2012 GMC Sierra 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 33%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500, 33% of the 9 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,400 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.
“While pulling my fifth wheel trailer 12500# at highway speed 65 MPH pulling a grade the check engine light came on and the reduced engine power message appeared on the dash. This reduced and limited the speed to 50 MPH and steps the truck down from there until you can only do 20 MPH on the interstate. This issue has happened three times in three months.”
NHTSA complaint #10531497, filed 2013-07, 16,400 miles“The vehicle will not shift properly when towing a trailer. While going up a hill, the transmission will not downshift properly. While going downhill, the vehicle downshifts to 2nd gear while going 60 MPH. I have contacted GM several times (they have it on file) that there is a problem with the transmission. They understand but said that they cannot do anything about it. This has been happening since it was brand new. Over and over again.”
NHTSA complaint #10949976, filed 2017-02, 150 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 | 2 | 40% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 13 | 25% |
| 2023 | 14 | 50% |
| 2022 | 6 | 19% |
| 2021 | 7 | 35% |
| 2020 | 19 | 37% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 3 | 23% |
| 2016 | 2 | 11% |
| 2015 | 1 | 3% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 14% |
| 2012 | 3 | 33% |
| 2011 | 2 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 40% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 27% |
| 2004 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
| 2000 | 3 | 12% |
| 1997 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Sierra 3500
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