2018 GMC Sierra 1500: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · KY

I own a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 V8 5.3 liter which is at 46, 433 miles. Over the past few weeks I have noticed the transmission having difficulty shifting in first gear and lurching, and making shuddering noises, and as well making a constant ticking noise. After an experienced mechanic had put a diagnostic system onto my truck, his system diagnosed a Transmission Lifter Failure, specifically 2 out of the 8 lifters. A few days later (9-04-26) I took my truck to a certified GMC servicing business (Patriot Chevrolet of Hopkinsville KY 270‑886‑1207) and had a transmission servicing done. I had told the Customer Service representative Amanda Williams about the ticking and that I thought 2 lifters going bad in the transmission were the source of it. 3 hours later the servicing was done which cost $ 474.43. She did not know if the ticking had stopped or not. I started my engine to head home and the ticking was still happening. Nothing had changed. I got home, parked and have not started the engine since to minimize any further damage. I have become aware that this year, make and model has become infamous for the engine/transmission design and parts failure which has been at the center of thousands of class action lawsuits. I have owned this vehicle since inheriting it from my late father for 2 months before he developed dementia and suffered a broken hip. I have religiously had the oil changed every three months regardless of the mileage, and this is a sealed transmission which cannot be worked on by someone but a certified GMC mechanic, which wasn't a worry because the truck's manual says doesn't need to be worked on unless there seem to be problems. Which is what I did on 9-4-26, hoping that a servicing would fix the issue. During the 5 years that I have owned this truck, I never received ANY sort of notice from GMC that might've hinted at possible Transmission Failures, though GMC has been totally aware of. Sudden power loss dangerous and unfairly expensive to drivers.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Transmission · VA

Within the first 3 years of purchase as a new vehicle, my 2018 GMC Sierra Denali equipped with the GM 8L90 automatic transmission developed a pronounced judder during light acceleration, resembling driving over rumble strips. The condition was first reported to an authorized GMC dealer on October 23, 2021, at 26,648 miles while the powertrain warranty was in effect. GM authorized a transmission-fluid exchange from the technical service bulletin (TSB) 18-NA-355, dated April 2020, but that repair did not provide a lasting correction. The condition continued, and in 2026 the authorized dealer diagnosed an “internal stator issue causing judder on light acceleration” and recommended replacement of the torque converter. We completed the repair and retained the removed converter. The defect affected the vehicle while accelerating and created concern about predictable power delivery when merging, entering traffic or crossing an intersection. Continued torque-converter malfunction can generate heat and debris, damage the transmission and potentially impair acceleration or power transfer. GM had issued technical bulletins addressing torque-converter shudder in 2018 Sierra vehicles before this truck was purchased, but there has been no recall. I request that the federal safety agency evaluate whether this recurring defect presents an unreasonable safety risk in GM vehicles equipped with the 8L90 transmission.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

2018 GMC Sierra started having shuddering/jerking/jumping problems at around 60k miles. This problem occurs while driving on straight aways, going uphill and while in drive at a stop sign/light. When the gas is accelerated the truck then hesitates and jerks/jumps. We have taken it to the GMC dealership and paid for the diagnostics and were informed “the problem wasn’t severe enough”. The truck has only been serviced by GMC dealership. So after failed attempts with GMC service department we have taken it to a local small auto shop and they automatically said it was the Drive Train and needed to be taken to a transmission shop. We have been GM owners for decades and are so disappointed in the service received from them.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · MO

The truck started to vibrate or shudder . We are having to deal with replacing the transmission on our truck, which has only 45,000 miles on it. We have noticed numerous complaints about transmission problems with this model and the place that is replacing the transmission said they have had 3 customers in the last couple of months with the same issue on the same GMC model. This is a lot for our small town and area. Why hasn't GMC issued recalls ?

Filed Jul 5, 2025 · Transmission · SC

I'm experiencing constant transmission shuddering at constant speed between 25 and 40 mph. This is a know issue, General Motors known issue, with the 8 speed transmission installed in this vehicle. TSB 18-NA-355 was issued in August of 2019 for this issue, but general motors refuses to recall all affected vehicles. Something needs to be done about this!

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Transmission has a shudder at lower speeds 1200 RMP area. Has been doing it since I bought the truck a few years ago. Took it back for warranty work and they claim this is a very common problem with this transmission. Claim that flushing the system would repair it, which it has not. Occasionally to will almost go out of gear, I have to try getting off the road safely to shut it off. After a few minutes, start it up and it will be back to normal. Also I’m on my 3rd starter. What appears to be another common issue with this model. Sometimes it fires right up, sometimes it’s very weak and others not at all and requires a jump start. All in all, recalls should’ve already been applied to these models. Pay way to much for junk!

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · AZ

I am the original owner of a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 6.2L L86 engine and 8-speed 8L90 transmission. I began experiencing severe transmission shuddering and harsh shifting, especially at lower speeds or under light acceleration. When the issue occurs, I press the gas and the engine revs up to 6,000 RPM without reaching 20 MPH, making it extremely difficult — and dangerous — to merge into traffic or cross intersections. This issue has worsened over time and is now a critical safety concern, especially with children in the vehicle. I have researched this issue and found that many owners report the same transmission defect, and there is an open class action lawsuit and a GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #18-NA-355) describing the exact symptoms. The vehicle has become unsafe to drive. GMC should issue a recall or mandatory repair program for this known defect before someone is injured or killed.

Filed Feb 26, 2025 · Engine · OH

Driving 70 MPH on [xxx] in moderate traffic when my vehicle suddenly slowed dramatically and began to shudder . I was in the middle lane of three westbound marked lanes and was almost hit by a driver behind me which had been following too closely. The check engine and traction control light came on and my oil gauge went to the high side. I exited onto [xxx] and at 40 MPH the truck would shake and shudder until I drove the 6 miles to my residence. On [xxx], I had the vehicle towed to lash gmc dealership in johnstown ohio. Once there the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed lifter that broke into pieces resulting in a bent rod and damaged cam shaft. The dealer recommended full engine replacement due the severity of the failure. The truck is a 2018 gmc sierra denali with only 65,449 miles on it. It cost almost $70,000.00 new and the replacement engine cost me $14,221.96. I feel my personal safety was jeopardized in this incident. Since that time I have researched the 6.2 gmc engine online and have found reports of numerous similiar failures and incidents involving the engine in question. I truly feel the federal safety agency should take a strong look at the engine failures involving this engine and force gmc to repair or replace the engines in question due to the safety issues involving the engines failures in traffic and the risk associated with an occurence. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Feb 25, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · IN

My starter quit at 81,000 miles. It has always been a bit weak starting, but I have never had a starter go out on a vehicle at 81,000. I have replaced it, and the rebuilt starter is better than what was ever on this vehicle. I am also having problems with the transmission shuddering, shifting rough in low gear, and sometimes it reverses fast. Repair shops won't even touch the transmission. The dealership stated they couldn't get the problem to replicate the issues even though they know there are issues with the 8 speed transmissions.

Filed Jan 17, 2025 · Transmission · AL

When accelerating (at times) truck will shudder. Sometimes barely noticeable, sometimes violently. Was told by dealership that torque converter is going out and will be $4000 to replace but may not even fix issue. Looking online, appears that MANY (1,000’s) people are having same issue and that there is even a class action lawsuit about this issue. But no investigation by NHSTA yet, even though I can see many many complaints of similar issues

Filed Nov 25, 2024 · Transmission · 22,000 miles · FL · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shudder, and he decreased the speed. The contact drove to his residence. The next day the vehicle was driving as expected until it became hot and began to shudder again. The transmission was not shifting as designed. The contact checked underneath the vehicle but failed to locate an issue with the transmission. The rear differential was hot and burned his fingers, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on various occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the drive(D) on the instrument panel started blinking. The contact stated that the engine revved, and the vehicle went into Safe Mode and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.