2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 118about this part
- Share
- 33%of 355 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 118 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, 33% of the 355 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,500 miles. 4 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 50mph and was behind a semi as I started to pass him I noticed an oncoming car and decided there wasnt enough time to pass so I started to push the brake pedal to slow down and get back behind the semi and the brakes locked up which produced an uncontrollable spin in which I did a 180 degree spin and ended up going into the ditch backwards and tipped over on my side no airbags deployed either.”
NHTSA complaint #11389915, filed 2021-01, 72,000 miles“My truck shifts very hard between gears, especially 1st to 2nd. Feels like getting rear ended sometimes. It also hesitates daily when backing out of my driveway and putting it from reverse to drive. You don't know when it will actually engage making it dangerous when pulling out into the street. Its definitely an issue with the transmission but no fixes offered from dealer yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11217889, filed 2019-06, 20,000 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“I have had several instances where you push the accelerator and you start to go and then it just stops moving like the transmission has disengaged. Started to turn into oncoming traffic this morning and had to stop as as it did this and I was going to get hit!!! It does it a lot, first time I would have been hit!!! Gm says they know it's a problem, at shop now again for it! Going to get someone killed!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11162305, filed 2018-12, 25,000 miles“I bought this truck used with 12,918 miles on it, april 2018. When driving(especially on highway), and changing speeds, transmission clunks and lurches-automatic transmission. It sounds and feels as if drive train will fall out. I have taken it to dealer twice. The first time, they kept it for 3 days, the second time, for one. The mechanic is able to replicate the noise/lurching, but they are unable to find a cause or correction. …”
NHTSA complaint #11101973, filed 2018-06, 13,300 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 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
108 complaintsEngine
58 complaintsElectrical system
54 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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