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The GMC Sierra 2500HD Years to Avoid


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We've rounded up eight GMC Sierra 2500HD years to avoid based on commonly-reported problems and consumer complaints. See which ones we mean (and which Sierra 2500HD years are most reliable instead).

GMC Sierra 2500HD interior
Source: Flickr

When looking for pick-up truck selections, it’s likely you stumble across the GMC Sierra 2500HD - it’s a large and practical truck selection many enjoy. There are ample model years available, which can make it tricky to invest in the right Sierra 2500HD. In that case, you might want to better understand the GMC Sierra 2500HD years to avoid.

Though it’s a critical factor in any vehicle, it’s easy for GMC Sierra 2500HD investors to forget about dependability in their purchase. However, it’s vital - it influences the price of upkeep as an owner. Read on to learn more about the years to keep at bay, the top years to purchase for your money, and other powerful tidbits of information. 

Quick Answer: Avoid GMC Sierra 2500HD Years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012, and 2015.

Unfortunately, not every version meets the proper standard the GMC Sierra 2500HD should for an excellent driving experience. We advise keeping the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012, and 2015 selections off your investment list. Though some are okay, they are far lower in reliability and quality than other year selections.


HOW LONG DO GMC SIERRAS LAST?

If you’re looking to get a workhorse of a truck, it’s critical to consider the lifespan. You might wonder - how long do GMC Sierras last?


Which Year Models of GMC Sierra 2500HD are Safe to Buy Used? 

Since there are so many model years available for the GMC Sierra 2500HD, there are ample excellent model years to choose from if you decide this car is for you. We have compiled a list of top selections based on customer reviews and various websites. 

The best years to purchase the GMC Sierra 2500HD include the following:

  • 2000 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD

These are the best selections for the iconic machine. 

The newer versions of this car will be packed with more modern features, while older ones won’t have as much entertainment but will likely be far more affordable. Selecting any of these is the best you can do with the GMC Sierra 2500HD.

Which Year Models of GMC Sierra 2500HD to Avoid?

Unfortunately, where there is good, there is also poor. We’ve also compiled a list of the GMC Sierra 2500HD years to keep away from, as they tend to cost far more to keep them in excellent driving condition.

If you want to maximize your purchase, we advise staying away from the following years:

  • 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  • 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD

These years have an unfortunate history on the market.

Out of these years, the worst selection is the 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD. It faces some troubles with electrical issues, such as in cases where the infotainment system is erratic and out of control, and sometimes the car will not turn on. 

Common GMC Sierra 2500HD Problems

When looking at the GMC Sierra 2500HD years to avoid, one of the most helpful items to consider is the common issues you’ll face with this vehicle. These can appear in any version and knowing them will make it far simpler to care for your machine.

According to repairpal.com, here are common troubles with the GMC Sierra 2500HD:

  • Heating and AC actuators might fail
  • Speedometer could stop working or become erratic
  • Daytime running lights burn out
  • Constant check engine light on

These are some of the worst areas of the GMC Sierra 2500HD.

Unfortunately, these could come up in some of the best or worst selections from the GMC Sierra 2500HD. However, the better you care for and maintain your machine, the easier it will be to avoid some of the most expensive troubles.

GMC Sierra 2500HD Problem Counts by Year

Another helpful item to examine is the first-hand encounters with the GMC Sierra 2500HD. By looking at the number of issues in any given year from drivers of each model year, it’s easier to tell which are the best and worst.

According to carcomplaints.com, here is the number of issues by model year:

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Are GMC Sierra 2500HDs typically reliable?

Dependability also matters when checking out the GMC Sierra 2500HD years to avoid. With an understanding of the reliability, it will be easier to determine if it’s worth the investment. 

According to repairpal.com, the GMC Sierra 2500HD scores a reliability of ⅗, placing it 8th out of 17 full-size trucks. It’s a solid choice in dependability, though ownership costs are slightly higher than average. 


THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE GMC SIERRA 2500HD

The car has been on the market for a few decades, so there are ample years to choose from when purchasing. Before buying, you should know the most reliable GMC Sierra 2500HD year.


How much does a used GMC Sierra 2500HD typically cost?

Even used versions of the GMC Sierra 2500HD cost more than a typical vehicle. You will find used GMC Sierra 2500HD selections for a starting price of $9,000 up to $105,000. 

Is the GMC Sierra 2500HD a good car to purchase?

We’ve looked at the GMC Sierra 2500HD years to avoid. After looking at all the information, we do think the Sierra 2500HD is a solid vehicle to purchase. It’s relatively dependable, offers several excellent used years, and can accomplish ample tasks. 

FAQs: GMC Sierra 2500HD Years to Avoid

Q: Which GMC Sierra 2500HD years should I avoid?

Several years will lower your ownership experience. Avoid 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012, and 2015 selections.

Q: Did any of the GMC Sierra 2500HD years to avoid have other significant issues?

Some of the biggest issues in the worst Sierra 2500HD years dealt with the electrical system. Watch out for errors like daytime running lights burning out.

Q: Are newer GMC Sierra 2500HD models more reliable?

There is an excellent spread of dependability across all available years. There are older selections and newer ones that are all dependable. 

Q: Is the GMC Sierra 2500HD a good car to purchase?

Yes, the GMC Sierra 2500HD is a solid purchase. It offers an excellent performance.


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