The 6-speed automatic transmission (6L80) developed a severe shudder during normal driving. A service center diagnosed the problem as torque converter clutch failure; the torque converter sheds metal debris through the transmission, so the transmission now requires a full rebuild quoted at approximately $6,000. The failure occurred at approximately 92,000 miles in October 2026 (incident date is approximate). This is a widely documented failure pattern on GM 6L80 transmissions. Loss of reliable power delivery from the transmission is a safety concern. No crash, no injuries, and no fire occurred. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems
99 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 33,000.
- owner complaints
- 99
- of this car's complaints
- 14%
- typical mileage
- 33,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission: torque converter1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Transmission failure 18Harsh shifting 17Shudder 15Jerking 14Hesitation 12Slipping 11
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The transmission Started Shuddering, it would slip occasionally and slipped badly when i was driving in rush hour traffic in the middle of a left turn. had no power for several seconds then it finally reengaged. The shuddering got worse and worse to the point i took it to a transmission shop to look at it and they said i needed a replacement transmission unit. I did get a replacement unit, the whole process was extremely unpleasant. The previous unit was sent as a core to be remanufactured. The company that i used to get a remanufactured unit is Fraser Transmissions. No warning lamps appeared prior to the transmission acting up.
Power steering seems to be lost for a second or two at low speeds turning. Happens multiple times a day.
My 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE has the 6L80 transmission. While traveling on the interstate with my fiancé, the transmission failed. It was towed to a garage and they informed me that it needed to be replaced.
For no apparent reason the truck goes into “low power mode” and gives off code p2138 often happens around 30-35 mph. Have had it happen to me also around 45 mph also. I have replaced sensors and parts to which a month or so goes by and it happens again.
During day to day driving when the truck is accelerating from a stopped position there's a massive clunk or hard shift from either 1st to 2nd gear. have also heard similar complaints from other 2015 sierra 1500 owners saying the transmission is having a hard shift on acceleration from a stop. Have seen possible issues with the TCCM
Tranmission is shuttering and not wanting to shift right
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and attempting to shift into reverse(R), Drive(D) or park(P), the gear shifter was stuck, and the contact had to go underneath the vehicle to move the shifter cable into the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper and lower shifter cables were replaced. The contact stated that upon returning to the residence and attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to remain in the intended gear and was moving unintendedly. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 225,740.
The temperature sensor in the transmission is faulty leading to hard/delayed shifting, shuttering, and vibration
Transmission failed at 110k miles roughly. Safety was put at risk due to this happening on a highway. Yes, transmissiom was replaced by a local repair shop, the means of failure was identical to thousands of vehicles in this model year failing prematurely. No it wasnt inspected by the dealer. No there was no warning light, we were going up a hill and it failed.
Questions about the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission
Does the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 99 complaints about the transmission of the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, 14% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 33,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad transmission?
The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2021 (147 complaints), 2019 (141 complaints) and 2018 (131 complaints).
Other 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Brakes 229Electrical 96Lights 93Engine 85Steering 81Airbags 37Body 28Visibility 26Driver assistance 18Suspension 18Seat belts 16Fuel system 13Seats 9Wheels 9Acceleration 7Tires 2
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