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2017 GMC Sierra 1500: jerking or lurching

26 of the 357 complaints about the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 describe jerking or lurching.

owner complaints
26
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
12,100
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 94 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Jerking or lurching by model year

What owners say

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Transmission · NV

My vehicle has lurched forward upon the first engine start of the day, under no throttle, on several occasions, throughout the life of my vehicle. Shortly after starting my 6.2 engine in my garage, if I shift my 8L90 transmission into Drive as soon as the engine RPMs settle to idle, the vehicle will lurch forward, screeching the tires. Luckily, I had my foot on the brake hard enough such that no one was injured. The harsh transmission shift into drive is dangerous, possible injuring passengers or my garage door. I've learned that if I wait 5 to 10 seconds, allowing the engine to idle (while the transmission oil becomes pressurized ??), then the shift into drive is normal, without any lurch.

Filed Dec 30, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 80,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and slammed into the intended gear. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had persisted, and the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the drive was rough, and there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the engine misfired. The vehicle was taken to several unknown locations for diagnostic tests, and it was confirmed that the transmission and the engine had failed. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Â The contact was provided with the manufacturer's TSB Number: 20-NA-138; however, the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the manufacturer was unable to locate the Warranty Administration Service Bulletin. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2025 · Transmission · NC

I had to replace my transmission at 71902 miles. I complained to Flow GMC dealership over seven times about the Vibration , jerking, shaking and shuddering. Most of the time when I carried they said they can not duplicate the problem. On Feb. 05, 2025 I was driving and stopped at a stop light when I pulled off the vehicle started vibrating, shaking and had a hard jerk. I thought someone had ran in the back of me but that was not the case . I had it pulled in to Flow GMC they checked it out and said the transmission need to be replaced. I had it replaced at the dealership. I had to pay $7782 to get a new transmission. I read were they being are all on some GMC models. I want to know why the 2017 GMC has not been recalled.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Transmission · ID

I have been experiencing trasmission problems. The vehicle jerks, shutters and makes numerous thumping sounds during acceleration as well as at certain constant speeds. It frequently make a lound clunking sound when first put in drive and beginning to move. On January 16, 2025, I took the truck to Rubideaux GMC, 351 W Dalton Ave, Hayden ID 83835, for inspection. I was told that the torque converter "was shot" and that the transmission fluid was scorched and there metal shavings in the transmission filter. The service manager informed me that I needed a new transmission at a cost of $7,000. the dealer told me that they will have to find a remanufactured replacement which by their description are in short supply. I went to an independent shop in the area and was quoted a similar price. The employee also advised me of a class action law suite that was in process for 2016-2020 GM trucks and SUV's and passenger cars equipped with the model 8L transmission with the same problem. Several suits are under way including, [XXX] et al v GM, I find this situation especially concerning given the very gentle treatment Ive given this vehicle since I purchased it new. The truck only has 63,000 miles on it and I have never towed anything with this vehicle nor carried any load of more than a couple oh hundred pounds in the bed of the truck. What component failed? Transmission. The transmission is still in the truck pending available replacement. How was your safety put at risk? The transmission could fail while driving causing a lack of vehicle control. Has the problem been reproduced by a dealer? Yes it was confirmed by the dealership listed above. Has vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance? It has been inspected by a licensed GMC dealer. Where there any warning lamps, messages or other symptons.....? No INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 16, 2024 · Transmission · VT

Truck would slip out of gear while in DRIVE in very dangerous situations. Tuck would suddenly jerk forward when in Drive and Stopped at a Stop Sign or light. No warning light or codes. Transmission Specialist evaluated and determined that Transmission was about to have a critical failure. The 6L80 transmission was replaced with 109,933 original miles on it.

Filed Nov 8, 2024 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking, and hesitating, and the transmission unexpectedly shifted out of gear while driving. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the torque converter, transmission pump assembly, and reverse clutch were faulty, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Transmission · PA

I was driving my truck home from work, when all the sudden the car at a stop sign lurch forward, with the brake applied and was not moving, or I would have hit the car in front of me. Upon, the green light, truck started to shift and go faster, while making a whining noise, at only 26 miles per hour, then, the vehicle, tried to speed up with nothing engaging, and came to a complete stop very aggressively and abruptly, while in traffic, I almost was hit from the sudden stop. Getting to the side of the road, the truck wouldn’t move anymore, and except in rear gear. Called OnStar service and vehicle was towed to the closest GM dealership, about a mile from my house. This was on a Saturday evening, On Monday, the dealer service agent called me, had already diagnosed the problem as a failed 6L80 GM transmission, this was at 930am, asked if I wanted it repaired I said yes. The dealer called back at 3pm that same day and said the transmission had already been repaired. Which to me is a bit surprising as it needed a new transmission, which should take longer. Glad it was fixed so fast. The cost was to be around 6700 dollars. From my knowledge this is a known issue with these transmissions. My concern, is that I could have been in an accident from a known defect in manufacturing that GM knew about and did nothing to address.

Filed Sep 25, 2023 · Engine · AL

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 10, 2023 · Transmission · NV

Like so many others, I have persistent transmission or drive train problems in my 2017 GMC Sierra. This has been documented on multiple visits and test drives with the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and to another GMC dealer. The first occurrence was after about 4,000 miles. A loud clunk sound occasionally occurs while shifting thru low gears and the transmission shifts very hard. To the point that the transmission hesitates between gears and then jerks me back into the seat. The selling dealer has witnessed this and tried various repairs (supposedly flushed and replaced the fluid, supposedly replaced an unknown computer component, etc). None of this helped. Now the transmission also hesitates and seems to slip during a downshift thru the low gears. The selling dealer finally told me "nothing is wrong with this truck, so don't bring it back again". I assured them that I would never be back, especially when I'm in the market for a new truck. GM should take note of this, also. Online websites show many posts of owners having this issue. And neither the dealers nor GM are even acknowledging a problem, let alone offering a solution. Unfortunately for me and many others, the value of this vehicle is impacted by so many complaints, no action by the federal safety agency and questionable practices by GM and their dealers. Buyers beware!!! The transmission in this truck is junk and you won't receive any assistance from GM or its dealers. The only hope for owners of this truck is for the federal safety agency to step up, launch an investigation and require a recall. This a known issue to owners of this truck, GM, its dealers and the federal safety agency. It's time for all of them to step up and do what's right for consumers.

Filed May 21, 2023 · Engine · TX

Truck started to jerk if driven over 20 mph. Before this the dashboard (electric) notification showed truck heating up but the temperature gage was not reading any overheating. Prior to this the whole electrical system in the truck started to mess up. The radio changed channels without actually changing the radio channels. Unable to connect the Bluetooth because it calls my phone contacts at random. Had to get a new transmission that cost 5,000 and this was recent. The truck is still jerking but is drivable over 20 mph.

Filed Oct 26, 2022 · Transmission · NC

Truck has 67,000 miles and has been in the dealer 3 times for transmission issues. First was the shutter. Then harsh jerking downshifts. They flushed transmission and filled with new fluid under warranty and after 1,000 miles light on again for transmission fluid temperature sensor. And now they want $800 to replace this issue. There was a recall on the 16 model for the same issue with the wiring. About to cut loss and file lemon law. Had the truck for less then 2 years and put 15,000 miles on it

Filed Sep 21, 2022 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and slowing while exiting the highway, the vehicle started to lose forward momentum and lurch forward. The contact had not depressed the brake pedal but instead attempted to accelerate however, the RPM increased but the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there were no mechanical issues found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had become recurring. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 jerking

Is jerking or lurching a common problem on the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500?

26 of 357 owner complaints about the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 (7%) mention jerking or lurching. The model year with the most reports is 2016.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500?

There are 0 recalls and 94 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500

Check engine light 28Harsh shifting 28Transmission failure 24Shudder 20Stalling 16Engine failure 14Loss of power 14Brake failure 13Hesitation 12Spongy pedal 10Slipping 8Steering lock-up 8Fire or smoke 7Misfire 6Power steering loss 6Won't shift 6Sudden acceleration 5

All model years of the GMC Sierra 1500

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