1996 GMC Sierra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 10%of 246 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,748miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 10% of the 246 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,748 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While towing trailer with 2 quads (4 wheelers) on expressway with a group of co-workers, I was attempting to pass another vehicle when my truck would not shift into passing gear. It made a loud reving noise and began rapidly decreasing in speed. I pulled off the expressway bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. I then gradually accelerated and shifted manually, but was only able to acheive 1st gear. I had to have the vehicle towed 150 miles to my house where it still sits three months later with only reverse and 1st gear operable at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10127894, filed 2005-07, 108,748 miles“Vehicle jerks and violently vibrates when shifting up and down, increasing and decreasing speeds. Also, noticed greasy spots from fluid leaking. First time vehicle was sent for repairs problem was never done. It was taken taking back a second time. Dealer's service technician pointed out that it leaked while it was still up on the lift. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #8011727, filed 2002-06“Intermittently while driving transmission would slip out of overdrive to next gear. Then, after stopping and reacceleration vehicle would experience a hard shifting into gear. Dealer and manufacturer were notifed. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #6900667, filed 2001-12“Automatic transmission is leaking fluid, dealer replaced clutch slave, cylinder assembly seal and found that the fluid was leaking at the shifter on top of the transmission, transmission mount is also weak which is causing problems shifting. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #567316, filed 2002-09“When returning from a trip the transmission started to slip when engaging overdirve..over the next 150 to 200 miles it progressively got worse and now overdirve and 3rd gear are entirely gone and the engine just freely revs..only 1st and 2nd gear are usable.”
NHTSA complaint #750403, filed 2001-08Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 23 | 38% |
| 2015 | 6 | 11% |
| 2014 | 10 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 2 | 7% |
| 2011 | 6 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 11 | 9% |
| 2004 | 18 | 10% |
| 2003 | 29 | 14% |
| 2002 | 18 | 7% |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% |
| 2000 | 26 | 6% |
| 1999 | 37 | 6% |
| 1998 | 15 | 8% |
| 1997 | 28 | 12% |
| 1996 | 24 | 10% |
| 1995 | 12 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 11% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Sierra
84 complaintsBrakes
47 complaintsSeats
20 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC Sierra
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