2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report transmission complaints, typically harsh or delayed shifting, shuddering, and in some cases loss of motive power, with many reports under about 50,000 miles. Brake complaints are nearly as common and center on a low or spongy pedal that requires extra effort to stop, especially at low speeds. Engine reports tend to come in later, often as oil consumption, lifter noise, or stalling.

1. 1
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Harsh shifting and transmission shudder

   • 113 complaints (32%)
   • median 31,000 mi at 3.4 yrs old (50 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $4,400 (median of 10 quotes)
   • filed 2017–2026

   Owners describe hard or delayed shifts between first and second gear, a clunk on takeoff or when slowing, and a shudder or rumble felt while accelerating or on inclines. Several complaints say the vehicle hesitated or lost forward power and that the dealer diagnosed a failed transmission, torque converter, or control module and replaced it; a few note the problem returned after repair. Others report that dealers reset the transmission computer or said the vehicle was operating normally. Mostly reported between roughly 20,000 and 100,000 miles, with a number of reports under 30,000 miles.

   4 related service bulletins

   What to check: Ask for the service history on the transmission, including any computer reprogramming, valve body work, or torque converter replacement. Drive the truck at low speed and on an incline and feel for shudder or a clunk on downshift.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “On friday november 6th we were on our way home coming down 1960 east when we started to hear a noise coming from the truck. We could hear it loud and clear because the A/C is also out so we have been having to leave the windows down. It sounded like an old electric fan running. Then shortly after the truck started to jerk hard it felt like we had just been in an accident. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11373895, filed 2020-11, 76,002 miles

   “My transmission shifts very hard from 1st gear to 2and and then from 2and gear to 1st gear at which time I'm usually stopping and it seems to push the truck forward a bit. I've taken it to pekin il dealership and green chevrolet in peoria il and neither one says there is anything wrong”

   NHTSA complaint #11389916, filed 2021-01, 30,000 miles
2. 2
   Brakes

   Hard or low brake pedal, extra stopping effort

   • 89 complaints (25%)
   • median 38,968 mi at 3.5 yrs old (43 state mileage)
   • 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2017–2026

   Complaints describe a brake pedal that is hard to press, goes to the floor, or feels spongy, so the truck takes longer to stop or does not stop as expected, most often at low speed, while parking, or in stop-and-go traffic. Some owners say the dealer confirmed the vehicle was not covered by the brake-related recall, or that a repair had already been done and the symptom came back. Others report warning lights such as service brake assist or trailer brake service. Reported from about 25,000 miles up to well over 100,000, with many in the 40,000 to 80,000 mile range.

   Recall 19V645000Recall 19V7610001 related service bulletin

   What to check: Check the brake pedal feel with the engine running at idle and again at low speed in a parking lot, and ask whether the vacuum pump and brake system recall work was completed. Look for any brake warning lights on the dash.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “As I was back my boat in at boat ramp brake pedal was hard to press down had to almost stand on them to keep from truck going in the water. I researched this and seen where GM has a recall on the vacuum pump but I call the dealer they told me they wasn't a recall.”

   NHTSA complaint #11377255, filed 2020-12, 44,000 miles

   “I own two Gmc sierra trucks years 2014 and 2017 both trucks have severe lock up issues. I have gone to the dealership numerous times and they reset the computer but the brakes still lock up. This is an extreme safety hazard, and my wife and I are extremely scared that we will be in a fatal accident. There has been several times where we have almost hit a car or person walking. I am really concerned that these vehicles will cause an accident. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11321277, filed 2020-04, 60,000 miles
3. 3
   Engine

   Excessive oil use and lifter or camshaft noise

   • 49 complaints (14%)
   • median 39,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (17 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $7,136 (median of 5 quotes)
   • filed 2018–2026

   Owners describe the truck using a noticeable amount of oil between changes, rough or misfiring running with the cylinder deactivation system active, and a tapping or ticking sound from the engine with the check engine light on. Some complaints say the dealer diagnosed failed lifters or a camshaft and replaced them; others report the truck stalling or shutting off, with one owner told the cause was the active fuel management system. Reported mostly from about 50,000 miles onward, with several reports past 100,000 miles.

   3 related service bulletins

   What to check: Check the oil level and condition, and ask whether the truck has had lifter, camshaft, or active fuel management repairs. Listen for ticking at cold start and note any check engine light.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “On may 26, 2020, my 2017 truck's check engine light appeared. Vehicle is in original manufacturer's warranty with 25,000 miles, + or -. Truck driven infrequently during stay-at-home period. Took to Gmc dealer immediately; read code; indicates all 8 fuel injectors out of tolerance.can't explain why or provide impact to vehicle if driven in this condition. Can't be driven; dealer provided loaner. Can't advise if vehicle's engine will cut-of if driven causing unknown issues. Fuel injectors are on back order-no estimate of receipt date! …”

   NHTSA complaint #11329129, filed 2020-06, 25,000 miles

   “The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and slammed into the intended gear. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had persisted, and the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the drive was rough, and there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the engine misfired. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11707915, filed 2025-12, 80,000 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection focused on transmission behavior and brake pedal feel is worth the cost on this model year, and the service history should show whether brake recall work and any transmission programming or repairs were done. Check the oil level and ask about engine work, since some engine complaints appear later in the truck's life.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.