2021 GMC Sierra 1500: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I own a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 with the 3.0L Duramax diesel. The vehicle developed severe transmission problems, including harsh/jerky shifting and a hard clunk when shifting into reverse. The vehicle was subsequently diagnosed with an internal transmission failure. The repair facility informed me that the transmission gears had failed and caused damage to the transmission and stated that the failure appeared to be related to a manufacturing issue. The repair facility also advised me to watch for a future recall because they believed this could be a widespread issue occurring in other vehicles. I am submitting this complaint so the failure can be documented and considered along with other reports of transmission failures involving this vehicle.NOTE FROM AUTOSHOP:TRANSMISSION FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURE DESIGN FLAW, NOT DUE TO THE CUSTOMER'S DRIVING HABITS. THE PUMP ORIGINAL DESIGN IS WITH SLANTED GEARS AND THE GEARS ARE FORCED AWAY FROM EACH OTHER AND PLACING TOO MUCH STRAIN THE BEARINGS ANI THE BEARING FAIL. AN UPDATE PERFORMED TO HAVE STRAIGHT CUT PUMP GEARS TO AVOID BEARING DAMAGE. CDF DRUM AND CENTER SUPPORT CHANGED TO UPDATED PARTS THAT ARE HEATED TREATED TO AVOID DAMAGE

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Transmission · TX

transmission shuddering, harsh or delayed shifting, and erratic gear changes. The truck jerks really bad during each shift of the ten speeds. A vibration or shudder typically occurring at speeds between 25-65 mph under light throttle. Also makes a bad noise every times it’s shifting. I have no lights on the dash and the gmc app tells me everything is fine when clearly it’s not . I see there’s a recall for my year and make but for some reason my vin doesn’t fall in the category

Filed May 26, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The truck has a studder that comes from the transmission when at highway speeds. the studder can be felt at random intervals (seconds) from all passengers. The studder is also present on starting up a slope or accelerating from a stop at a slow pace. when accelerating slowly the jerk is more prominent. We have taken it to the GM Dealership, they confirmed the issue was present. The dealership said the GM guidence was to 1st try a re-program and then replace the torque converter. The program flash was unsuccessful, then we paid $4000 to change the torque converter. The Tech stated that this was the GM suggested fix, but noted that we are changing the fluid also which could mask the issue if it is the valve body causing an issue. The replacement torque converter and fluid did somewhat reduce the issue for a short period of about 2 months before it has returned as it did before. The next option from the dealership is in excess of $8,000 for a remanufactured transmission which is outside our reasonable spend, when we dont expect the remanufactured transmission will have any better valve body components. The recent recall did not cover my gas 6.2L sierra 1500, although it clearly is insufficient stating that it just a warning that there is a safety risk present. The valve body of the transmission appears to be an issue across all models and the recall addresses that it is present. We continue to drive this as the primary family vehicle with the hesitation and jerking present as GM dealer offered no support other than $8,000 remanufactured transmission on top of the $4000 we already spent. I believe the recall was insufficent in covering the Gas models with the exact same transmission and known issue. I also believe the offered solution continues to put those driving at risk.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Transmission · TN

I've been to the dealership a few times due to the truck jerking violently under very light acceleration when its trying to shift gears. also there was a few times that the rear wheels have locked up while driving.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Engine · MO

For the second time since I have owned the vehicle that was purchased brand new. The engine seized during driving on the highway and began making loud noises that was knocking and jerking the vehicle. The issue occurred initially around 15,000 miles and was diagnosed as lifter failure, was repaired and returned in July 2022. At 64,000 miles on January 15, 2026, while on an interstate the engine did the same thing and the vehicle went into limp mode. It has been diagnosed as lifter failure this second time and is awaiting appropriate repairs. Both incidents put myself in passengers at danger due to the nature in which the vehicle entered limp mode on the highway.

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN), and the dealer performed an interim repair on the vehicle. In March 2025 the part was available, and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that on one occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed and then coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The message “Low Power Mode” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle then failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact drove to a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Don Moore Chevrolet GMC, where it was diagnosed with transmission control valve failure. The contact was informed it would be months before the repair could be performed. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, where the transmission control valve failure was confirmed, and the contact was informed there were metal shavings found inside the transmission. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted, prompting him to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the output shaft speed sensor and the transmission control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2025 · Transmission · OK

At around 60,000 miles I had experienced shuttering and jerking in low gears and the vehicle shoots forward when coming to a complete stop. I was able to take the vehicle in a short time after and I was told by the dealership that it needed a transmission flush. I completed the flush and after a week or two it started doing it again. I took it to a transmission shop and they advised it is the transmission valve body that is bad. I believe this started happening before my warranty was out but due to me bringing it in after the mileage they would not honor the warranty. This could cause multiple hazards at stops and while driving. No warning lamps or message have ever appeared.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Transmission · 119,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle jerked and downshifted to overdrive. The message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed on the instrument panel. The driver depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to exceed 4 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve body failed, which caused the transmission to fail. The vehicle was repaired. While the contact was driving home after the vehicle was picked up, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that if the check engine warning light becomes illuminated the vehicle could be diagnosed. After several days, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the shutter valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact received the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered the contact assistance with the transmission repair. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IL

I've noticed rough or jerky gear shifting when accelerating, rough and reduced propulsion, loss of power. Dealership repaired power torque converter but the truck continue to have the same symptoms.

Filed Apr 28, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · VA

See attached vehicle repair orders/Carfax/vehicle registration. The trucks transmission has been slipping/jerking hard since I pulled off the lot at dealer ship. Its burning oil no leaks has been doing so since the day I drove off the lot at dealership. I have asked to fix or address and problem still exist. They sold vehicle as everything was working The Left head light wasn’t working the day I drove off the lot didn’t notice until I got home I reached back out to dealer to explain and said light had a short in kept truck for almost a week said the were going to replace the head light and never did. The remote start wasn’t working the same day i purchased the truck but sold it as everything is working. I went to try it as I was getting ready to leave dealership and did nothing. Then I discovered the fog lights were missing, and dealer said oh there was never any in the truck but if you read the service paper work there was lights in truck. Took truck back to address the issues the next day or so after purchase I was told to bring truck back the following week. All the conditions still exist and I should not be having any of these issues as the sold vehicle nothing wrong. They even had an October inspection saying everything was SAT but I get in truck no fog lights and left head lamp is not working but they performed an 360 inspection….yeah no way… This truck is doing the same as my 2021 chevy Silverado but there is nothing wrong with vehicle according to dealership. Sold A Lemon if you asked me… ***Highlighted in yellow is a recall that the dealership has not done nor can they find anything on the recall**** *****Power train**** Recall date 2024-10-24 Recall no. 24V797000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel en

Filed Apr 4, 2025 · Electrical, Locks · 63,315 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle remained running. A message was displayed to shift to park(P). The contact stated that the lights, radio, and other functions remained operational. On another occasion, the vehicle jerked, and the steering was difficult to turn. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle had not been taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the trunk failed to fully close. The message that the trunk was open was displayed. The contact attempted to close the trunk and message on the displayed was turned off; however, the trunk remained slightly open. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,315.