2000 GMC Sierra 2500: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2000 GMC Sierra 2500
On the 2000 GMC Sierra 2500, the failure owners report most often is other brake problem, and the reports cluster around 75,000 miles. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 92,500 miles. Overall it scores 67 out of 100, high risk for a 2000.
High risk for a 2000 — 147th riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. 64 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What owners report breaking
Owners have reported 19 named failure modes on the 2000 GMC Sierra 2500, and the three most-reported carry 48% of everything filed.
Other brake problem leads with 15 reports, about 17 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 71k to 135,000 miles.
ABS module or sensor failure follows with 9 reports, median 90,000 miles.
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure follows with 7 reports, median 100,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into brakes (34), fuel (10) and body (5).
At what mileage it happens
51 of the reports on the 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 92,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 8% by 50,000 miles, 59% by 100,000 miles and 82% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 2 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, which alone holds 14% of the dated reports.
4% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, so this is mostly a story about older, higher-mileage cars.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 19. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 2 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
How bad it is when it goes
Across the named modes, 3 mention a crash and 1 a fire. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.48, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other brake problem at $300–$1,800, ABS module or sensor failure at $500–$2,400, fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure at $250–$1,800 and loss of braking at $400–$3,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
5% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other brake problem | brakes | 15 | 13 | 71k | 75k | 136k | 16.9 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 9 | 5 | — | 90k | — | 10.1 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 7 | 7 | — | 99k | — | 7.9 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 5 | 5 | — | 139k | — | 5.6 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 4 | 4 | — | 109k | — | 4.5 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 4 | 3 | — | 65k | — | 4.5 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 2.3 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 2 | 2 | — | 72k | — | 2.3 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Other engine problem | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 66k | — | 2.3 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 63k | — | 2.3 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 2 | 1 | — | 65k | — | 2.3 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 2 | 2 | — | 117k | — | 2.3 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 70k | — | 1.1 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 205k | — | 1.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.1 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 28k | — | 1.1 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 85k | — | 1.1 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Unclassified problem | other | 1 | 1 | — | 91k | — | 1.1 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 draws about 72 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 97th percentile of complaint rates among 2000 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 888 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2000 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other brake problem
Lost brakes while backing up nd had to stop suddenly-brake pedal went to floor and had put vehicle in drive to stop.set e-brake to hold. Moved vehicle to my driveway to check problem. Brake lines to ABS block broke. Lines for front and rear brakes broke due to corrision. Removed lines and found all lines except lines on rear axle failed. Replaced all seven lines. *tr
Wet surface. Two similar wrecks in two different chevy pickups. One a 1994 and the other in a 2000 gmc. Trying to stop, standing on the brakes, while both of these vehicles accelerated into the rear of the vehicle in front of me. Following the last incident, I went straight to a large empty parking lot and duplicated the acceleration while standing on brakes. *tr
ABS module or sensor failure
Periodically, without warning, the brakes malfunction on my 2000 gmc sierra pickup. After the brakes are applied, the vehicle begins slowing, then you can feel a sensation of the braking action releasing, no mater how hard the brake pedal is pressed. The sensation is like some of the brakes have let go and are not longer being applied. I have had no accidents but there have been several tense close situations at tee intersection, which could have been very bad. This has occurred since the vehicle was new. We have had it in for correction several times, but it has not been corrected. It seems to be a problem in the ABS system. Gmc and their representatives were unable to find the problem while the age and mileage of the vehicle were within the warranty limits and now do not want to pay for any diagnosis of the problem and possibly any correction. The last incident occurred on february 17, 2007.*jb
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 gmc sierra 2500. While driving between 3-10 MPH the ABS activated when the brake was depressed. He also stated that the brake pedal would not go down no matter how he pressed. The vehicle continued moving forward. There is a recall for the service brakes (recall# 05v379000). The contact stated that he disabled the ABS by removing the fuse. The failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure
In the last week of october, 2009, my father and I were pulling a bumper hitch camping trailer when the truck brakes failed. We were able to limp the rest of the way home by using the emergency brake and the electric assist brakes on the camper. When we had the brakes inspected, we were told that the metal brake lines on the drivers side of the vehicle had corroded inside the frame, next to the gas tank. The brake line was replaced and no further incident has arisen. *tr
Was driving on a local road. Brake pedal went to floor. Was able to stop and drive it home. The line above the gas tank was corroded and had to be replaced. Same thing happened in dec.2011. This time the line was corroded against the frame leading to the ABS module. This repair hasn't been completed because of expense. I plan to replace the remainder of the lines because they are rusting inside the engine compartment leading to the master cylinder. *tr
Recalls on the 2000 model year
NHTSA has issued 3 recall campaigns covering the 2000 GMC Sierra 2500, affecting an estimated 1,469 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover equipment, fuel system, gasoline and service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
EQUIPMENT
121,680 vehicles 2007-10-24- Defect
- Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures.
- Consequence
- This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
- Remedy
- Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during november 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
88,303 vehicles 2006-05-19- Defect
- Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
- Consequence
- This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
3,758 vehicles 2000-08-08- Defect
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with vacuum power, 4-wheel disc brakes. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." these vehicles were built with a kinked brake booster vacuum supply hose.
- Consequence
- These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105.
- Remedy
- Dealers will re-route the brake booster vacuum supply hose.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2000 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2000 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2000 — 147th riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 27 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2007 comes out best at 63 and 2025 worst at 81, with 2000 itself at 67.
If the model year is negotiable, 2007 and 2013 score lower than 2000 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 1997–2002 generation specifically, 2000 is the strongest year at 67 and 2002 the weakest at 72.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 1997-2002 generation, 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 scores best at 67 and 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 worst at 72.
Where to spend the inspection money
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other brake problem from about 71k.
On a 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other brake problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
The limits of complaint data
64 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 64 reports, 51 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 80% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2000 GMC Sierra 2500?
The most-reported failures are other brake problem (15 reports, median 75,000 miles), abs module or sensor failure (9 reports, median 90,000 miles) and fuel tank, filler or evap failure (7 reports, median 100,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 problems start?
Other brake problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 75,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 70,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 92,500 miles.
Is the 2000 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
It scores 67 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 147th riskiest of the 327 2000 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2000 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the GMC Sierra 2500 is best?
Within the 1997–2002 generation, 2000 scores best at 67 out of 100 and 2002 worst at 72. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed