2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 84about this part
- Share
- 24%of 343 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,117miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 84 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 24% of the 343 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,117 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission shifts hard going from 1st to 2nd gear with no fix from GM. Complained to dealer they said it's normal and there's no fix for the issue. Issue also persist when going from drive to reverse, a hard shift that I've never experienced before in several previous GM products I owned or currently own. Happens every time I drive the vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11203727, filed 2019-04, 43,234 miles“When traveling low speeds like in a parking lot first gear jerks so bad it feels like someone rear ended you. Going highway speeds between 45 to 75 you feel vibrations coming from the transmission it feels like you're going over rumble strips. I had my transmission flushed and changed it fix the vibrations but 3000 miles later the vibrations started again.”
NHTSA complaint #11232144, filed 2019-07, 47,000 miles“Since buying the truck new in 2016 it had a vibration , which got worse as you increased speed, at highway speed, 65-75 MPH the vibration is so bad it was making me nauseous. I have taken it to the dealer several times, first balanced the tires and said everything was normal, truck still vibrating. Several more trips to the dealer with the same result.”
NHTSA complaint #11160687, filed 2018-12, 25 miles“Transmission - when driving the vehicle it does a hard shift when accelerating and decelerating. I have taken the vehicle into the dealer twice. They are saying that is a state of the art computer that needs to be reset!!! I am taking it back in for a 3rd time. The care is 2 years old with 31k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11130687, filed 2018-09, 31,000 miles“Transmission has failed from 4th gear up (3) times within 91,000 miles. When going at speeds more than 50 miles an hour, the transmission will break and lose forward motion causing a safety issue with oncoming traffic. The transmission was rebuilt at lafontaine Gmc of highland, mi (2) times and they are telling me they are going to rebuild it a 3rd time. Just wanted to note safety issue so when this happens in the future I will have a legal avenue.”
NHTSA complaint #11270712, filed 2019-10, 91,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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…
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 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
106 complaintsElectrical system
54 complaintsEngine
39 complaintsSteering
38 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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