2021 GMC Sierra 1500: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Transmission · 106,554 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact became aware of an abnormal sound, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact inspected the vehicle and connected a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle. The contact retrieved a pressure fault code. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a torque converter shudder. Additionally, the solenoids were clogged with debris. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 106,554.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

2021 GMC with 6.2L motor. The engine begin to produce a clattering noise in the upper part of the engine. When the clattering happens the vehicle will shudder. I took the vehicle into a certified independent service center who diagnosed a catastrophic engine failure as a result of lifter and camshaft bearing failure. They further advised that this year of vehicle (2021) and engine (6.2L) was known to have this defect and might be subject to a safety recall. I contacted GM customer service who stated that my VIN was not included in the recall even though the year and engine matched the recall. I found that to be odd especially when I noted that nearly 600K vehicles matching my failed engine was recalled. She stated that I (owner) had to bear the cost of replacing the defective engine and labor. I had to have my vehicle transported from [XXX] to [XXX] at the cost of 1400 dollars. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine · MI

I had the L87 recall completed, and the vehicle passed inspection. The dealership completed the required protocol and replaced the engine oil with 0W-40. Approximately 6,000 miles later, while traveling at about 75 mph and six hours from home, I experienced a brief loss of power followed by an immediate return of power. My wife and I noticed it but, with no warning lights or alerts, continued driving while monitoring the vehicle. About 10 miles later, we began hearing a faint squealing noise that progressively became worse. I was able to exit the highway safely, but once I came to a complete stop, the engine shut off and would not restart. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership, where it was determined that I had suffered a catastrophic engine failure. No loaner vehicle was available, leaving my family stranded six hours from home with an inoperable vehicle. It took approximately seven to eight weeks for the repair to be completed. When I received the vehicle back, I immediately noticed something still was not right. At around 40 mph and 1,000 RPM, the truck would shudder or hesitate. My local dealership diagnosed a poor spark plug connection on cylinder #3, which was causing arcing and a misfire. After the connection was repaired, the issue was resolved. My local dealership is currently working with the repairing dealership to address several minor workmanship issues, including wire clips, fittings, and missing bolts. This entire event was unexpected. There were no warning lights, alerts, or unusual noises before the initial loss of power. The only indication of a problem was the sudden power loss followed shortly thereafter by a horrific screeching noise. Thankfully, I was able to safely exit the highway and bring the vehicle to a stop. Considering I was traveling at 75 mph, the situation could have been much worse.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Transmission · 38,875 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering, especially while driving uphill. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined to have a failure associated with a GM TSB for the incorrect transmission fluid inside the transmission reservoir. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,875.

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 Jun 13, 2026 · Engine, Lights · NJ

While coasting down or under very light acceleration between 12-20 mph the vehicle has a shudder like driving over a highway rumble strip. While cruising on the highway at 65+ mph, the vehicle has a light shudder or vibration. Vehicle has been checked numerous times for wheel and tire inconsistencies. Brake pads and rotors have also been replaced with no change in issue. Headlights daytime running light changes color from bright white to purple during warm weather. The vehicle has been to 3 different GM dealerships and they acknowledge the issues but do not provide a resolve.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · OH

L87 engine failure 4 months after it passed the recall test. Experienced shuddering and rpm fluctuation with the cruise control set. Was thinking torque converter. Got it replaced under warranty and the the issues were still there. A week after new TC the truck was running very rough driving down the road. Check engine light along with a low oil Pressure warning and Lost all engine power going 60mph. Would not re fire. Had to coast to a stop with no headlights on only fog lights. Truck is at dealership now will be needing a new engine. P0016 engine code. The truck was in the shop multiple times for misfire and rpm’s jumping and cruise control turning off on its own.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Transmission · OH

With the cruise set at 55-60 mph the Rpms will jump, along with a slight shudder feeling. Cruise control has turned off a few times due to this. Cruise set at 25mph and would shudder/lunge forward. Torque converter is showing it’s slipping and will need replaced. No check engine lights.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I have had shuddering on the highway and a few hard random diwnshifts. Last week I went to start my truck and the transmission started grinding and rattling. I was told after towing to the dealer it needed a transmission due to pump not getting enough fluid and had failed. I was told I needed to pay, even though the part causing the problem had a extended 150,000 miles and the subsequent pump failure is a result of the control valve failure.

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Engine · 129,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced under warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing excessive oil consumption and required three quarts of oil every 30 days. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally and there was an abnormal metallic sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a service advisor would return the call. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Filed May 31, 2025 · Transmission · GA

Reached the 100,000 mile mark and the truck started shuddering. Took it to the dealership and they tell me the torque converter is coming apart and I need a new transmission.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Transmission · AR

The transmissions in this as well as several other models of GM as well as Ford products with these transmissions are known to have major issues. My particular vehicle has major transmission shipping issues that started right around 90,000 miles or so. It started with a hard shift occasionally and has now progressed to a consistant hard shift, as well as a major shudder issue in the 35-45 mph range as well as the 65-75mph range ( when shifting into applicable gears) this has gotten worse over the last few weeks. These GM/Ford collaboration transmissions have been faulty from their inception and are well known to start malfunctioning in the 80-120,000 mile range. Please recall these transmissions so that consumers are not faced with thousands of dollars in repairs in vehicles that should last well beyond the short life span of the transmissions. I have been quoted 62-6500.00 for a replacement as there is no rebuilding these transmissions according to the mechanics I have consulted...(some have cited part availability issues as a reason). This has been a well reported problem with these vehicles/ transmissions for years now with many complaints and issues about the faulty transmissions. Just google it. I don't understand why theu have yet to be recalled.