GMC’s Sierra is a gorgeous and highly capable vehicle. Its style and utility, both inside and out, are top-notch. It’s just about the most capable vehicle ever built, and the GMC Sierra warranty is comprehensive.
While the truck does have a lot going for it, it can develop problems as it ages, like any motor vehicle. Let’s look at a few of its top selling points before we look at the owner-reported problems.
All About the GMC Sierra
That GMC Sierra extended warranty we mentioned is good for three years or 36,000 miles on most items from bumper to bumper. When it comes to the powertrain, your coverage is bumped up to at least five years or 60,000 miles, depending on the engine you choose. The diesel gets five years or 100,000 miles of protection.
The Sierra returns up to 23 MPG, depending on trim and configuration, and it comes standard with GMC’s new 2.7L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. This little wonder is packed with high-tech features, churns out 310 hp and 430 pound-feet of torque, and is made in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Each GMC Sierra is packed with all kinds of tech and safety equipment too, including:
- 13.4” infotainment screen
- 12.3” driver information center
- Optional 5.3L and 6.2L gasoline or 3.0L diesel engines
- Ten-speed automatic transmission with cruise grade braking and tow/haul mode
- OnStar
- Six airbags
- Automatic emergency braking
One of the coolest things about the Sierra is its six-function Multi Pro tailgate, which offers a built-in step for entering the bed, among other assistance functions.
Put it all together, and GMC Sierra is one cool, capable pickup truck.
Common Repairs and Service Required by the GMC Sierra
There are several reasons you might want to consider purchasing a GMC Sierra service contract, and we’ll take them in turn below.
Transfer Case Position Sensor/Selector Switch
If this part fails, your Sierra either won’t know if it’s in or out of four-wheel drive, or it won’t be able to shift in and out of four-wheel drive. This problem has reportedly surfaced on vehicles with fewer than 5,000 miles.
If this part goes bad on your truck, it could end up destroying the gears inside your transfer case or causing undue wear on your front and rear drivelines.
Broken HVAC Actuator
The HVAC actuator is a little flap or door inside the cooling ducts of your Sierra. All vehicles have some version of this part, and when they fail, your AC is dead in the water.
Fixing it means being able to get to it, which is problematic. It’s buried deep in the guts of your Sierra’s high-tech dashboard. The part is cheap, but the labor to get it fixed certainly won’t be.
Faulty Fuel Level Sensor
This sensor lives inside your Sierra’s gas tank and sends a signal to the truck’s computer system about how much fuel you have.
If it’s not working right, your fuel gauge either won’t read correctly or won’t read at all, which means you won’t know how much gas you have. Fixing it means dropping the tank and getting inside to replace the sensor.
Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Clunk
Although there was never a recall for this issue, the NHTSA has recommended the replacement of this defective component, if for no other reason than safety. That’s a great reason, as far as we’re concerned.
Bad Gauge Cluster
Some Sierra owners have reported erratic readings from the gauges in their trucks. Sometimes the speedometer doesn’t read correctly or makes drastic changes when the driver is holding a steady speed. Fixing this problem means buying a whole new gauge cluster, plus paying for the labor to get it installed.
Fuel Pump Issues
Here’s another instance where you have to drop the fuel tank out of the truck to fix the problem. If your Sierra’s fuel pump fails, you’re not going anywhere. Getting it fixed won’t be cheap for parts or labor.
Extended Warranties for GMC Sierra
You may be tempted to move toward buying an expensive extended warranty for your Sierra, especially if it has been showing symptoms of some of these problems. But don’t be hasty. An extended warranty may not actually help your situation. Extended warranties don’t usually help you where you need them most.
GMC Sierra Vehicle Service Agreements
Perhaps one of the best things you can do to keep your truck on the road is to look into purchasing a GMC Sierra service agreement through CarShield. Just check out the benefits:
- Coverage for high mileage vehicles
- Super low deductibles
- You select your own mechanic and shop — even a GMC dealer
- Towing coverage
- Rental car options
- 24/7 roadside assistance
A vehicle service agreement through CarShield could be just what you need. Call today and get a customized plan that will easily fit your budget.
