2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500, 6% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When vehicle starts moving foreward from a dead stop and when automatic transmission shifts from 1st gear to second gear there is a hard clunk.this has been happening since 15000 miles.when I bring to dealer ,they want to keep truck ,leaving me without vehicle.wife and I were on major hwy and had to shut vehicle down in traffic to stop the clunk.very dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #11089187, filed 2018-04, 44,000 miles“Transmission surges when gas pedal is pushed hard as in trying to engage kickdown or passing gear . Speed is not a factor, it happens at low speed and higher speeds. Depending on speed, truck jerks suddenly and almost stalls out. Sometimes rear tires chirp.seems similar to the 8 speed transmission problems later years have experienced.”
NHTSA complaint #11349066, filed 2020-08, 40,000 miles“They should be responsible for repairs or replacement of the cheap made frames that rust away so fast so u ain’t gotta worry about your truck fallling apart going down the rd and the lower control arms made of cast that rust from inside out and you don’t know until breaks while driving along with camber adjustments where they can throw alignment out with a single bump. …”
NHTSA complaint #11739589, filed 2026-05“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, especially between second and third gears. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the engine felt as though the engine mounts were inoperable. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle resumed normal driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. …”
NHTSA complaint #11711216, filed 2026-01, 20,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Gmc SIERRA 1500. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer thinking that it needed a tune up. The dealer diagnosed that the camshaft and uplifters needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. .....updated 08/11/16 the consumer also stated there was an issue with transmission. Updated 08/17/16”
NHTSA complaint #10875937, filed 2016-06, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 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.
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 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
42 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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