2015 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission Started Shuddering, it would slip occasionally and slipped badly when i was driving in rush hour traffic in the middle of a left turn. had no power for several seconds then it finally reengaged. The shuddering got worse and worse to the point i took it to a transmission shop to look at it and they said i needed a replacement transmission unit. I did get a replacement unit, the whole process was extremely unpleasant. The previous unit was sent as a core to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11766154 · source
2. Filed Aug 6, 2026NETransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE has the 6L80 transmission. While traveling on the interstate with my fiancé, the transmission failed. It was towed to a garage and they informed me that it needed to be replaced.

   NHTSA complaint #11755314 · source
3. Filed May 26, 2026RIElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   For no apparent reason the truck goes into “low power mode” and gives off code p2138 often happens around 30-35 mph. Have had it happen to me also around 45 mph also. I have replaced sensors and parts to which a month or so goes by and it happens again.

   NHTSA complaint #11740204 · source
4. Filed Feb 18, 2026WATransmission & Drivetrain

   During day to day driving when the truck is accelerating from a stopped position there's a massive clunk or hard shift from either 1st to 2nd gear. have also heard similar complaints from other 2015 sierra 1500 owners saying the transmission is having a hard shift on acceleration from a stop. Have seen possible issues with the TCCM

   NHTSA complaint #11718679 · source
5. Filed Feb 10, 2026225,740 miLATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and attempting to shift into reverse(R), Drive(D) or park(P), the gear shifter was stuck, and the contact had to go underneath the vehicle to move the shifter cable into the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper and lower shifter cables were replaced. The contact stated that upon returning to the residence and attempting to park the vehicle,…

   NHTSA complaint #11717007 · source
6. Filed Oct 15, 2025WVTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission failed at 110k miles roughly. Safety was put at risk due to this happening on a highway. Yes, transmissiom was replaced by a local repair shop, the means of failure was identical to thousands of vehicles in this model year failing prematurely. No it wasnt inspected by the dealer. No there was no warning light, we were going up a hill and it failed.

   NHTSA complaint #11693701 · source
7. Filed Aug 20, 2025MIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have owned 4 of these trucks in my lifetime ranging from 2007-2015 all equipped with the same drivetrain. 5.3l engine and 6l80 transmissions. All have had the same failures. The engine afm system particularly the lifters fail which in turn destroys the camshaft and destroys the engine. More importantly the transmission torque converter fails sending debris through the whole system causing a sudden loss of drive. This happened while driving down the road and was a safety…

   NHTSA complaint #11681851 · source
8. Filed Jun 26, 2025ALTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am writing to formally submit a serious safety complaint regarding the transmission in my vehicle, which nearly caused a life-threatening accident while driving under normal conditions. While traveling on a two-lane rural highway, I was attempting to climb a steep hill when the transmission suddenly began to slip. My vehicle lost power mid-ascent, despite steady pressure on the gas pedal. The RPMs shot up erratically, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. As I began to…

   NHTSA complaint #11669445 · source
9. Filed Jun 20, 2025ALDriver Assistance & Safety TechTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am reporting a critical issue with the transmission. The transmission frequently slips, hesitates, and jerks unexpectedly during acceleration and gear shifts. On multiple occasions, the vehicle has lost power or failed to respond while entering intersections, merging onto highways, or attempting to accelerate—posing a serious safety risk. The issue often occurs without warning and has worsened over time. Additionally, there are instances of harsh downshifting, delayed…

   NHTSA complaint #11668221 · source
10. Filed Apr 30, 2025GATransmission & Drivetrain

    A valve spring broke while going around 40 mph. Was not accelerating when it happened. Destroyed the piston, head and cracked the block. Once apart found the AFM lifter had started to wipe a lobe on the cam. Engine shut off after running real rough luckily my son was able to pull over. Truck had regular service and taken good care of. My favorite truck I have ever had. Had 137,000 miles on the odometer. This could have ended badly.

    NHTSA complaint #11657986 · source
11. Filed Apr 18, 2025144,000 miMNTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was difficult to shift into gear, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11655406 · source
12. Filed Mar 17, 2025MITransmission & Drivetrain

    I believe the torque converter failed and resulted in the transmission starting to fail. It still goes down the road but shudders when slowly gaining speed

    NHTSA complaint #11648765 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology