Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2025 GMC Sierra 2500, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 4 | 15% |
| Power train | 3 | 12% |
| Steering | 3 | 12% |
| Service brakes | 2 | 8% |
| Structure | 2 | 8% |
| Engine | 2 | 8% |
| Equipment | 2 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 4% |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 1 | 4% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
My 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 experienced repeated electrical failures that caused complete battery drainage and multiple overnight no‑start conditions within the first year of ownership. These failures occurred in extreme des
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
My 2025 Sierra 2500HD repeatedly displays “Trailer Brakes Disabled—Service Required” with a lithium- and solar-equipped trailer. The truck passes the EL-52641 simulator, but the failure occurs intermittently while towing
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
Normal driving 40mph brake failure and power steering loss. Towed vehicle to dealership
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Power steering pump failed when decelerating after 9500 miles. When power steering pump fails, power assisted braking also fails. Upon deceleration, I could not turn the steering wheel at all or stop the vehicle without
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Reverse lamps are not bright. Camera does not brighten area either. Very unsafe to reverse in the dark. Have to touch the brake pedal to be able to see while backing. Also have tried the LEDs in the mirrors while
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door handle failed to operate as needed, and the contact was unable to exit the vehicle through the driver’s side door. The vehicle
NHTSA complaint: Structure
On highway taking an exit. The brake pedal sank and did not engage at normal pressure, I had to push the brake all the way down for it to engage. Concurrently the steering wheel locked up where I could not turn the whee
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The transfer case leaked out all the fluid while driving over a period of time and damaged internal parts before the first oil change. This has happened 2 times now, and is currently leaking again with less than 10k mile
NHTSA complaint: Power train
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2025 GMC Sierra 2500. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires and
Risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn pro
| Reliability raw | 94 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 80 | excellent |
| Maintenance | 46 | below average |
| Depreciation | 74 | good |
| Performance | 81 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 4 of them (15%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 94/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 80/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2025 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 75/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.