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GMC Sierra 2500 jerking problems

20 of the 1,841 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra 2500 describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2001 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
2001
typical mileage
114,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    3
  • 2021
    3
  • 2020
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2009
    2
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2001
    3
  • 1999
    1

What owners say

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · ME

driving down the road going to and intersection the dash says I received a Service ESC message followed by a Reduced Acceleration warning on the center display. I also had the forward collision, traction control and check engine lights come on. I also noticed the shudder/jerk. The truck is giving a P060C code and when i was driving it dies in the intersection of the road and will not start back up. puts the computer in a safety mode. I have call my local GM dealer and they did not fix it and it happen twice. I the truck dies in the middle of the road and no way to start's it and if a big rig crashes in to the truck some one or more than one will be hurt or killed

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Brakes · MI

2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6L gas 6 speed automatic transmission W/4wd After a brake service job the vehicle will randomly kick on the traction control/ABS and the right front brake will lock up. The steering wheel jerk is violent enough to remove the wheel from the drivers hands. No Traction control or ABS lights flash on the dash when this occurs and it has caused the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic and also off the road. The dealer was unable to recreate the issue nor are there any stored codes/issues found when having the truck diagnosed. ABS and speed sensor wires have been reviewed and none were damaged during the brake job. All wheel speed sensors are functional and reading when the issue happens. This issue happens during dry or wet conditions and is random without warning.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Transmission · GA

While driving the vehicle, I entered onto the interstate, as I accelerated into the flow of traffic, (approximately 45-50 mph) my truck suddenly and unexpectedly jerked and “clunked” extremely hard, I thought I had ran over a large object, approximately 5 seconds later it jerked and “popped” loudly. At that time the reduced engine power and check engine light came on causing my vehicle to suddenly slow down to 20 mph and almost being rear ended by a tractor trailer truck traveling the speed limit that had to hit his brakes e trebly hard to avoid a rear end collision. After removing my truck from the flow of traffic, I turned it off, exited the vehicle to see if I had ran over something, I did not. Cranked it up, no signs on the dash, as I started back to the travel lanes, it “surged & jerked” the reduced power and check engine light came back on. Once I got the truck to the dealership, the service manager informed me he knew exactly what it was, the transmission valve body was no longer good. He also informed me that my truck was now number 28 in line just at that dealership for the same issue and repair, then added that GM is out of stock on the parts and back order status.

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Transmission · AZ

As I was driving on a paved public road, my truck shifted up/down multiple times on it's own in quick succession, then jerked the truck forward. The check engine light came on and the driver information center displayed 'Engine power reduced'. I had to return to my home which was closer than a dealer for service. I'm fortunate that this didn't happen while towing as I regularly do or while I'm on the freeway which I use several times a week. There was no warning that this was going to happen (e.g., no indicator lights or messages or even strange behavior from the vehicle). The GMC dealer confirmed the valve body in the transmission needs to be replaced and the part is on backorder with no ETA.

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 114,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the transmission jerked. The contact stated that the transmission was skipping gear while shifting. The check engine warning light turned on and off. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Dec 19, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 134,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving 40-55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated while pulling into a nearby independent mechanic shop, the vehicle started jerking significantly and stalled midway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer and several unknown dealers were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the transmission assembly was not available and could not be ordered. The vehicle was towed to CJ's Transmission, where the transmission was taken apart. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired with a rebuilt transmission. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered a modest monetary compensation for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Sep 9, 2024 · Transmission · MI

2023 GMC Sierra Duramax Diesel with 10 speed Allison Transmission with 28,000 miles can't be driven. Currently at the dealership due to a transmission valve body problem, codes P0700 & P0747. While driving I felt a hard shift and the truck jerk. The engine light came on and my truck went into low power mode. Let it sit over night and truck would shift fine. This happened 3 times over a 1 month period. After getting to the Chevy dealer they told me the issue is with he valve body and said they have been having multiple trucks come in with the same problem. They have a truck in there since May (4 months!) They told me there is no ETA for the part. I've read this is a common issue happening on 2023 & 2024 trucks like mine. I've read that the problems have been going on for over 1 year. This is ridiculous for a $90,000.00 truck. GM should be putting new transmissions in them or buying the trucks back. I'm considering contacting an attorney to inquire about the lemon law or what other avenues I can take regarding getting the truck fixed, and fixed properly.

Filed Aug 26, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 104,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk and vibrate abnormally. The contact stated that the "Engine Power Reduced" warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway and placed the vehicle in park(P). The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle was vibrating. The contact stated that the steering wheel was also vibrating abnormally. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the injector connection was worn, causing the engine to misfire, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 23-NA-027 Fuel Injectors (Fuel System, Diesel). The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Aug 19, 2024 · Transmission · UT

The transmission started lurching and surging power while driving

Filed Aug 24, 2023 · Electrical, Suspension · TX

I was driving 75 mph in traffic when my steering wheel jerked hard and the truck made a loud noise from underneath. Lights on dash engine light and traction light on. Dash read out said service stabilitrak and service traction control. I could have been hit from behind. The truck was stuck in 3rd gear. Would not go but under 30 mph. This all happened [XXX]. My dad had stroke, I wasn't able to assist him because of this failure. Had truck taken by wrecker to dealership. Told me it was failed Transmission control module, which are and have been on backorder order since summer of 2022 globally. I drove back home and sent TCM to be repaired. 1286.00 dealership charged me 146.00 wrecker was 125.00. This is the 2nd time this truck has endangered my life. 1st time it was the 1st injector that put it into limp mode. These trucks with the limp mode, are going to get some one killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: control module: softwareReported February 12, 2026 · 1,055 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500, 3500, and 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have been repaired incorrectly under recall 24V797. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up.
Risk
Rear wheel lock up increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and update the transmission control software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N252516560. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on February 12, 2026.

Recall number 26V083000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported October 24, 2024 · 463,295 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

Recall number 24V797000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Sierra 2500 jerking

Which GMC Sierra 2500 years have jerking or lurching problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2001 (3 complaints), 2021 (3 complaints) and 2023 (3 complaints).

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