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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2011 GMC Sierra Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
14%of 43 total for the year
Median mileage
37,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 GMC Sierra, 14% of the 43 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,000 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.

“Gm performed a recall for fractured transmission dipstick tube on my truck. They took a tube of foam and plastic strapped it to the tube. I never saw the reasoning! The tube has fractured and now has to be replaced. Why did the not fix this proper in the first place. Now I need to make two more appointments to get this fixed. My transmission is open to the elements, water and dirt!”

NHTSA complaint #10638841, filed 2014-09, 37,000 miles

“First off would be my dashboard air bag, the dashboard plastic is cracking with the concern on flying debris I brought my Gmc 1500 into my local service/sales center and he told me with out a recall there is nothing he could do for me. Second I have been dealing with what seems to either the power train or brakes from day one I purchased my truck. What it does is when I come to a complete stop, release the brake, and then apply the accelerator I get a big cur plunk sound and feeling of the truck jerk. This is coming for the rear end of my truck I would assume the rear axial. …”

NHTSA complaint #10746296, filed 2015-08, 57,892 miles

“After applying brake to slow down to < 5 MPH (not coming to a halt) and then trying to accelerate, vehicle becomes unresponsive for 1 to 2 seconds; it feels like the transmission goes into neutral during the braking period and when gas pedal is applied, there is a 1 - 2 second time period where vehicle is trying to figure out something and prevents any acceleration. Why is this dangerous? …”

NHTSA complaint #10598600, filed 2014-06, 10,000 miles

“Engine light symbol message appeared on vehicle during the early part of september. (not quite sure of the date). Dealership indicated that the work was covered under warranty and will require a full day to replace parts. After repair the vehicle seem to operate excellently until the middle part of october. Engine light message appeared again on vehicle. At this time the service manager identified the problem as a sensor overheating. Needed to bring vehicle back when diesel mechanic is on duty. Requested advice for travel. Service manager cleared code. …”

NHTSA complaint #10649976, filed 2014-10, 61,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Gmc Sierra. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a residential driveway when it rolled away in reverse and into the street. A crash did not occur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they were unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 28,000. Updated 02-08/13 updated 02/11/13”

NHTSA complaint #10493059, filed 2013-01, 28,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20172338%
2015611%
20141010%
2013513%
201227%
2011614%
201013%
200823%
200747%
200624%
2005119%
20041810%
20032914%
2002187%
2001145%
2000266%
1999376%
1998158%
19972812%
19962410%
1995125%
199463%
19931014%
199227%
1990211%
1988117%

Other parts of the 2011 GMC Sierra

Other or unknown
11 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Body and structure
8 complaints
Engine
7 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Electronic stability control
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Electrical system
3 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Equipment
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 GMC Sierra

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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