2017 GMC Sierra Denali Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 20%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,300miles
- 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 Denali, 20% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,300 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 driving my Gmc Sierra Denali the transmission shudders really bad. I have a 2017 with just 13,200 miles on it. I was pulling my bass boat and the shurdder was so bad my dash was shaking and the steering wheel was also .I have had the fluid changed at the dealership and it shifted fine and did not shudder until it reached around 1000 miles after fluid change and it is doing it worse now than before. I took it to the dealer close to me and they informed me today they were going to do nothing and they told me to take it back to the dealer I bought it from! This is unacceptable! …”
NHTSA complaint #11364221, filed 2020-10, 13,200 miles“Harsh downshift intermittent between 20 and 30 MPH. Binding/clunking at low speeds when downshifting into first or up shifting into 2. Transmission shudder when accelerating in first gear. Vehicle lunges forward intermittently at low speeds when shifting.”
NHTSA complaint #11331959, filed 2020-07, 42,300 miles“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, failed to accelerate, and stalled. The vehicle was unable to shift into third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a wiring harness failure on the transmission. The vehicle was repaired based on the diagnostic test but failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was parked at the residence and was undrivable. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11723074, filed 2026-03, 103,000 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.
- 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 2017 GMC Sierra Denali
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 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