2007 GMC Sierra

The 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its reliability and capability, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common issues. Engine options for the 2007 Sierra included a 4.3L V6 (195 hp, 260 lb-ft of torque), a 4.8L V8 (295 hp, 305 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L V8 (315 hp, 338 lb-ft of torque), and a 6.0L V8 (367 hp, 375 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options consisted primarily of a 4-speed automatic, with the 6.0L V8 sometimes paired with a heavy-duty 4-speed or a 6-speed automatic in later production models. Owners often praised the Sierra for its comfortable ride, strong towing capacity, and classic styling. However, common complaints include issues with the vehicle’s electrical system, specifically the gauge cluster, as well as problems with the automatic transmission, particularly in higher mileage examples.

Engine

4.3L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine runs rough, misfires, coolant leak, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.8L V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust, low oil level. This is common on higher mileage engines
  • Solution: Possible piston ring replacement, valve seal replacement, or engine replacement depending on the severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, ticking noises from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. This is more prevalent in trucks with AFM.
  • Solution: Replace the failed lifters, often recommended to disable AFM and replace all lifters while the engine is open.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust, low oil level. This is common on higher mileage engines, especially those with AFM.
  • Solution: Possible piston ring replacement, valve seal replacement, or engine replacement depending on the severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L V8

• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate oil pressure readings, oil pressure gauge fluctuations, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Exhaust Manifold Bolt Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, especially upon cold start, exhaust leak.
  • Solution: Replace the broken exhaust manifold bolts, potentially requiring manifold replacement if bolts are seized.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60E 4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic or harsh shifting, slipping between gears, transmission not engaging, transmission overheating. Common in higher mileage vehicles.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6L80E 6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Downshifts
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh downshifts, particularly when coming to a stop, sometimes accompanied by a clunking noise.
  • Solution: Software recalibration (if applicable), valve body replacement, or transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front End Clunking/Popping
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf Spring Sagging/Broken
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the truck sagging, reduced load capacity, rough ride, broken leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Gauge Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic or non-functional gauges (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), dim or flickering display.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the gauge cluster. Some owners have had success resoldering connections within the cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working, intermittent operation, clicking noise from the door.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels and Cab Corners
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the lower body panels, especially in areas prone to moisture and road salt exposure.
  • Solution: Rust repair and paint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in sun-exposed areas.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner material detaching from the roof and sagging.
  • Solution: Headliner replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 is generally a reliable truck, but owners should be aware of potential issues, particularly with the engine (AFM lifter failure, oil consumption), transmission (harsh shifting), electrical system (gauge cluster failure), and rust. Repair costs can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem, but some issues like AFM lifter failure or transmission rebuilds can be quite expensive. Being proactive with maintenance and addressing minor issues promptly can help prevent more significant problems down the road. The most common complaints tend to be around the gauge cluster failing and AFM lifters failing in the 5.3L engine.