GMC’s Sierra 1500 is one of the toughest pickups there is, offering a plethora of powertrain options to suit buyers’ needs. However, owners report transmission problems in models from 2009 to 2013, including hesitating between shifts. From 2013 to present, the Sierra was issued three transmission recalls, none of which are too worrisome.
Key Points
- GMC’s Sierra 1500 pickup does not have any widespread transmission problems, but it was issued a few recalls in models from 2013 onward.
- Models from 2013 may shift out of park without warning, creating a possible rollaway scenario.
- Transmission fluid may leak from 2014 Sierras due to oil lines not being fully attached, potentially creating a fire hazard.
- A small number of Sierra pickups from 2019 and 2020 were recalled for having improperly welded driveshafts that may separate while driving.
- Owner complaints show Sierra models from 2009 to 2013 struggle with hesitation, shuddering, and clunking when changing gears.
GMC Sierra 1500 Offered Several Transmission Options Over the Last Decade, With Most Real Problems Having Been Issued a Recall
The GMC Sierra 1500 light-duty pickup has offered several different transmissions over the last decade, including four, six, eight, and 10-speed automatics. From 2019 onwards, all gas-powered models came paired to the 10-speed as standard, with the eight-speed being optional for the 5.3L V8.
In general, the Sierra 1500 hasn’t had many transmission problems, and most that have appeared were quickly issued recalls.
GMC Sierra Recalled Three Times from 2013 to 2020, Over a Driveshaft that May Separate, Leaking Fluid, and Inadvertently Shifting Out of Park
Currently, just three transmission-related recalls have been issued for the GMC Sierra 1500 over the last decade, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recalls affect Sierra 1500 models from 2013, 2014, 2019, and 2020.
While not directly a fault of the transmission, as many as 54,686 GM models from 2013, including the Sierra 1500, may inadvertently shift out of park. The issue has been tracked back to either a fractured park-lock cable or a malformed lock actuator in the steering column.
GMC Sierra 1500 models from 2014, specifically equipped with the six-speed transmission, may leak fluid due to the oil line not being fully secured. Should the fluid encounter hot engine components, a fire may erupt.
Finally, a recall was issued for Sierra 1500s from 2019 and 2020 over an improperly welded joint causing the driveshaft to separate. Should this happen while the vehicle is in motion it will immediately lose power and the driver will have to quickly pull over.
Thankfully, just 42 units total are affected in this last recall, making this a serious, but unlikely occurrence.
Owner Complaints Show Sierra 1500s From 2009 to 2013 Struggle With Hesitation, Shuddering, and Clunking When Changing Gears
Prior to any recalls being issued, Sierra 1500s from 2009 to 2013 have been known to hesitate, shudder, or hard shift when switching gears. This issue seems to just pertain to models with the six-speed transmission.
“At approximately 25-35 mph, [in] slow stop-and-go traffic, I experience a serious shudder within the pedals and shifts of the transmission, as if the vehicle does not know what gear to go in,” shares one 2011 Sierra owner on Car Complaints.
“[The] transmission is not down shifting… When driving it shifts really hard into gear, so hard it feels as if someone has hit me from behind,” says another Sierra owner. “I have come to a complete stop at a red light, the truck did not shift down into first gear, all at once it jerked into first gear and stalled the engine.”
The issue tends to show before the pickup reaches 100,000 miles, with most owners having to rebuild or replace the unit for an average cost of $5,300. Thankfully, mentions of these transmission problems are pretty rare.
The GMC Sierra 1500 is a Decent Truck, But Models From 2013 to 2020 May Have Bigger Problems Than Previous Years
Ultimately, you shouldn’t avoid the GMC Sierra 1500 over potential transmission problems, as they really are few and far between.
Models from 2013 and newer should have their VIN run to make sure all recall repairs have been performed.
Before buying anything older, be sure to have a trusted mechanic inspect the transmission for signs that it’s been routinely serviced. GM recommends changing the transmission fluid every 90,000 miles for the best results.
Photos: GMC
