2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 8%of 284 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, 8% of the 284 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on a main route where the speed limit it 45 MPH. It was on a straight stretch and my rear end exploded leaving me and my young son stuck. I finally realized that I use 4x4 to get us off the road which thankfully worked.”
NHTSA complaint #11306646, filed 2020-02, 163,000 miles“My starter or fly wheel is causing my truck to not want to start, also there is a rattling noise while driving at about 1500 RPM, and something is knocking in the rear of my truck. Its a 2011 with less than 40,000 miles and has been taken well care of, no reason this should happen. Luckily still under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10563813, filed 2014-02, 39,500 miles“I purchased this truck in 2017. Found out about the airbag recall and over the last 3 years I have went to several Gmc dealerships to replace the airbags to fix the recall issue and they tell me that they cant fix it without the proper airbags which they dont have. How is it that there is recalls, and even deaths but I have to fear driving this truck hoping my airbag wont deploy? And no one cares to fix the issue. I spent 2 thousand dollars throwing parts into my engine to find out. Two lifters in the engine doesn't like cold weather. …”
NHTSA complaint #11376066, filed 2020-11, 114,000 miles“I was driving my 2011 Gmc on a highway in massachusetts when the transmission decided to fail. My rear wheels locked up and was caused to turn sideways on a highway. My truck was hit by four other vechicles. Well the truck got fixed. The transmission was replaced 3 times! With all the same failures. Gm needs to check into there transmittions before it could kill someone. 3 times its been replaced and all 3 times my rear wheels have locked up. Why? You guys need to fix this issue...”
NHTSA complaint #10743510, filed 2015-07, 32,000 miles“Stabilitrak off/reduced engine power came on again after 3 unsuccessful 'fixes' at Gmc dealer. I was driving 30mph over a hill when my engine completely stopped responding. Couldn't accelerate and the steering wheel locked. Went into oncoming lane but fortunately I wasn't hit. I was able to pull truck to shoulder and wait a few minutes before being able to turn on again and get it home. I have taken the truck to my local dealer every time this has happened and they only replace the throttle body sensor. It's the second time the truck has stopped responding while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11218524, filed 2019-06, 106,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10248721Dec 18, 2023This bulletin advises the technician that the 6L50 (MYB), 6L80 (MYC) and 6L90 (MYD) Transmission Oil Filter and Seal Kit part number 24236933 is currently transitioning from a…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 24% |
| 2025 | 28 | 22% |
| 2024 | 73 | 19% |
| 2023 | 92 | 18% |
| 2022 | 113 | 19% |
| 2021 | 145 | 24% |
| 2020 | 99 | 20% |
| 2019 | 140 | 21% |
| 2018 | 131 | 43% |
| 2017 | 118 | 33% |
| 2016 | 84 | 24% |
| 2015 | 99 | 14% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 5% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
113 complaintsOther or unknown
73 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology