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2018 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission complaints

Page 5 of 6: complaints 101 to 130 of 131, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 14, 2020 · Transmission · AK

I have been noticing a shudder and hard shifting intermittently when driving about 30-60mph and I took it into the shop they said they can not duplicat the issues so I take it back and it started doing it more. I took the truck back to the shop again and yet again they told me they can not duplicate the issue. No here I am at 17k miles on is still doing it and shiftting hard and now there is a knocking noise. I talked to the dealer ship and they said its under warrany still just drive it tell it get worse.

Filed Jul 2, 2020 · Transmission · 32,000 miles · TX

While under power and driving, the truck experiences noticeable vibrations that seem to come from the drivetrain.

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Transmission · 850 miles · FL

Purchased vehicle brand new from dealership and from day one, I notice the power train slow to shifting from gear one to two. The vehicle hesitates and sometimes shifts hard only during cold starts. Every time I take it in for my schedule service I report the same issue to my service advisor along with the service manager at the gmc dealership. They say that it is a normal problem and they know about it. The last schedule service I told them about the same problem, this time his service tech test drove vehicle and said torque converter was shuddering causing vibration. The solution he said they changed the transmission fluid. Today I still notice the same issue and will report to the dealership next time I take in for service. I have read this is a common problem from the manufacture since putting in an 8 speed transmission. I feel this is a safety issue and some day I may feel that the transmission may lock up on me and may cause an accident.

Filed Jun 11, 2020 · Transmission · 500 miles · NY

When truck is in motion shifting from reverse to first/second gear it jumps forward into gear. There is a hesitation shifting into gear. It is a very well known problem with the 8 speed transmission. I have been in contact with the dealer but 3 different times. The know the problem as does gmc. They actually can fix the problem. But will not do anything until gmc sends out a technical bulletin. There has been an unbelievable amount of complaints. I understand gmc is hesitant because they may have to replace transmission and or torque converter which would naturally cost a lot of money. But also I understand changing to a different transmission fluid will help. But dealer will not do it. This has been going on since the day I bought it brand new and I only have 5700 miles on it. I have not had accident because of this. But concerns me with the hesitation and jumping in to gear. Also it does not do it every single time. Depends on your take off speed.

Filed Jun 1, 2020 · Transmission · 11,000 miles · OR

I bought this vehicle new from day one I noticed the truck was jerking between 2nd gear and third. Only when cold I figured it was normal. I have 11,000 miles now and the jerking is worse and does it when I hold a speed between 45mph and 50mph also. When I am coming to a stop it hit hard into 1st gear and when I take off it hits hard into 2nd gear.

Filed Apr 23, 2020 · Steering, Transmission · 35,750 miles · CA

A/c stops working 2.) mechanic does vacuum test and replaces refrigerant ($200) freon 3.) A/C is blowing hot air again after 3 days; refrigerant completely gone 4.) mechanic runs dye through lines to find the leak, replaces refrigerant again and states the problem is compressor failure ($200) again 5.) the overall fix would be to replace the compressor ($1,000) but there are no compressors to be found, the part is on national backorder because of the widespread problem." left side of wheel making aloud noise when backup , it is a know problem with the steering rack tansmission downshift from 30-15 make a push effect and couching noise

Filed Apr 15, 2020 · Transmission · TX

The front end of my truck has an very noticeable intermittent rumble and shake when I'm holding steady around 1200 RPM and 45 MPH. My RPM gauge will surge about 50-100 rpms when it rumbles. If I speed up or slow down it goes away. My wheels and tires are balance so that not the issue and my drive is smooth otherwise.

Filed Mar 9, 2020 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · NJ

I have a 2018 gmc sierra denali, when the vehicle is cold, usually first thing in the morning, the truck starts out in first gear and then feels like it lacks power or transmission is slipping and then bangs into 2nd gear.the more I drove the truck the worse it got. While driving down the road there is a vibration within the truck. The faster you go the more of a vibration you feel. During the vibration the steering wheel is not shaking and when you let go of the wheel the truck stays straight, so it's not the front end. Took the truck to the dealership where it was purchased, pellegrino gmc, which is a 30 minute drive and they couldn't duplicate the problems. The service advisor was advised prior to my appointment, that the banging into gear only happens when its is cold. He advised me that what I was feeling was a normal shift for my truck. I advised him about the service bulletins and he stated that it didn't pertain to my truck.the mechanic test drove my vehicle for 13 miles and didn't feel the vibration. He checked the engine codes and found none. I have had the truck a little over a year and it has 6000 miles on the odometer.

Filed Feb 26, 2020 · Transmission · 13,700 miles · WI

Jumps into gear hard from 1st to 2nd gear under 25 MPH very dangerous when on icy roads and also down shifting coming down from a hill RPM's stay high even though you aren't going very fast less then 17000 miles on it had it too the dealer nothing they can do just document it

Filed Jan 7, 2020 · Transmission · 4,500 miles · TN

Transmission shifts very hard from first gear to second gear when in motion. It also has a violent shudder when it is trying to select a different gear, most apparent around 35mph. If brake isn't pressed hard enough, shifting out of park could cause vehicle to run into something due to the hard shift when stationary.

Filed Dec 18, 2019 · Body, Transmission · 29,562 miles · 00

I own a gmc sierra which is 14 months old, purchased in dubai uae from alghandi auto. The last service for 40000 kms was done on august 8th, 2019 and no problem was highlighted except the battery that was subsequently changed. On friday early morning (sep 27, 2019), we have escaped a major accident on sheikh zayed road on account of the front wheel axle that just broke/came apart while driving, causing the front right wheel to detach from the vehicle, subsequently skidding to the right causing major damage to the suspension and many other parts in the vehicle. This could have caused even death of my son who was driving the vehicle. I would appreciate an immediate call from your office to resolve this as I am no longer interested in driving this car that can cost me & my family our lives. This needs to be done immediately as I would otherwise be in the process of seeking legal advice against gmc.

Filed Nov 27, 2019 · Transmission · 26,000 miles · VA

The truck shifts very hard - from what I've read online, gm knows of the issue but will not "fix" the issue -- only 26k miles on the truck

Filed Nov 27, 2019 · Transmission · 48,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 gmc sierra 1500. While driving, the vehicle failed to shift into gears, switching from v8 to v4. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to classic buick gmc arlington (1400 e interstate 20, arlington, tx 76018, (817) 264-7782), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2019 · Brakes, Transmission · 13,000 miles · IL · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 gmc sierra 1500. When the contact shifted into drive, the vehicle lunged forward with the brake pedal depressed. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a handicap sign. There were no injuries. Prior to the crash, the vehicle was taken to bill kay chevrolet (located at 601 ogden ave, lisle, il 60532, (630) 968-2900) to be diagnosed due to hard shifting. The contact was informed that a transmission re-learn of the software was needed to correct the hard shifting; however, the failure became more pronounced. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and declined to assist. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.

Filed Nov 15, 2019 · Transmission · 6,003 miles · GA

I experienced failure of the transmission to sift up or down on several occasions between 11/01/2019 and 11/11/2019. On 11/08/2019 I was monitoring the transmission temperature, and when the transmission temp reached 164 deg, the transmission would stop shifting properly at 25 to 30 MPH, and the trans temp would jump to 192+ deg. Transmission seemed to slip and the vehicle would not accelerate. Rpms jumped to 3k-4k rms but speed would not change up or down. Contacted the dealership and made an appointment for 11/11. On 11/11 I drove the to the dealer 10 miles away. I monitored the trans temp as I drove, and no shifting issues until just before reaching the dealership (trans temp had reached 154 deg). I road with the dealer rep for a test drive and he was able to duplicate the problem at 30-MPH and trans temp quickly rose again to over 192-deg. Dealer rep tried to use the manual shift option but even using that he was unable to get the transmisson to shift properly ans engine rpms exceeded 5k and stayed there until the transmission shifted into gear. Dealer rep stated that is not good during the test drive. Arriving back at the service department the dealer rep that test drove the vehicle told the service dep amanger the vehicle was not safe to drive. I was told the transmission would need to be torn down to figure out what the problem was and it might be after the first of the year before they would have it fixed due alack of parts due to the recent strike, and a bag log of vehicles already waiting repair parts. Other complaints that seem to match mine are the federal safety agency ids: 11193281, 11230193, 11221668, and 11205523. Issue is a serious safety issue if the vehicle cannot accelerate safely to merge with traffic.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Transmission · 9,000 miles · SC

When the truck is driven first thing in the morning the transmission shifts from first gear into second gear the transmission shifts very hard or hesitates causing the driver to surge forward almost as if the vehicle were hit from behind.

Filed Sep 12, 2019 · Transmission · 4,768 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 gmc sierra 1500. While attempting to accelerate, the contact noticed a hard shift with the eight speed transmission. The contact thought the transmission had fallen off the vehicle. The contact felt this was a defect, especially during cold starts in the morning. Ray skillman southside buick gmc (8424 us-31, indianapolis, in 46227, (317) 497-0711) was contacted and provided a report indicating that this was a normal occurrence. The manufacturer was not contacted. Through online research, the contact believed he had a case with the lemon law. The failure mileage was 4,768. *pm

Filed Aug 13, 2019 · Transmission · 16,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the transmission shifted from first to second gear while driving 15 to 20 MPH. Also, when driving on the highway for a long period of time, the transmission would not downshift until the vehicle came to a stop, and would then fail to move forward. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to golling buick gmc (1491 s lapeer rd, orion charter township, mi 48360, (248) 693-5900), but the failures could not be duplicated. On another occasion, when the vehicle was engaged in two wheel drive, the rear end failed to unlock and would jerk. The contact drove the vehicle to the same dealer where diagnostic testing was completed, but a failure could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2019 · Acceleration, Steering · 47,000 miles · AR

Truck shift into gear very roughly. Shakes when driving through all speeds. Feels as if something is falling off the truck.

Filed Jul 8, 2019 · Transmission · 600 miles · KY

After truck has set for a while and start to take off from a stand still and it goes to shift from 1st to 2nd it will hard shift and truck will sometimes lurch forward. When accelerating slowly truck with shutter when shifting gears, almost like it can't decide to shift to the next gear. Once truck is warmed up this no longer happens.

Filed Jun 21, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 6,000 miles · WI

No transmission power regardless of the gear shifter position. I turned the engine on and off several times trying to get a solution, no luck. I returned to the vehicle 5 minutes later and did get it to move,,,would only go 25 MPH at 3000 rpms. I was in the middle of wi not near any major dealership on-star was useless saying I had a major engine problem and the computer was trying to protect the engine. I was directed me to a chrysler dealer ship, who told they could not get me in for 2 weeks, suggested another branch which was over 45 miles away. I drove 5 miles to a friends house and was able to find a dealership in janesville, wi (fagan). When I started the vehicle to drive to janesville, the transmission did work. Fagan spent 2 hours working on it, and could not find a cause for the problems, they checked every computer, could not duplicate what happened. They reprogrammed all the computers. Then in cincinnati, oh the power steering assist went "off", while staionary. I tried restarting several times to no avail, drove the 3 miles left to the g'kids house, no power steering, trailer problem lighjt on, no RPM or MPH needles moving. Called local dealership (borcharding) and they suggested I drive it to their location 12 miles away. When I started it, the power steering was back on, but the unit would not get out of 2nd gear, ran 40 MPH at 2500 RPM, warning lights all on, engine light still on. Next moring I started the vehicle, everything was okay including the transmission problem, but still had the "check engine on", the dealership kept it (2) days, involved gmc engineers, could not determine the cause for all the problems,including loss of "steering assist". They drove it over 50 miles on two trips,could not duplicate what happened. They told me it was some kind of computer problem, but could not determine, they reset everything again.

Filed Jun 16, 2019 · Transmission · 15,000 miles · AR

Upon starting the engine the vehicle makes a clank sound and either surges forward or backwards slightly. It seems to do it more often on a light incline. Local chevrolet ( gm) dealer has looked over twice, no suggestions made or given to me.

Filed Jun 13, 2019 · Fuel system, Transmission · TX

When 1st cranking truck and put in drive motors rrev up and shifts hard to second. Occasionally when I out in reverse it will sit there n not shift in. Then when it does it shifts hard. When accelerating the truck it sounds like a clattering sound under drivers side under hood. Tried different type of gasoline and nothing changes. Gmac needs to do a recall on both of these items. I am very disappointed in my gmc and gmac

Filed May 11, 2019 · Transmission · 50 miles · UT

Daily the transmission has a hard shift from 1st to 2nd gear. Potentially causing me to loose control of the vehicle. Ive had it in the gmc shop 3 times and gmc is unable to fix the problem. After the vehicle sits for periods of 4 hrs or more the problem reoccurs. This is a serious political saftey hazard in the 8speed transmission and needs to be recalled and fixed with a new transmission.

Filed May 3, 2019 · Transmission · 6,912 miles · CA

At 40mph loud bang felt like we were rear ended, sounded like we were rear ended, huge jolt forward nearly causing accident, possible back injury, seats jolted, looked behind us and nothing there. Was driving at 30-35mph and just accelerated slightly to pass a car when this happened. City street 3 lanes. Dealer turned us away because could not duplicate for them. Gmc said case was accelerated no call back as of yet.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Transmission · OH

Transmission has shudder and now wont downshift properly while driving

Filed Apr 15, 2019 · Transmission · TN

Document id 4605342 #16-na-361 : information on transmission harsh 1-2 shift upon first start up/shift of the day under light throttle this gm bulletin was issued jul 21, 2017 on numerous vehicles and according to this bulletin the problem does not have a resolution. The bulletin clearly states changing the entire transmission will not solve this issue. This is affecting my gmc with the 8 speed transmission. Gm has known about this issue but has none the less sold the vehicles to consumers without disclosure. Neither gm or darrel waltrip gmc in franklin tn disclosed this issue prior to the sale. The service dept at the dealer admitted the issue cannot be repaired and told me gm is unwilling to do a trade assistance or buyback. Gm claims nothing is wrong with my car yet has a clear document that says otherwise.

Filed Apr 2, 2019 · Transmission · 11,000 miles · MD

While the truck is in motion and when accelerating around 15-20 MPH the transmission will sometimes "hunt" for a gear causing the truck to not accelerate. This results in a mild jerking of the truck when it is trying to accelerate and feels like the transmission is slipping/skipping. This is more apparent when going up a grade versus on a flat surface. So I have to push harder on the gas pedal waiting for the truck to shift. This is a safety issue since when not properly accelerating into traffic, an accident is more likely to occur. I see that this issue has already been reported in another incident on your website. I have had this issue since I bought the truck on 02/2018 and the reason I have waited to report is due to the dealer stating to allow the computer to update/learn your driving habits. I have 11,000 miles on the truck now and still experiencing the issue.

Filed Feb 14, 2019 · Transmission · 2,950 miles · FL

Extremely hard shifting on lower gears. When slowing when it goes from 2nd to 1st it feels like I got rear-ended. Not all the time but once a day at least. It also shudders when slowly accelerating in traffic, sometimes the RPM goes way high and it lurches forward when it upshifts.

Filed Jan 8, 2019 · Transmission · AZ

Brand new 2018 sierra 1500 z71. When driving the truck for the first time after sitting for a number of hours (6+hrs) the truck experiences a "hard" 1-2 shift. This occurs 100% of the time when I leave for work in the morning. Sometimes it feels like the transmission slipped, this is the hard shift feeling. Other times the truck loses acceleration, cuts out, feels like the truck has ran out of fuel. Only happens when the truck has been sitting for a long period. When I took the truck in to have this looked into I was told this is a known issue without a resolution. Ive attached a scan'd copy of the document they gave me #16-na-361.

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