2019 GMC Sierra 1500: harsh or hard shifting

Filed May 21, 2026 · Engine · SD

After the vehicle was purchased in October 2023, it immediately had an issue shifting very hard. After numerous trips to the servicing dealership in attempts for error codes to be discovered with no success, the dealership gave the recommendation to flush the transmission as this was a fix for this type of engine in November 2024. The transmission was completely flushed in November 2024. The vehicle continued to have the issue with hard shifting and also developed less efficient gas mileage and would misfire upon ignition and there was a constant knock when running. After a prominent ticking began in May 2026, it was discovered that the timing chain was broken and we were told the rods could impale the engine and go through the hood if the engine was not replaced. The engine had completely failed and needed to be replaced including radiator and hoses. The engine, radiator, and hoses were replaced 05/2026. The invoices for both of these Service transactions are attached. After much research and advice, it appears this issue was the same issue that was happening with the other 6.2L L87 engines from the years 2021 to 2024 that were recalled.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WA

While driving down the highway experienced a partial loss of engine power causing jerky/rough operation, harsh shifting, and unpredictable behavior. Was told by the dealer service manager that it was likely a misfire in one of the cylinders. After diagnostics and servicing that included changing spark plugs, wires, and a full engine service it was later confirmed to most likely be due to a stuck lifter and will require a complete engine replacement. I have subsequently learned that this is a common problem with this L87 engine and may be an early indicator of failing crank bearings associated with a recall for later model years of my same vehicle. Seems to me that recall ought to be expanded to include earlier models with L87 engines.

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MN

With 115000 miles on it, I felt a clunk when it went in to gear. I took it to the dealer 3 times to have the mechanic drive it. He said it sounded and felt right. The the transmission blew and I had to have it replaced to the tune of 4800 dollars. 2 weeks after that the engine blew and I had to have that replaces for 17000 dollars. I really like my pickup but this seems a bit excessive. The 5.3 engine isn't good for that year

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Transmission · 57,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that in the first month that the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle intermittently hesitated before slamming into gear hard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the manufacturer was aware of the failure and suggested that a triple fluid flush was needed, and the triple fluid flush was performed. The contact stated that the hard shifting persisted, especially while driving uphill. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the contact's parents' residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Transmission · NM

I bought this vehicle at 80k miles and I have had an on going issue with the transmission. I have done research online and found that GM had put the wrong fluid in the transmission from the factory that has caused internal issues with the transmission leading to hard shifting and transmission shuttering. On my dime I have changed the fluid twice already and also the torque converter as well. This issue has gotten better but still a problem. This has caused me to not be able to trade my truck with out being upside down because of the dealers telling me they would have to put a new transmission to sell it. So now my trucks value has dropped as well. Now I am stuck in a truck that is not safe to drive. Thanks GM for not helping me.

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

Transmission keeps skipping missing gears and hard shifting, as well as jolting forward. When attempting to switch lanes vehicle transmission skips. When being placed from Park to drive or any other gear vehicle transmission hard shifts. Vehicle radio and screen shut off intermittently every 30 to 45 minutes. Vehicle screen goes blank and black and resets itself after 30 to 45 minutes.

Filed Apr 10, 2025 · Transmission · OH

Transmission has been failing for the life of this vehicle. Shuttered shifting and hard shifting are the norm. It is available for inspection. Vehicle does not shift properly when vehicle is in motion. Shifting is often delayed resulting in temporary loss of power. I have had the vehicle in to a transmission shop they have been able to reproduce the events. There are no warning lights visible to indicate an issue.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated and the transmission experienced a hard shift to first gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while driving at slower speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Transmission · WA

accelerating from a stop, 1st and 2nd gear hard shifts. gm previously changed program and type of fluid. said this was normal

Filed Feb 11, 2025 · Transmission · NJ

Took truck to dealership for transmission issues such as hard shifts and shuttering on highway. Waiting 2 months for parts that didn’t fix the issue. Now waiting on another transmission which I’m being told is on back order!

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Transmission · PA

The transmission is experiences periodic rough shifting, a shudder and droning noise between 1,000 and 1,500 RPM. An independent transmission specialty shop states the transmission is starting to fail. The transmission, differentials and transfer case fluids were changed at 53,000 miles and again at 104,000 miles.

Filed Oct 11, 2023 · Transmission · AZ

The torque converter of transmission went out on my 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with only 62072 miles. My safety has been put at risk daily, from intermittent shuddering and loss of power. My vehicle underwent a multi point inspection at Earnhardt Buick GMC confirming I will need a complete transmission assembly estimated to be around $7100. There were no indications or dash lights, the only reason I brought it in is from hard shifts, and intermittent shuddering.