Searching for GMC Sierra Problems

[russellj23]

I want to buy either an '03 or '04 GMC, but cannot find enough past information on problems. Has anyone had serious problems with the 1500 4x4? I read some serious ones with the Silverado 1500 2x2 and 4x4. Does the Sierra last, and is it worth it? I love them, but have never had one. Please help, anyone!

[Jaguars-fan]

I speak to much about the new trucks...but I have a '94 GMC Sierra w/ 186k miles on it. I have owned it for about 5 years and put about 86k of those miles on it myself...I have maybe had to put $1200 total into in over the last 5 years...$500 of that was just in the last two week. Had some leaking gaskets in my throttle body and the fuel pressure regulator was leaking...the other $700 was for tires, shocks, oil pump, intake gaskets...just routine maintenance...

I give GMC two thumbs up if they are built as well as they were 10 years go!

Steve

[russellj23]

Steve,

Thanks for the info! I know GMC/Chevy had seemed to last, but I wasn't sure about the newer ones ('03 +), since they changed the design. It can effect the engine, if the engine does not fit as well in the new design. It makes me feel better knowing that it hasn't cost you a fortune and that you still recommend them!

[astralepic]

Boys I've got a 93 model Sierra, 2WD, 5.7L and I wouldn't trade it for the world. She has 216,000 on her and I've had to put very little money it to it. A distributer, throttle positioning sensor and the rest has been general maintenance. I've been very fortunate and will definately buy GMC again. As a matter of fact, I'm looking into the HD models now.

Just thought I'd throw in my story. It's one for the books...

[GMC-Titanic]

Hi guys,

I have a 1992 GMC Sierra 2WD Pickup V6-262 4.3L which I bought on October 21,1997 so I have it now 6 years with 68K milage and in those 6 years she really didn't cost me anything except routine maintenance.

One year after I bought it, the original paint started peeling off the body on different spots like the hood, roof and bed rails so in July 2000 I decided to paint the truck and customized it a bit, so I spent like USD 2,750.00 (go to http://www.geocities.com/gmc_titanic for more info).

By the way, since February 1998, my truck is named TITANIC and it's writen on the back window (you can see it on one of the pictures in the "Pictures Gallery").

The first owner of my GMC-Titanic is a doctor, so my truck is never used as a real "truck" and in my case the same, I use it as a regular car. The doctor sold the GMC truck for a Ford 150 and after 1 year we met and he told me: "Never trade a GMC truck for a Ford truck". That's why since the mid 90's the "normal simple truck" started to transform into a SUV and not just a working truck.

I love the new GMC 2004 Sierra trucks, they are nicer then the Chevy Silverado, specially the front.

[slacker_53]

If you've read about the problems on the Silverado, same things apply to the Sierra. They have some quirky little problems that aren't all that costly or hard to fix. Hopefully GM got some of them squared away on the newer trucks.

Read the Silverado or C/K forums for related information. Other than the front fenders, grille and hood THEY ARE THE SAME TRUCK.

-slacker

[amac209]

i like the drive train of the new trucks but the body's could use a little more metal. of course they didn't design these things to be work trucks .. too bad.. gm had a problem for a while with piston slap on cold startup but i think they fixed that all the electronic stuff seems to screw up all the time. i'd get one with basic power accesories like windows, locks, mirrors.. i've seen the push button 4X4 screw up a lot as well as the power seats with presets. most of the time you can unhook the battery and everything will start working again but i don't like that. it's like the computer modules are running off of windows 95 or something.. if you plan on driving your truck off road the undercarage will get destroyed and the balljoints will wear out.. but they have the best ride out of any truck i've driven.

[jrrocque]

I have a 99 Sierra. I have had it for two years now. I have 37,000 miles on it 27,000 drivin by me. It is a 2wd with the 4.3 V6. I drive 65 miles a day and it is the most comfortable truck I have ever riddin in. I have had no problems with mine. I can tell you right now that when I do get another truck someday it will be another GMC!

[russellj23]

Thanks for your help guys! And by the way, I'm a girl.
I have heard some bad things about the push button 4x4, and haven't been impressed with it. I've decided on the 2500HD 4x4, 4-door. It has everything, can do everything, and it's a GMC. I can live with the small problems, because it is the best truck made. It's what I hear about GMC not wanting to replace warranty parts of replace things under warranty period.

russellj23 - GMC Girl

[Karen512]

I agree with these guys. I love my 98 2500 GMC truck. She has 180000 miles on her and hasn't missed a beat. Some minor maintenence and upkeep (just like any vehicle). That truck will pull a freight train out of the mud!!! You'll love the truck if you get one. Check mine out in my photo gallery.

[macktoschool]

Good call. I've got a 2000 Sierra 4x4 with 82,000 plus miles on it. The 5.3 gives plenty of power, and the ride is great. I do have the ZX3 option which is the push button select ride control. I have been through 3 switches on the thing, so I would avoid that if at all possible. Oh, and I love seeing women driving trucks. Well done.

[SierraK1500]

Well if you want to buy a new GMC Sierra go for it!.
I just bought my first truck in January of this year and it is the best investment I ever made. "The Gentleman's Chevrolet " as I was told. General Motors has good customer service. Ford will never get my money! GO BUY ONE!

[sierratroutmaster]

I was a ford man. i just bought a 2004 sierra extended, 4.3, auto, no frills (no power win, lock, etc). BUT, i love this truck. Rides great, handles better than previous trucks. ive owned 68 c10 stepside 350/4spd, 78 stepside 400/auto 4x4, and many others..... but this truck rocks. the 4.3 v6 really isnt that bad. a little exhaust, kn, headers, and it really cooks. i give gmc the big thumbs up. **i got my truck for 15,999 + 800 60/75000 warrenty. :-)

[98BonnevilleSE]

I have a 99' Sierra SLE regular cab short bed new body style with the 5.3L V-8 and it now has 202K miles on the original engine but the transmission has been replaced. No problems other than normal wear and tear. The water pump and hoses were replaced at 190K miles and I had the coolant changed to the good ol' green stuff since the Dex-Cool was causing so many cooling problems in GM vehicles. It's been a great truck and right now the only thing wrong with it is the clock on the factory CD player won't keep time. I have to reset the time every other day. Good luck!
G.W.

[tiggerluke]

My 2004 SLE 4x4 1/2T has been fine EXCEPT for the clunking noise in the auto transmission when shifting between 2nd and 3rd and sometime between 3rd and 4th.

Dealer says this annoying noise is "normal" according to GM.