Power Train Problems of GMC Sierra 1500 - part 1

Transmission module went out at 20,989 miles.

My wife was driving at highway speeds with all are kids when the trucks motor suddenly loss all power all check engine lights illuminated and what I'm assuming had major engine failure causing rod knock.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

On October 23rd at approximately 0900-0915 hours I arrived at a friends house located at [xxx] . As I normally do, I pulled up into the driveway which has a pretty significant incline. I shifted the column shifter into park, and turned off the vehicle via the push button ignition switch. The parking brake/hill brake system automatically engaged as per normal operation. I exited the vehicle and before I could shut the door, the vehicle began to roll backwards. The driver's side door hit me in the right shoulder which pushed me to my left and caused me to roll my left ankle due to the down slope of the driver way. While I felt immense pain in my right ankle, I was able to jump back into the truck and slam on the brakes, causing both rear wheels to lock up and skid in the driveway. I then turned back on the vehicle, noting that the transmission position was still in park, and the parking brake/hill brake was still engaged. I had to disengage the push button parking brake/hill-brake, shift the vehicle from park into drive to move back up the driveway. This time I ensured that the vehicle did not move after following the exact same steps. My truck under went an approximately 30 minute software "upgrade" approximately 2. 5 weeks ago. I believe there was an issue where the park sensor did not fully engage, leading the vehicle to believe it was still in an operational gear, however it does not explain how it was able to not only over-ride the parking/hill-brake itself, as well as allow me to shut the vehicle off and exit the vehicle. This safety hazard has caused me an injury that has already caused me to miss 48 hours of work (I am a federal firefighter) and will require more missed time should surgery be required. There were no warning lamps, the backup camera was not engaged, the only audible sound was the beep that the vehicle makes when engaging the parking brake automatically. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

I just took my 2021 GMC sierra 1503. 0 duramax diesel into faulkner Nissan, today 10/18/2025 m, to have that recall fixed. I picked it up from the dealership and drove about 10 miles before it went into limp mode and reduced power mode while I was driving and started to shift very roughly and I’ve never had any issue like this before they supposedly fix this recall, I think the software patch made it worse in my case. Now my vehicle is throwing a bunch of different transmission error codes, that it has never produced , and it is going into reduced power mode,as I’m driving and going into limp mode as I’m driving, which you never has done before and it feels like it’s stuttering in early gears now and the idle was really rough it didn’t idle at a specific spot it went from 800 to 1300 back down to 800 when it should’ve just been idle at 800. I don’t know what to do. It seems like this recall made the problem worse for me and my truck in this case, I don’t know what to do and I don’t know where to go. I hope you guys can help us. Please make GMC take responsibility before somebody gets killed. If they haven’t already this issue is extremely dangerous and I’m sure is destroying the transmission. I don’t feel comfortable driving my family in my vehicle anymore because of this issue it is terrifying….

Dtc code p1098 present related to faulty coolant control valve on 3. 0 duramax diesel engiine. This is a known issue with this engine and is supposed to be covered under the 100k mile powertrain warranty. Previously took vehicle into dealership for repair involving replacement of the coolant control valve but was told reprogramming of the ecm was required first step per gm repair bulletin. Reprogramming cost me $195 and was told this was not covered under the 100k powertrain warranty. Now, a few months later, the same issue and dtc code p1098 happened again while driving on freeway at freeway speeds and caused vehicle computer to limit speed of the vehicle which caused hazardous situation in construction zone as was not able to maintain speed of traffic while towing trailer with boat. I also understand that gm has issued special extended warranty related to this coolant control valve in September 2025 which extends the warranty coverage up to 15 years and/or up to 150k miles but I was told at the dealership that my VIN# does not qualify for this extended coverage for some unknown reason?.

Transmission on my vehicle has failed three times since I bought the vehicle in October of 2021. Vehicle currently has 39,000 miles. First transmission issue was resolved by the dealership by replacing the transmission valve body. This solved the problem for approximately 12,000 miles. In September of 2025 with 39,000 miles the transmission suffered a catastrophic breakdown which lead to complete transmission replacement. After being “fix” the vehicle suffered another catastrophic transmission failure within 400 miles of the complete transmission replacement. This incident caused the vehicle to shut completely down and I was stuck in the traffic lane of the us highway. Fortunately my vehicle and I were not struck while waiting 30 minutes for a tow truck. Presently the vehicle is back at the dealership awaiting repair. From my review of available on-line information it appears there are 10’’s of thousands of GMC sierra pickups with major transmission issues. This needed to be addressed before someone is killed due to the poor quality of these GMC trucks.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the rpm increased quickly. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact drove the vehicle across a four-lane highway to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the transmission had seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 128,177.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Coolant control valve and engine cooling fan.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The engine lost all power while driving down the road and code says p0016 truck is now at a GMC service station being torn down.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

On 9/27 the engine light went on and message transmission may not shift.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Push rod failure in #4 cylinder at 104,000 miles. Bent push rod. Possibly due to afm.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Constant engine issues. Cams, lifters, now needs new motor. Motor apparently unavailable.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Constant engine issues, cams, lifters. Transmission problems. These engines in these vehicles need to be recalled. I have bought 6 of these trucks and all of them have the same issues. Spending 14k on new engines one after another is ridiculous. These are classified as “work” trucks and can’t handle “working”.

Constant engine issues, cams, lifters. Transmission problems. These engines in these vehicles need to be recalled. I have bought 6 of these trucks and all of them have the same issues. Spending 14k on new engines one after another is ridiculous. These are classified as “work” trucks and can’t handle “working“.

Constant engine issues, cams, lifters. Transmission problems. These engines in these vehicles need to be recalled. I have bought 6 of these trucks and all of them have the same issues. Spending 14k on new engines one after another is ridiculous. These are classified as “work” trucks and can’t handle “working” .

My car is having the same issue as many other 2024 GMC sierra owners. Reverse gear is not working. It is due to the transmission valve body being faulty. Why GMC has not send a recall notice yet. Are they waiting for someone die in a car accident in a highway, it looks like it affects other gears too. A quick list [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] my car is only 10000 miles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 mph, the engine revved and the transmission unintendedly downshifted, causing the vehicle to decelerate unexpectedly. The transmission then seized, and the vehicle skidded. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Hard shifting transmission and fluid smells burnt, shifts hard in the lower gears and reverse.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

When putting the truck in reverse it did not go, then suddenly squealed the tires and engaged reverse. This happened 2 days in a row. On the 3rd day, it would not go into reverse at all and had to be pushed in neutral from a parking space to be able to drive forward. At that time, it was at first jerky but did go forward. Subsequently, I did not drive it until my appointment with the dealership and I was able to put it in reverse.

Transmission failure at a little over 120,000 miles while towing a side by side on the highway. This highway has a speed limit of 80 which is dangerous when the vehicle stops working properly for myself and any other drivers in itself. Earlier this year the transmission had been updated due to a recall and was deemed to work good by the dealership but didn’t notice any difference. Had an engine light pop up a couple hours before but no messages or any other signs to inform me of the issue and was still working fine with no struggle until it gave out.

I was driving at highway speeds probably doing 55 and another vehicle pulled out in front of me forcing me to slow down rapidly. That’s when my wheels locked up and my vehicles wheels locked up in the middle of the highway. Screeching tires, almost like the vehicle went into park for a second. After about two seconds, I was able to continue driving a highway speed no check engine lights no error codes. It felt like I just hit something nearly gave me a heart attack. My family was in the car. It felt like we all almost died. It was terrifying. This transmission issue recall situation has happened to me more times than I can count. Now it’s almost a guarantee that if you have to shift too hard too fast it locks up the differential and it is terrifying. Every time.

I have contacted local GMC repair facility (frank brown in lubbock TX. ) about the safety recall on my 6. 2 liter engine to attempt to schedule an inspection of my engine and cannot get them to inspect the engine which the recall notice said they would do. They continue to stall and say the inspection isn't approved by gm. I've tried 3 different times to address this isuue without satisfactory results. I recieved the gm safety recall n252494000 notice for my vehicle in may 2025.

The engine started making ticking sounds, then the check engine light came on on and it began running very rough. GMC dealer replaced camshaft, all 16 lifters and guides and one bent push rod. The repair (not including transportation - I had to leave in gallupnm when I was enroute to minnesota) cost was $7,832. 81. The vehicle has 93,000 miles.

I purchased a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 6. 2 denali new. I followed all service requirements including oil changes by gm dealerships. 2025 I noticed my truck power was decreasing. Than I started to hear knocking noses. I took it to a dealership for diagnosis but they couldn't identify anything. Finally it started to skip this is when a dealership diagnose it as being an issue with the active fuel management system. They said my lifters, camshaft, and various other parts was damaged and had to be replaced. Additionally, they said it was a recall on 6. 2 engines with the same identical issue but my year wasn't included. The cost to repair approximately 10,000. I really need your attention to this matter! September 10, 2025 my truck placed me and others in danger when it lose engine power. Also my engine light was on for the first time.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

2020 GMC Sierra 1500 elevation 5. 3l engine. Lifter failure due do faulty design I’m afm/dfm systems.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted, prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the output shaft speed sensor and the transmission control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 89,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train) and the dealer performed an interim repair on the vehicle. In March 2025 the part was available, and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed and then coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The message “low power mode” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle then failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact drove to a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to don moore Chevrolet GMC, where it was diagnosed with transmission control valve failure. The contact was informed it would be months before the repair could be performed. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, where the transmission control valve failure was confirmed, and the contact was informed there were metal shavings found inside the transmission. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough gear shifts. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle due to a lack of diagnostic equipment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

The temperature sensor in the transmission is faulty leading to hard/delayed shifting, shuttering, and vibration.

10 speed transmission isn't shifting right in the lower gears has a wining noise.

Transmission shutters when going over 50mph.

My truck is under the national recall from GMC for the 6. 2l engine problems. I even received the recall notice from GMC stating this. This truck has been in and out of the shop for engine problems things I took delivery of it in 2022. The latest was in April of 2025 and while it was in the repair service at the dealership, the national recall came out. During that time the dealership tried to tell me the problem was with my exhaust system so I was not covered under the recall. I knew they were not being truthful so I refused to take possession of the truck as I new it had all the symptoms that GMC was describing in my recall notice. My truck sat at the dealership for almost 5 months and last week they force me to take possession of my truck my taking back my "loaner vehicle". They stated "my truck passed the required inspection", which I knew they were being dishonest, but was forced to take the truck back anyway. Three days after taking possession I was on the interstate doing 60 mph and the engine totally seized up and almost caused an accident from the vehicles behind me running into me because of the sudden decrease in speed. I was able to safely pull over and had to get towed back to the dealership. This incident is beyond just a engine recall now because they new my truck was not safe to drive and forced me to take back my truck. Im just thankful I was driving and not my wife, or having my two grandchildren in the truck with me. To make mtters worse in this scenerio, this truck is actually my replacement truck because my 2021 truck had to be taken back per the lemon law in 2022, so this will now be truck #2 being lemon law and my original truck loan isnt even paid off. I have all of the various engine repair paperwork on this truck dating back to 2022.

Torque converter failure confirmed by dealer: was driving at high way speeds when I noticed a slipping sensation from the transmission upon any sort of acceleration. No warning lights were illuminated or any symptoms leading up to the failure. This could have potentially caused me to lose any form of acceleration that would enable me to get off of the highway or away from a situation requiring sudden acceleration.

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed toward the residence, the accelerator pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to drive forward as intended. The vehicle started rolling backwards and the contact carefully maneuvered the vehicle while attempting to park. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Transmission fail to shift. Have to stop, restart truck to get it to shift causing safety issue. Warning lighted eventually came on.