM Dealers, ACDelco warehouse distributors and their professional installer customers are to inspect the manufacture date of the rear brake shoes and, if necessary, replace the shoes. Customers of the 125 vehicles that were serviced by GM Dealers with the suspect parts will be notified by first class letter.
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 2006197237 units in Canada
Wheels
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 120 - Tire rim designation. These vehicles have an incomplete tire rim designation indicated on the compliance label. If a customer replaces a wheel with one that has a rim contour that is inappropriate for use with the tires on the vehicle, the mounting of the tire to the wheel and/or the tire/wheel assembly may not perform as designed/intended. In addition, certain vehicles are also missing the tire load rating on the label. If a tire of a lesser load rating than the original tire is installed, the tire may not be able to sustain the loads encountered during use. Correction: Dealers will install a new partial label over the existing label. Corrected labels and application instructions will be mailed to customers. Dealers will receive labels for installation on the vehicles in inventory.
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 20052966,487 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering manoeuvres, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid. If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increase braking effort would be required. If power steering fluid were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur. Correction: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 11,400 milesPittsburgh, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WENT TO PUT ON MY BRAKES, I FIRST STARTED TO STOP THEN MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I HIT A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE COLLISION SHOP THAT I HAD IT REPAIRED AT SAID THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION I READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME DEFECT IN CHEVY AND GMC TRUCKS.
NHTSA complaint #10628635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesWarrenton, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS APPROACHING THE STOPLIGHT FLETCHER DRIVE AND LEE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH HEADING EAST ON LEE HIGHWAY AROUND 1600 EDT IN WARRENTON, VA. THERE WERE FOUR (4) CARS WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO FLETCHER DRIVE IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH APPROXIMATELY 2 CAR LENGTHS IN FRONT OF ME. THE BRAKES STARTED TO GRAB BUT THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. I PUMPED THE BRAKES AND MY TRUCK CONTINUED TO ROLL AND THEN HIT MR. [XXX] VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 5-7 MPH. I WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP UNTIL MAKING CONTACT WITH [XXX] CAR. I ASKED IF HE WAS OK OR HURT AND HE REPLIED YES, I AM OK. WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP?? I EXPLAINED THAT I TRIED. I THEN SUGGESTED THAT BOTH OF US PULL INTO THE FAUQUIER BANK PARKING LOT AND EXCHANGE INSURANCE INFORMATION. AT THIS TIME, I NOTICED MY BRAKES HAD COMPLETELY FAILED AND THE TRUCK WAS LEAKING A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID ONTO THE PARKING LOT (COFFEE CAN OR MORE IN 10 MINS). I STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE ON MY VEHICLE, I WOULD FEEL BETTER SUBMITTING IT THROUGH INSURANCE. I ALSO SHOWED HIM THE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. [XXX]. ASKED WHY I WAS DRIVING WITH FAILED BRAKES AND I EXPLAINED THAT THE BRAKES HAD FAILED AT THE INTERSECTION, THAT MY BRAKES WERE WORKING PROPERLY PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AND THAT MY TRUCK HAD JUST BEEN PICKED-UP FROM SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP (COUNTRY CHEVROLET) ON MONDAY WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP JUST INFORMED ME THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THEY HAVE CORRODED THROUGH AND BASICALLY "EXPLODED". A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURRED WITH MY 2003 GMC SIERRA IN 2009, BUT WITH NO ACCIDENT. ALL BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10619212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesHolt, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD SHUT OFF INDEPENDETLY AND THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR NEAR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS DEACTIVATED, THE BURNING SMELL CEASED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWELVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. JCC
NHTSA complaint #10607084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,459 milesChadds Ford, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
THERE IS NO WARNING THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND YOU DON'T STOP. I HAD A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER HOOKED TO MY 2006 GMC 2500 EXT. CAB LONG BED SIERRA P/U WITH 62,459 MILES ON IT. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES AND A SCRATCH ON MY FRONT BUMPER FROM A TRACTOR TRAILER THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE OWNED OVER 200 CARS + TRUCKS SINCE I STARTED DRIVING. I DO ALL MY ONE WORK ON THEM AND I NEVER HAD A BRAKE LINE FAIL, I WILL BE 70 THIS YEAR. IT IS RIDICULOUS FOR AN 8 YEAR OLD TRUCK TO HAVE RUSTED BRAKE LINES TO FAIL. THE WORST PART OF THIS IS THAT NOBODY NOTIFIED THE PUBLIC THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WHEN THEY GMC KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I FOUND A GARAGE THAT FIXED THE TWO FRONT LINES. SO WE COULD GET HOME. THEN I INSPECTED THE OTHER LINES AND ORDERED THE COMPLETE SET OF STAINLESS STEEL LINES FROM EBAY, WHEN I REMOVED THE OLD LINES THEY ALL WERE RUSTED AT HIDDEN SPOTS TWO WERE CLOSE TO FAILING. WHY DO THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOME ONE TO DIE BEFORE THEY NOTIFY THE PUBLIC THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THIS IS GMC AND OUR GOVERNMENT (NHTSA) FAILING THE PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #10607177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesHuntington, INFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHICH WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ UPDATED 03/06/12
NHTSA complaint #10445548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MIFire
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
2006 GMC SIERRA WITH A FRONT WHEEL BEARING BURN OUT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE WHEEL BEARING BURN OUT WAS PRIOR TO THE TIRE WEARING OUT. GM DECIDED TO SEAL THE BEARING TO PROLONG THE LIFE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. ONCE HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE BRAKE LINE HAD BROKEN AND A FIRE HAD IGNITED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE AXLE AND ALL THE BRAKE COMPONENTS HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10256768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 81,750 milesColumbus, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE WHILE IN MOTION. CORRODED BRAKE LINE RUPTURED CAUSING IMMEDIATE LOSS OF ALL FLUID. HAD THIS HAPPENED 5 MINUTES EARLIER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY IN BUMPER TO BUMPER CHRISTMAS TRAFFIC. AT 70 YEARS OLD I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW CATASTROPHIC AN ACCIDENT MY REFLEXES WOULD HAVE GENERATED. THE FLUID SPRAYED ON THE HOT ENGINE CREATING A CLOUD OF SMOKE. I WAS AFRAID THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THE FLUID COOKED OFF THE ENGINE AS SMOKE AND AGAIN LUCKILY THERE WAS NO FIRE. NOW AFTER EXTENSIVE REPAIRS, I AM VERY NERVOUS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH CORROSION SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS BLOGS ON THE INTERNET INDICATE THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR QUITE AWHILE. I HAVE ATTACHED THE INVOICE OF THE REPAIRS REQUIRED. I WAS IN THE DRIVE THROUGH OF A MCDONALDS AND HAD PLACED MY ORDER AND WAS PULLING TO THE WINDOW TO PAY WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY MOVING SLOWLY AT THAT TIME, THUS ABLE TO AVOID INJURING ANYONE OR DAMAGING ANY OTHER VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #10816251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesLouisville, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. BEFORE THE SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON. THE SERVICE LIGHT DID COME EVENTUALLY AT WHICH TIME WE CHECKED THE MASTER CYLINDER WHICH WAS EXTREMELY LOW SO WE FILLED IT THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY WE NOTICED BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING AND AFTER CHECKING REALIZED THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE WERE RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES AND ALL OF THE OTHER LINES ARE TERRIBLY RUSTED AND PROBABLY ON THE VERGE OF LEAKING ALSO. THIS IS A TRUCK THAT WE USUALLY PULL OUR CAMPER WITH. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT PULLING IT AT THE TIME THIS OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10735349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWimberley, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TURNED OFF ENGINE, HVAC FAN STILL ON. WILL NOT TURN OFF. THIS IS THE DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. HAD TO REMOVE FUSE SO THE BATTERY WILL NOT DISCHARGE. SERVICE BULLETINS WERE ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT DID NOT INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES, INCLUDING OURS.
NHTSA complaint #10716011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWimberley, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TURNED OFF ENGINE, HVAC FAN STILL ON. WILL NOT TURN OFF. THIS IS THE DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. HAD TO REMOVE FUSE SO THE BATTERY WILL NOT DISCHARGE. SERVICE BULLETINS WERE ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT DID NOT INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES, INCLUDING OURS.
NHTSA complaint #10716011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesWimberley, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TURNED OFF ENGINE, HVAC FAN STILL ON. WILL NOT TURN OFF. THIS IS THE DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. HAD TO REMOVE FUSE SO THE BATTERY WILL NOT DISCHARGE. SERVICE BULLETINS WERE ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT DID NOT INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES, INCLUDING OURS.
NHTSA complaint #10716011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesSpringfield, IL
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 7/23/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR DID NOT WORK. THE RED LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS RELATED TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE DEALER HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. UPDATED 07/28/15
NHTSA complaint #10684162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesSpringfield, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 7/23/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT IMPACT SENSOR DID NOT WORK. THE RED LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS RELATED TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE DEALER HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. UPDATED 07/28/15
NHTSA complaint #10684162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,400 milesJoppa, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
DROVE FROM BALTIMORE, MD TO CLEVELAND, OH. PARKED, THE NEXT DAY ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. BRAKE LINE ON DRIVERS SIDE TOWARD THE REAR HAD RUSTED OUT, HAD TO HAVE TRUCK TOWED AND BRAKE LINE REPLACED. IN DEC. 2014, ONE YEAR LATER, TRUCK WAS PARKED FOR 4 DAYS IN DRIVE, WENT TO DRIVE BRAKE PEDAL TO FLOOR AGAIN, HAD TO HAVE TOWED, 4 LINES REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10682951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,889 milesFaith, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. HAD TO STEP ON SEVERAL TIMES TO GET STOPPED. THE FACTORY ELECTRICAL WIRE IN FACTORY LOOM IN FACTORY CLAMP HOOKED TO BRAKE LINE WORE A HOLE THROUGH BRAKE LINE TO RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. WORE THROUGH DIRECTLY UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER. LUCKILY I WAS NOT GOING AT HIGH SPEED OR THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL INCIDENT!!!!!!!!! THIS IS SOMETHING THAT COME FROM FACTORY AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10678466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,500 milesJacksonville, FL
AIR BAGS
IN LATE OCTOBER, 2013, I PURCHASED MY 2006 GMC SIERRA C1500 STANDARD CAB, 2WD PICKUP FROM A PRIVATE OWNER. ON OR ABOUT, DECEMBER 01, 2013, I NOTICED THAT THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED INTERMITTENTLY. THE "AIRBAG" ILLUMINATED SYMBOL IN THE DASH INSTRUMENTATION AREA WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THIS WOULD RANDOMLY COME ON AND GO OFF DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I SUBSEQUENTLY TOOK THE TRUCK TO A LOCAL GMC/CHEVROLET DEALER FOR SERVICE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY CHARGED ME TO FIX THE ISSUE AND IT DID NOT APPEAR FOR ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THEIR REPAIR. I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER, AS THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY REPAIR PREVIOUS ISSUES ON OTHER VEHICLES THAT I HAVE HAD SERVICED THERE. THE "SERVICE AIR BAG" MESSAGE HAS BEEN ON CONSTANTLY SINCE ABOUT FEBRUARY, 2014, AS WELL AS THE ILLUMINATED ICON IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP WITH THEIR ABILITY TO REMEDY THE SITUATION AND MAY HAVE TO SEEK THIRD PARTY REPAIR FOR THIS ISSUE. GENERAL MOTORS SEEMS TO HAVE NO WEB SITE TO ASSIST OWNERS AND I MUST NOW GLEAN KNOWLEDGE FROM THE INTERNET IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. I CAN FIND NO RECALL INFORMATION FOR MY MAKE AND YEAR OF VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT, THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT ONE DOES NOT EXIST.
NHTSA complaint #10667824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesHortonville, WI
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10663956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 87,000 milesHawarden, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEED, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH VERY LITTLE BRAKING. ON INVESTIGATION, BRAKE OIL WOULD SPRAY FROM THE BRAKE LINE UNDER THE TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10654861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSacramento, CA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. ..UPDATED 01/14/15 *BF UPDATED 01/15/15*JB..........UPDATED 02-02-15*BF..UPDATED 03-02/15 *BF STATUS UPDATE 03/17/15*JB UPDATED 8/31/2017
NHTSA complaint #10650826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesNavarre, FL
SEATS
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER RANDOMLY COMES ON. IF YOU TURN IT OFF IT COMES RIGHT BACK ON AGAIN AND CYCLES THROUGH THE VARIOUS HEAT SETTINGS. IT CREATES A DANGEROUS DISTRACTION IN THE FLORIDA HEAT. I'VE TAKEN IT TO NUMEROUS DEALERS, NONE OF WHICH CAN FIX IT. I CALL GM AND THEY WON'T EVEN CONSIDER IT UNTIL I TAKE IT BACK TO A DEALER SAYING THEY WILL ONLY GET INVOLVED IF I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A DEALER WITHIN THE LAST 30 DAYS. ONE DEALER TOLD ME THAT WAS A LIE, THERE IS NO 30 DAY REQUIREMENT. THIS ISSUE IS MORE OF A DISTRACTION THAN TEXTING. LOOKING IT UP ONLINE IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM BUT GM DENIES IT EVEN THOUGH GM DID ISSUE A TSB TO HAVE THE DRIVERS DOOR MODULE REPROGRAMMED. I HAD THAT DONE AND IT MADE THE PROBLEM WORSE. A STRAIGHT UP SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A 2005 SUBURBAN AND FILED A COMPLAINT ON THAT ONE TOO. NOTHING CAME OF THAT EITHER SO IT APPEARS THIS SITE AND AGENCY IS NOTHING MORE THAN A SOUNDING BOARD. GM AND NHTSA CANNOT AFFORD TO DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10640096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesNavarre, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER RANDOMLY COMES ON. IF YOU TURN IT OFF IT COMES RIGHT BACK ON AGAIN AND CYCLES THROUGH THE VARIOUS HEAT SETTINGS. IT CREATES A DANGEROUS DISTRACTION IN THE FLORIDA HEAT. I'VE TAKEN IT TO NUMEROUS DEALERS, NONE OF WHICH CAN FIX IT. I CALL GM AND THEY WON'T EVEN CONSIDER IT UNTIL I TAKE IT BACK TO A DEALER SAYING THEY WILL ONLY GET INVOLVED IF I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A DEALER WITHIN THE LAST 30 DAYS. ONE DEALER TOLD ME THAT WAS A LIE, THERE IS NO 30 DAY REQUIREMENT. THIS ISSUE IS MORE OF A DISTRACTION THAN TEXTING. LOOKING IT UP ONLINE IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM BUT GM DENIES IT EVEN THOUGH GM DID ISSUE A TSB TO HAVE THE DRIVERS DOOR MODULE REPROGRAMMED. I HAD THAT DONE AND IT MADE THE PROBLEM WORSE. A STRAIGHT UP SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH A 2005 SUBURBAN AND FILED A COMPLAINT ON THAT ONE TOO. NOTHING CAME OF THAT EITHER SO IT APPEARS THIS SITE AND AGENCY IS NOTHING MORE THAN A SOUNDING BOARD. GM AND NHTSA CANNOT AFFORD TO DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10640096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesNewnan, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES FAILED WHILE COMING TO A STOP IN LIGHT TRAFFIC. BRAKING ACTION REDUCED TO APPROX 10 TO 20 PERCENT OF NORMAL. DRIVER FELT A "POP" AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, FOLLOWED BY A 'SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM' WARNING MESSAGE. A LARGE PUDDLE OF FLUID FORMED UNDER THE TRUCK WHEN PARKED AND A QUICK LOOK UNDER THE TRUCK SHOWED LOTS OF FLUID FROM THE FRONT OF THE BED TO THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED HEAVY CORROSION ON ALL RIGID BRAKE LINES. ALL BRAKES LINES WILL BE REPLACED. THE FAILED LINE POWERED THE REAR BRAKES. THIS TRUCK IS ONLY EIGHT (8) YEARS OLD. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN LOTS WORSE IF THE BRAKES FAILED ONE WEEK EARLIER WHEN I WAS PULLING A CAMPER THROUGH THE TENNESSEE MOUNTAINS.
NHTSA complaint #10631594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,400 milesPittsburgh, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WENT TO PUT ON MY BRAKES, I FIRST STARTED TO STOP THEN MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I HIT A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE COLLISION SHOP THAT I HAD IT REPAIRED AT SAID THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION I READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME DEFECT IN CHEVY AND GMC TRUCKS.
NHTSA complaint #10628635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesWarrenton, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS APPROACHING THE STOPLIGHT FLETCHER DRIVE AND LEE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH HEADING EAST ON LEE HIGHWAY AROUND 1600 EDT IN WARRENTON, VA. THERE WERE FOUR (4) CARS WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO FLETCHER DRIVE IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I APPLIED THE BRAKE WITH APPROXIMATELY 2 CAR LENGTHS IN FRONT OF ME. THE BRAKES STARTED TO GRAB BUT THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. I PUMPED THE BRAKES AND MY TRUCK CONTINUED TO ROLL AND THEN HIT MR. [XXX] VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 5-7 MPH. I WAS UNABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP UNTIL MAKING CONTACT WITH [XXX] CAR. I ASKED IF HE WAS OK OR HURT AND HE REPLIED YES, I AM OK. WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP?? I EXPLAINED THAT I TRIED. I THEN SUGGESTED THAT BOTH OF US PULL INTO THE FAUQUIER BANK PARKING LOT AND EXCHANGE INSURANCE INFORMATION. AT THIS TIME, I NOTICED MY BRAKES HAD COMPLETELY FAILED AND THE TRUCK WAS LEAKING A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID ONTO THE PARKING LOT (COFFEE CAN OR MORE IN 10 MINS). I STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS A MECHANICAL FAILURE ON MY VEHICLE, I WOULD FEEL BETTER SUBMITTING IT THROUGH INSURANCE. I ALSO SHOWED HIM THE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. [XXX]. ASKED WHY I WAS DRIVING WITH FAILED BRAKES AND I EXPLAINED THAT THE BRAKES HAD FAILED AT THE INTERSECTION, THAT MY BRAKES WERE WORKING PROPERLY PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT AND THAT MY TRUCK HAD JUST BEEN PICKED-UP FROM SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP (COUNTRY CHEVROLET) ON MONDAY WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE DEALERSHIP JUST INFORMED ME THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THEY HAVE CORRODED THROUGH AND BASICALLY "EXPLODED". A SIMILAR ISSUE OCCURRED WITH MY 2003 GMC SIERRA IN 2009, BUT WITH NO ACCIDENT. ALL BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10619212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesCreston, OH
STEERING
GRINDING NOISE AND BRAKING DIMINISHED ALONG WITH SMOKING WHEEL. FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY IS COMING APART INSIDE WITH ONLY 36000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10616684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesCreston, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
GRINDING NOISE AND BRAKING DIMINISHED ALONG WITH SMOKING WHEEL. FRONT WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY IS COMING APART INSIDE WITH ONLY 36000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10616684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,500 milesCaldwell, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2006 GMC SIERRA 1500 4X4 CREWCAB WAS RUNNING IDLE AS I WAS PREPARING TO LEAVE FOR CAMPING TRIP. I WAS CHECKING TO INSURE ALL LIGHTS ON VEHICLE AND TRAILER WERE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY BEFORE DEPARTING. I NOTICED UPON DEPARTURE THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. I TURNED OFF RUNNING LIGHTS AND WHEN I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE I FOUND THAT I COULD NOT AS THE KEY WAS FROZE/STUCK IN THE ON/RUN POSITION. THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE WAS FILLING WITH SMOKE AND I COULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. I QUICKLY DROVE TO THE NEAREST GM DEALERSHIP WHO WAS UNABLE TO HELP DUE TO A HEAVY BACKLOG. I WAS ABLE TO FIND A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO PROMPTLY ASSESSED AND SERVICED MY TRUCK. THE MECHANIC ALERTED ME THAT WHILE THIS TRUCK IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, THE PART HE REPLACED (THE IGNITION SWITCH) IS THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE ENTIRE RECALL AND THAT THE PART HAD FAILED EXACTLY HOW THE RECALLED ASSEMBLIES WERE LISTED AS FAILING. I DO NOT KNOW WHY THIS TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN LOOKED INTO FURTHER FOR THIS RECALL BUT HAD I BEEN FURTHER INTO MY TRIP AND NOT HAD A MECHANIC CLOSE BY TO GET THE TRUCK TO, THE END RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN FAR MORE DAMAGING THEN A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS...
NHTSA complaint #10615072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,300 milesPembroke, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A QUICK STOP BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND HAD NO BRAKING POWER. AVOIDED CRASH BY DRIVING ONTO A LAWN. I HAVE FOUND THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES WHERE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME IN A PLASTIC SUPPORT UNDER THE DRIVERS DOOR HAVE ROTTED THROUGH. CONTACTED GMC WITH NO SUCCESS JUST INFORMING THEY ARE AWARE BUT NO RE-CALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10610032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,600 milesHummelstown, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
DRIVING THE TRUCK IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH A LANDSCAPE TRAILER ATTACHED, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES FAILED DUE TO CORROSION. HAD TO HAVE ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10608943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesHolt, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD SHUT OFF INDEPENDETLY AND THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR NEAR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS DEACTIVATED, THE BURNING SMELL CEASED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWELVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. JCC
NHTSA complaint #10607084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,459 milesChadds Ford, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
THERE IS NO WARNING THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND YOU DON'T STOP. I HAD A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER HOOKED TO MY 2006 GMC 2500 EXT. CAB LONG BED SIERRA P/U WITH 62,459 MILES ON IT. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IT WITH THE TRAILER BRAKES AND A SCRATCH ON MY FRONT BUMPER FROM A TRACTOR TRAILER THAT WAS IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE OWNED OVER 200 CARS + TRUCKS SINCE I STARTED DRIVING. I DO ALL MY ONE WORK ON THEM AND I NEVER HAD A BRAKE LINE FAIL, I WILL BE 70 THIS YEAR. IT IS RIDICULOUS FOR AN 8 YEAR OLD TRUCK TO HAVE RUSTED BRAKE LINES TO FAIL. THE WORST PART OF THIS IS THAT NOBODY NOTIFIED THE PUBLIC THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WHEN THEY GMC KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I FOUND A GARAGE THAT FIXED THE TWO FRONT LINES. SO WE COULD GET HOME. THEN I INSPECTED THE OTHER LINES AND ORDERED THE COMPLETE SET OF STAINLESS STEEL LINES FROM EBAY, WHEN I REMOVED THE OLD LINES THEY ALL WERE RUSTED AT HIDDEN SPOTS TWO WERE CLOSE TO FAILING. WHY DO THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOME ONE TO DIE BEFORE THEY NOTIFY THE PUBLIC THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. THIS IS GMC AND OUR GOVERNMENT (NHTSA) FAILING THE PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #10607177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.