2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 131about this part
- Share
- 43%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,781miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 131 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 43% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,781 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 bought this vehicle new from day one I noticed the truck was jerking between 2nd gear and third. Only when cold I figured it was normal. I have 11,000 miles now and the jerking is worse and does it when I hold a speed between 45mph and 50mph also. When I am coming to a stop it hit hard into 1st gear and when I take off it hits hard into 2nd gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11326720, filed 2020-06, 11,000 miles“The transmission failed at 32,000 miles slipped so bad could hardly drive it home on highway i95 jacksonville florida. Finally got a dealer appointment after over 2 weeks of waiting without the use the vehicle. They replaced the fluid and said it was now good. Still tends to slip I asked why they were not replacing the whole unit said no need as my warranty is almost up?”
NHTSA complaint #11353540, filed 2020-09, 32,000 miles“At 40mph loud bang felt like we were rear ended, sounded like we were rear ended, huge jolt forward nearly causing accident, possible back injury, seats jolted, looked behind us and nothing there. Was driving at 30-35mph and just accelerated slightly to pass a car when this happened. City street 3 lanes. Dealer turned us away because could not duplicate for them. Gmc said case was accelerated no call back as of yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11205523, filed 2019-05, 6,912 miles“Since day 1 of purchasing new,to current date, there is vibration at idle. There is vibration at highway speeds of 60 MPH plus. It has been to the dealer 5 times for testing. This is a known problem with thousands of vehicles. Gm says it meets their specifications. The dealer balanced the tires 3 times, no luck. The dealer replaced the tires, same issue. I am told the vibration at idle is normal. This problem is distracting when driving. I have been dealing with GM and the dealer for 7 months with no resolve. …”
NHTSA complaint #11149780, filed 2018-11, 200 miles“No transmission power regardless of the gear shifter position. I turned the engine on and off several times trying to get a solution, no luck. I returned to the vehicle 5 minutes later and did get it to move,,,would only go 25 MPH at 3000 rpms. I was in the middle of wi not near any major dealership on-star was useless saying I had a major engine problem and the computer was trying to protect the engine. I was directed me to a chrysler dealer ship, who told they could not get me in for 2 weeks, suggested another branch which was over 45 miles away. …”
NHTSA complaint #11221668, filed 2019-06, 6,000 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 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
67 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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