2016 GMC Sierra Denali Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 30%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali, 30% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,500 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.
“Truck shifts really hard and is unpredictable. I almost drove through my garage door the other day shifting to drive from reverse. Truck will lunge forward or delay in shifting. There have been a few times I've had to slam on the brakes before I backed into something. I have brought it in 3-4 times for the issue and Gmc won't remedy the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11114476, filed 2018-07, 10,000 miles“This issue started a few months after I purchased the truck took it to two dealers they say its normal. Called Gmc & they have no recall. When driving the truck & have to slow down in traffic the automatic transmission down shifts & has a very noticable jerk. Will actually jerk the hole truck. People who have rode with me tell me I have a transmission problem. What can I do”
NHTSA complaint #11023589, filed 2017-09, 6,000 miles“The truck has a horrible vibration from around 45 MPH and up. Have test drove other 2016 Gmc sierras with same issue. Have taken it back to the dodge dealership we bought it from and they said it should be a recall”
NHTSA complaint #11289000, filed 2019-12, 62,000 miles“Looses brake assistance in parking lot and sometimes on the highway,check engine light comes on with various codes the most common is misfire on startup it happen in different occasions.”
NHTSA complaint #11093803, filed 2018-05Related 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
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali
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