GMC Sierra 1500 hesitation problems

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Transmission · NH

Loss of power, shuddering, hesitation upon attempt to accelerate. 8-speed automatic transmission failure, known to GMC at the time of purchase (2017). GM Service Bulletin 39370 dated April 2016.

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine, Steering · 34,000 miles · AK

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle started hesitating, and there was a loss of power that became worse over time. Additionally, the “Service Engine” and “Power Train” warning lights were illuminated. The messages “Loss of Steering Assist - Be Alert” and “Service Parking Brake” were displayed. The following day, the vehicle was driven in LIMP Mode to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that there was an ongoing the federal safety agency investigation associated with the 6.2L engines. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · LA

Service light came on because the brake petal would push back when I tried to start it. At times, I had to push down all the way almost to the floor and then it would start. If I eased up slightly or did not push all the way, the truck would hesitate to start. I brought it in to Courtesy GMC of [XXX]. They found metal debris in oil. The car warranty did not want to replace the entire engine as General Motors' bulletin had stated as a corrective solution. They only wanted to replace the camshaft and rocker arms because [XXX] did not tear down the engine to the point of failure. [XXX] stated that they did. After going back and forth with EasyCare (myself and [XXX]) I authorized the repairs EasyCare suggested. XXX, a Service Brake Assist message came on. I brought it to [XXX]. They rectified the issue. XXX,Truck stalled getting off XXX at light. Truck kept turning on and off. I put it in park and was able to turn in on. As I was driving the truck was rocking back and forth as I pressed the gas pedal. I was able to pull into the Super1 Foods parking lot. Trucked stalled halfway into parking lot. After two attempts to turn off and start truck I was able to pull it up all the way to ensure safety. Texted [XXX] at Courtesy. I called the number he sent and a tow truck from Cliff’s Towing and Recovery, LLC retrieved my truck and brought it to Courtesy GMC in [XXX] where it is currently residing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · WA

My 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 experienced significant transmission problems that began as rough, inconsistent shifting, hesitation, and abnormal transmission behavior before eventually progressing to complete transmission failure. These symptoms were present before the transmission's ultimate failure and while the vehicle was still within its warranty period. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, local dealership service departments faced significant staffing shortages and appointment backlogs, making timely diagnosis and repair extremely difficult. By the time the transmission failed completely, the vehicle had exceeded the warranty's 84-month time limitation but remained substantially below its mileage limitation. Despite the relatively low mileage, the earlier symptoms, and the extraordinary circumstances affecting service availability, General Motors declined to provide warranty or goodwill assistance. I was forced to bear the substantial financial burden of a major transmission failure in a vehicle that had not reached the mileage threshold established under its warranty. I believe this failure warrants investigation because transmission problems involving GM trucks and SUVs from this period have been widely reported by other owners. I am particularly concerned about whether GM was aware of recurring transmission defects, whether affected owners received adequate notification, and whether these failures present a potential safety risk through unexpected loss of propulsion, hesitation, or unpredictable shifting. I request that the federal safety agency review this complaint alongside similar reports involving 2018 GMC Sierra transmissions to determine whether a recurring defect exists and whether further investigation or corrective action is warranted.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Engine · WA

I purchased said vehicle with a little over 76,000 miles on XXX from NW Chevrolet, [XXX]. Dealership service the engine on XXX and remained on their lot until it was sold. While driving home, I smelled gas fumes coming into the cabin and the engine was misfiring causing slight hesitation in motor acceleration while adjusting to speed limits and climbing hills. I told management at the dealership about these issues on XXX. My vehicle is currently in the shop to fix the fuel injection system, spark plugs, grounding issues as of XXX to fix the dealerships mistake costing more out of pocket expense. Management will not do anything about it because it was sold (As Is) without a warranty which I refused to purchase through finance and interest charges on a car loan. I purchased a 4-year warranty through Endurance on XXX with a 30 day wait period before filing a claim. GM is letting their dealerships advertise and sell problem vehicles with known motor issues to consumers while marking up the sale price. Vehicles should never be sold until GM fixes all motor defects before advertising to the consumer. The consumer is at serious financial risk when getting an auto loan paying on a broken vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Fuel system · 700 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power and was a potential safety risk for his wife and children. The message "Shift to Park and Restart Vehicle” was displayed. The vehicle was shifted into park(P) and back into drive(D) as a temporary fix. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 700.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Transmission · IL

I had complained to the dealer less than one year after purchase in may of 2019 that there was a shuddering noise and the transmission hesitates and seems to lock up at times. I was told it was "just how the 8-speed transmission operates". It has contnued throughout ownership and now seems to lose power and vibrates excessively during acceleration.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · NE

My 2022 GMC Sierra started hesitating two weeks ago between the speeds of 17-35 mph. It also hesitates going downhill. When I try to accelerate it hesitates causing a serious safety issue for me driving. I cant trust to move when I need to move across a busy intersection with semi tractor trailers coming at me. I can trust it to tow or haul anything anymore. This is well known and documented problem General Motors has and the company deems it "Normal Operations" which is totally not normal.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 12,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact had experienced several catastrophic failures with the engine and transmission. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning, and lost power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for an engine replacement. On another occasion while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was towed to GMC of Rochester (4646 E Frontage Rd, Rochester, MN 55901), where a second engine failure was diagnosed and the vehicle was repaired under an extended warranty. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the messages "Reduced Engine Power" and "Check Engine" displayed. While attempting to reverse(R) into a driveway, the vehicle became immobile. The vehicle was towed to Red Wing Chevrolet (2500 US-61, Red Wing, MN 55066), and the technician diagnosed the vehicle with total transmission failure. The contact was informed that there was heavy metal debris inside the transmission pan. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was 12,000.

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.