2017 GMC Sierra 3500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 23%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2017 GMC Sierra 3500, 23% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 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.
“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke and a squealing sound coming from the passenger’s side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to the residence and the contact observed fluid on the axle tube. The contact stated that the axle as taken apart and the wheel bearings were in pieces. The contact stated that the axle nut had unintendedly backed off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11665289, filed 2025-06, 25,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who determined that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by a dealer. The mechanic was able to shift the transmission into manual drive mode, allowing the contact to drive the vehicle to the residence. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11688844, filed 2025-09, 120,000 miles“The 6l90 tranmission failed with no warning at 58,408 miles. Had to back the truck up in traffic over 1/2 mile to reach a safe spot. Seems GM is having a lot of problems with this transmission and their 8 speed transmission. No assistance from GM to repair seeing I was out of the 5 year 100000 warranty. Seems GM know about theses problems. Had to spend $5k to get no dealer service to install a remanufactured trans, hoping it will not happen again”
NHTSA complaint #11620867, filed 2024-10Related 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.
- 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…
- 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.
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 2017 GMC Sierra 3500
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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