2015 gmc sierra 6-speed automatic transmission failure @ 1800 miles. As I was decelerating from approximately 30 MPH to make a turn into a road the transmission downshifted as expected to low gear. As I accelerated the transmission shifted to 2nd normally. At this point the transmission should have shifted into 3rd gear but the tachometer jumped to 3000rpm before I realized that the transmission had shifted into what seemed like neutral. This left me blocking traffic with a truck that would not go over 20 MPH. When I slowed sufficiently the transmission would pick up 2nd gear again. Being close to home I was able to limp home. When I reached home I past my driveway and went to back in as I usually do. The transmission would not pick up reverse! By this time a check engine light came on. I then had to drive about a mile down the road to find a place to make a u turn so I could pull it into my driveway. The truck was towed to the dealership where a mechanic experienced the same problem on a test drive. (he had to push the truck backwards by hand to be able to return to the shop.) currently the transmission has been removed from my brand new truck pending investigation. It has only to gears 1st and 2nd. This is a serious failure that could have happened while merging into traffic on the interstate. Luckily I was on a back road in the middle of winter!
GMC Sierra transmission failure problems
33 of the 3,904 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 1993 model year.
- owner complaints
- 33
- worst model year
- 1993
- typical mileage
- 50,000
By model year
Often reported together
Slipping 2Wipers 1Sudden acceleration 1Won't shift 1Seat belt 1Jerking 1Harsh shifting 1
What owners say
I was traveling home from vacation and about 70 miles an hour in my 2010 gmc sierra and all of a sudden my truck revved up and my transmission went out. I about got hit from behind. I pulled over and there was smoke coming from the hood. I open the hood and there's transmission fluid from the front to the back under the truck. One of the cooling lines rubbed the other and chaffed a hole. Cost me 150 dollars in towing fees. Gm doesn't want to honor their warranty because they removed this part off their warranty in 2009. Trying to cover up their mistake .I called gm priority care and they had the truck towed to beck and masten gm. They are trying to charge me for the repairs when its a defect on gm's part. My question is how many innocent drivers are going to go bankrupt paying for a new transmission when it was gm's mistake in design. Or even worse how many will get killed on the highway. I think I've made my point!
Dear sir or ma'am, I have a 2002 gmc sierra truck that I bought new in 2002. The brakes recently failed completely while my wife was driving on or about september 26, 2014. The brake pedal went to the floor without significant braking action. Fortunately she was able to stop safely and was not involved in an accident. Upon examination, the brake line to the left rear wheel was completely rusted through. I examined the rest of the lines and noticed that the brake lines, the transmission cooler line and the fuel line all show signs of major corrosion, especially along the frame. I have less than 43,000 miles on this truck and it was garage-kept the first nine years I owned it. I live in ky where the roads are only salted a few times a year. The rest of the vehicle is relatively rust free. The truck is unsafe to drive now. Even if I patch the leak, the rest of the lines could fail at any time. I could suffer catastrophic brake failure while towing my boat or horse trailer or simply going down a hill. Furthermore, the fuel lines are under considerable pressure and if they rupture, there could be a very dangerous fire hazard. If the transmission cooler lines rupture, I could have a complete transmission failure. I have read that this is a known issue with chevrolet and gmc trucks for years 1999 to 2003 and that the nthsa has looked into this in the past. If other trucks are in the same condition as mine (and I believe there are), there is a major safety problem on the roads right now. Yet, to date no recall has been issued. I think this is courting disaster. It is my opinion that lines made with inferior steel were used in the construction of this vehicle, yet gm refuses to acknowledge the fact. I urge you to look further into this matter. This is nthsa case number: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Dt*: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions, the transmission locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for inspection. The dealer replaced the transmission; however, the new transmission has the same problem.
Dt: the contact stated the transmission failed while driving. The vehicle would not go into reverse. After getting the vehicle home he had it towed to a transmission shop. They found there was a crack in an internal hub. This caused a loss of oil pressure, and lubrication. They replaced all damaged parts. There have been no problems since.
Dt: caller complained about transmission failure. While pulling away from a stop sign heard a noise and could not get vehicle to move. Finally, got it off the road, but was unable to move forward or backward. Caller said the original owner had the same problem. Manufacturer wanted dealer to evaluate the problem and call them back, and for the caller to pay for repairs. . Dealer had not come seen the vehicle.
Vehicle has a strong jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd and sometimes has a slipping / delayed jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Vehicle was taken to dealership. Valve body was replaced at 30,000 miles. Did not correct the problem. Vehicle taken back. Dealer replaced transmission fluid and added additives. Vehicle started making a popping noise when shifting at 30,100 miles. Dealer advised this was normal. Vehicle would not pull in reverse sometimes and would only shift at high RPM and no overdrive at 34,000 miles. Dealer rebuilt transmission and replaced broken sun shell gear. Vehicle still jerking hard / transmission slipping from 1st to 2nd. Dealer notified. Vehicle still under warrenty. Dealer advised they would have to contact gm for repair sugguestions. 3 months have went by and dealer will not schedule repair of transmission. Transmission now has popping noise when shifting all gears and makes vibration at 55mph to 65 MPH. Transmission still popping, jerking, and slipping from 1st to 2nd.
The windshield is leaking water down into the electrical system. The wiring is shorting out. Also, the linkage has fallen out. You can smell burnt wiring and smoke. The consumer has contacted the dealer several times. The dealer continuously told the consumer that the gentleman was not there that she needed to see. Consumer had someone else look at the vehicle. And was told the vibration from driving had jarred the the pin loose. The blower, heat, and the transmission failed.
We have a 2001 gmc crew cab that we have had for 26 months. Be bought it brand new so we would be less likely to have problems. We have had 3 new transmissions (not including the factory one). It is in the repair shop again because when you put the truck in reverse it dies. Not every time but it happens quite often. It was in the shop before for the same exact problem which resulted in 1 of the 3 new transmissions. Lets hope it doesn't need another one. This is getting old!!!!!!!!!!!
Replaced the transmission 4 times, recall on seats were fixed but bolts keep breaking so I bought new seats of a differnt style and replaced them after a 5 year problem. Paint has been flaking off the truck for appoximately 4 yrs and I cant get the dealer or gm to do anything with this paint problem. They say it is because I am the second owner. The truck was in an accident but the top of the cab and the bed is all that needs painted, and they were not damaged in anyway because of the accident.
Related recalls
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles manufactured November 24, 2014, to November 25, 2014. Due to an improper heat-treatment, the rear axle shaft may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.
- Risk
- If the rear axle shaft fractures, the rear wheel may separate from the axle shaft, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear axles, and replace any that were improperly heat-treated, free of charge. The recall began on December 17,2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet) or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14892.
Recall number 14V819000 · Recall details
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles, and model year 2015 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.
- Risk
- If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will re-program the software in the transfer case control module, free of charge. The recall began in early August 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14192.
Recall number 14V374000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM ) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 series and model year 2015 Suburban and Tahoe; GMC model year 2014 Sierra Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 Series and model year 2015 Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (feature code MYC). The subject vehicles may have a transmission oil cooler line that is not securely seated in the fitting.
- Risk
- If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil cooler line connection and repair the vehicles, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑866‑694‑6546 or GMC owners may contact GMC at 1‑866‑996‑9463. GM's number for this recall is 14121.
Recall number 14V152000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
- Risk
- As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1‑800‑630‑2438. Cadillac owners may call 1‑866‑982‑2339. GMC owners may call 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 13V001000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under certain vehicle starting conditions, the shift lever position indicator located in the instrument panel cluster may not illuminate. If the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver may not know which gear the vehicle is in.
- Risk
- The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V055000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Some pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles equipped with a hydraulic pump driveshaft that can fracture, resulting in immediate loss of hydraulic power steering assist. On certain vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, the same condition can result in loss of power assist for braking after the reserve pressure is depleted.
- Risk
- An inoperative pump can cause increased steering effort, and in hydro-boost equipped vehicles also increased braking effort, but does not completely eliminate the ability to steer or slow the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hydraulic pump. The campaign began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V005000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light may not illuminate.
- Risk
- The vehicle can move unintentionally if the driver does not notice that the indicator light is not on and does not apply the parking brake.
- Remedy
- Dealers will adjust the shift cable and install a lock clip.
Recall number 95V139000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
- What is wrong
- Due to a thin case casting, an external transmission leak can occur.
- Risk
- This condition can cause transmission oil to sprayonto the exhaust system and result in a possible vehicle fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the transmission case assembly for the involved case casting. If the assembly is involved, the transmission will be replaced.
Recall number 95V026000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Sierra transmission failure
Which GMC Sierra years have complete transmission failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1993 (5 complaints), 1997 (5 complaints) and 1998 (4 complaints).
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