2006 GMC Sierra 1500: harsh or hard shifting

5 of the 145 complaints about the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 20,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 21 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Harsh or hard shifting by model year

2026
1
2025
1
2024
3
2023
8
2022
9
2021
13
2020
11
2019
26
2018
27
2017
28
2016
18
2015
17
2014
16
2012
1
2011
1
2009
2
2007
1
2006
5
2005
2
2004
9
2003
5
2002
1
2000
1
1999
1
1997
1

What owners say

Filed Sep 18, 2017 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 gmc sierra 1500. While driving various speeds, the vehicle made a loud clunking noise when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the vehicle shifted hard when switching gears. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the valve body inside the transmission was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. Gmc of plattsburgh, new york (518)-563-2000 was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided the contact with case number: 8-3309303524. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Updated 12/13/2017 *ln consumer stated does not shift down going down hills half to ride brakes at all times. Light did not come on when we had trouble with ABS cable to wheel bearing, you lose brake power. Also transmisson does not shift down. Updated 7/18/18

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Steering · 68,000 miles · TX

Clunking sound from steering shaft in column, clunking bumping looseness in steering hydraulic slave cylinder at all speeds. This seems to cause the truck to wander at highway speed, symptoms are worse when high winds are encountered.

Filed Dec 22, 2011 · Electrical, Fuel system · 72,000 miles · MN

2006 sierra -75000miles clunking in drivetrain when trans. Shifts rearend clunks and jumps in and out when diff lock is needed chatter in steering column engine light comes on when down to 1/2 -3/4 tank (everytime) refuel it goes out dash lights for the radio buttons slowly going out dash lights on the slider for heater controls going out very poor mpg 12-13 on a good day! Sure would like to have all the recalls and bulletins taken care of! Note to myself!! Never purchase a gmc again!

Filed Feb 7, 2007 · Transmission · 3,000 miles · CA

When the transmission shifts from 2nd to 3rd there is a hard clunking, also when it down shifts from 3rd to 2nd. I have had this 2006 gmc for only 10 months and I purchased it new. I took it to my local dealer for the problem and they told me that this is normal noise for a four wheel drive. I have had many 4x4 gms in the past and not one of them has had this kind of a shifting problem. I have purchased three new gm's in the last 4 years and I have had problems with all of them, I think I'm going to trade it in for a toyota.

Filed Apr 19, 2006 · Brakes, Seats · 1,126 miles · NC

Seats popping noise when weight shifts (start,stop,etc.)first attempt was to replace the seat back. Second was to replace the entire seat minus the cover. Third time in the service manager wanted to contact the area gm manager for direction. The gm area manager told the service manager to make no repair and direct me to call gm. This truck also has been in for service to the brake rotors to be re surfaced with only 4,600 miles on the truck. The transmission has re calibrated two times one for the lock-up torque converter,and once for a hard shift from first to second gear. The truck has a harder shift now than before.