MotorDeets

GMC Sierra 2500 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Sierra 2500 from 1994 to 2026: 1,823 owner complaints and 93 recalls across 31 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2003 (160), 2004 (143), 2001 (134). Best fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (1994).

GMC Sierra 2500
Photo: Bull-Doser · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical291
Brakes252
Brakes (hydraulic)239
Transmission & drivetrain202
Airbags169
Other / unknown142
Steering132
Engine128

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19940119
199721415
199811515
199903615
200014815
20012134–
20021134–
20030160–
20041143–
20051115–
2006166–
2007383–
2008363–
2009531–
2010510–
2011463–
2012331–
2013346–
2014230–
2015689–
2016659–
2017637–
2018535–
2019732–
2020977–
2021652–
2022343–
2023132–
20244106–
2025128–
2026110–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the GMC Sierra 2500.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the GMC Sierra 2500?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2003 (160), 2004 (143), 2001 (134).

How many recalls has the GMC Sierra 2500 had?

Across 1994–2026, NHTSA lists 93 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).