GMC Sierra 1500 GMC Sierra 1500

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GMC Sierra 1500 repairs by problem area

Engine (26%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (14%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 716 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the GMC Sierra 1500.

GMC Sierra 1500 transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (10%)

$1000 - $2499 (5%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (26%)

< $100 (51%)

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Chart based on 82 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2018 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD

22000 mi Hard abrupt shift when cold starting on very light acceleration 

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2017 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 6.5ft bed

420-horsepower 6.2L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

6000 mi Automatic 8 speed trans hard shifting from 1st to 2nd and 3rd to 2nd gears under light throttle. Reprogram of trans control and other modules. 

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2017 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

420-horsepower 6.2L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

3000 mi Hard shifting when cold from first to second gear 

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2017 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

105000 mi

US $4500
3rd selonoid clogged. Transmission needed to be replaced. 
13000 mi Not shifting properly, jerking, sluggish 

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2016 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

20000 mi Transmission was shuddering at highway speeds under light throttle application. The dealer seemed to know of this problem. The transmission fluid was drained and flushed, the filter changed, and a new transmission fluid added. Was told to drive for 300 miles and if problem returns, I would need a new torque converter. The truck is fine so far (but I have only had it back from the dealer 2 days). 
28000 mi Transmission vibration has returned. Dealer updated software. 

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2016 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic RWD

15300 mi Occasional clunky shifts between 1st and 2nd. Reprogram transmission. 
32000 mi Vehicle felt like you were driving across a washboard - truck would shake and steering wheel shimmy. Torque converter was going bad. Repairs covered under warranty. 

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2016 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

19000 mi Installed new torque converter to correct issues with shifting and surging 

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2015 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

4300 mi vehicle locked in 4WD, would not shift out. Software problem and easily fixed. 

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2015 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 6.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

114000 mi front differential replaced due to bad pinion bearing 

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2015 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

420-horsepower 6.2L V8 8-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

6000 mi Very Rough Shifting - especially low-speed downshifts. Software was re-programmed per TSB. Continued rough drivetrain operation. Transfer case re-programmed per TSB. 
11000 mi Transmission exhibited very rough, clunky, and sometimes violent shifting at lower speeds and light throttle applications on an intermittent basis. Dealer performed transmission reprogramming per TSB. 
7000 mi Performed campaign related to transmission torque converter lock up and transverse case shift 
12700 mi Updated TCM with revised programming. 

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2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

46000 mi Very Hard upshifts. Replaced a part of the transmission. 

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2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

420-horsepower 6.2L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

20000 mi transmission constantly slipped between 2-3 gear change. Terrible drive-train knock at low speeds. Transmission never new what gear to be in. 35mph and it would be in 6th gear. 

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2014 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

355-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

14500 mi Transmission clunks 
49600 mi

C $100
Truck would not go into 4X4, dealer had to reprogram computer 
17600 mi Clunk when leaving from stop 

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2013 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

35000 mi Often trans would fail to power rest end while in gear. Felt like neutral while in gear. Lots of gas would overcome issue. 
35000 mi Clunk from rear end during first shift of day while cold. Dealer reported normal no issue. 

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2012 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

74000 mi TCM replaced, 3,4,5 clutch pack and drum replaced 
95000 mi Transmission adapts reset 

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2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

130988 mi

US $2440
torque converter replaced,front half of transmission replaced.transmission overhauled 

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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

367-horsepower 6.0L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

31000 mi

US $375
replace leaking transmission cooler lines 

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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

36300 mi leaking axle seal on front differental 
77500 mi

US $300
both axle seals replaced on front diff. one warranty from about 3 months ago. 

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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

367-horsepower 6.0L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

24000 mi

US $540
leaking transmission cooling hose 

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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range

62000 mi Output shaft seal leaking 

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2009 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

295-horsepower 4.8L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

62000 mi

US $5000
Transmission died at 63,000 miles 

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2008 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

50500 mi Front Diff Bearing Failure 
100000 mi

US $375
Front differential noise 40 - 50 mph. Update: It later became less pronounced and never caused an issue. 
10 mi

US $6600
Lub Front & rear Diff. Transfer & Trans. Trans cooling lines, Tires & Rims. 

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2008 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

142600 mi

C $800
Rear axle seals (leaking), rear differential cover gasket. 

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2008 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

116800 mi

US $350
Right front axle boot was torn and needed replacing. The left axle seal was leaking and needed to be replaced. Right seal was replaced as well just to be sure. 

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2008 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 8ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

78000 mi Replaced rear u joint 

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2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

105000 mi

US $318
leaking front axle seals both 
77000 mi

US $701
Service 4-Wheel Drive light came on, would not shift out of 4WD. Scan found code B272508 (Mode Switch signal). Transfer case switch on dash had internal fault and was replaced. 

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2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

367-horsepower 6.0L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

17360 mi Transmission slips sometimes, clunks others, but normally works great 
5000 mi Software update for PCM/TCM and a lubrication of the slip-yolk. This was to fix rough transmission shifting when slowing to a stop. 

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2007 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

315-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

6500 mi Transmission leak, fixed once and needs to be fixed again. leak around transmission repaired took a few days to complete 

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

345-horsepower 6.0L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

170000 mi

US $35
transmission automatically shifts down while going down the road it is also a hybrid 

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

295-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

99500 mi

C $229
Towing, complete overhaul and rebuilding of transmission. I had a $90.00 deductible and had to pay for new fluid plus taxes. 
101560 mi the 4X would not unlock one rainy day. Gave a system service warning about the Had to shut off truck and then it would return to 2X.Could not repeat 4X problem and the system errors disappeared. 
102920 mi Front Differential Had a broken tooth replaced all the inside gears. I believe this was old problem.Once in a while it would bind up when going very slow 4x4 when parking. Also replace the ends of 3 trans hoses. I paid $438 war 1504 1940.00 

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 5.5ft bed

295-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

40300 mi Transmission locked up. Truck towed to dealer. Service manager found transmission locked up. Later that day a mechanic found nothing wrong with it and it has been working well ever since. (Could be an intermitant relay or modulator!?). 

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

345-horsepower 6.0L V8 4-speed automatic AWD

35561 mi Transmission front pump seal leaking. Replaced seal. Homelink transmitter will not hold code for longer than a month. Replaced transmitter. 
33000 mi Rebuilt front differential due to gear "whine". 
37523 mi Vibration in front driveline and growling noise. Rebuilt front differential. Scraping noise heard when applying brakes. Unable to duplicate. 
40309 mi Front pinion seal leaking. replaced seal. Scraping noise heard when braking. Found fuel line contacting firewall. 

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

345-horsepower 6.0L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

37200 mi Pump seal leaking. Replaced seal. Leaking transmission cooler lines. 
55800 mi

C $450
Front axle seal leaking slightly. Replaced both side seals. 

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

310-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

9400 mi Steering Input shaft regrease/replacement 

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

295-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

117000 mi

US $1976
Spun a main bearing which fell threw to the back of the transmission eating all the gears except reverse. 

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2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

310-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

19025 mi right front axle seal leaking and transfer case malfunctioning, wouldn't shift gears. dealer replaced the encoder motor under warranty 
113000 mi

US $2500
Intermittent "Service 4WD" light and no ability to select 4WD on the dash panel. I was told by another repair mechanic that there was a leak in the front right CV Boot. 

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2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

295-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

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2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

345-horsepower 6.0L V8 4-speed automatic AWD

103000 mi

US $90
transfer case driveshaft seals front and back 

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2005 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Crew Cab 5.5ft bed

295-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

136900 mi

US $245
4 wheel drive encoder motor on transfer case replaced. 2nd repair of this item on this truck. 1st was at 88 K miles, second 142K miles 

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2004 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

295-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

40000 mi

US $100
New intermediate steering shaft to fix steering clunk 
89000 mi

US $500
4x4 transfer case had a hole in the housing, caused by broken anti-rattle clip that allowed the steel pump to rub against the softer magnesium housing. Well-known problem that affects higher mileage non-HD GMT-800 trucks. 
106000 mi

US $5
Problem with 4x4 transfer case pump rubbing a hole in the external housing re-appeared. It wore through the JB Weld patch after about 11 months. Re-applied JB Weld. Will have to replace pump and get new half of the t-case housing next time it happens.  
128000 mi

US $10
4x4 Transfer case pump wore another hole in the housing. Patched with JB Weld, ordered new rear case half and a part that will prevent the problem from happening again for install in the next couple weeks. 
135000 mi

US $450
Installed parts to fix transfer case pump rub issue. 
213500 mi

US $187
Service 4x4 warning message. I have put off for 2 years by keeping transfer case in Auto. Message was only displayed in 2wd mode. Problem is well known encoder motor sensor in the transfer case. I replaced the entire encoder motor. 
227800 mi

US $900
Front differential seals leaking and actuator leakng. 
302000 mi

US $350
Right rear axle seal leaking 

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2004 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

285-horsepower 4.8L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

80000 mi

US $100
Front axle seals leaking. 

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2004 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 6.5ft bed

295-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

62000 mi

US $3700
Complete transmission overhaul 

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2002 GMC Sierra 1500

Engine not specified

163240 mi Front axle seal replaced 
168800 mi Transfer case replaced 

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2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

325-horsepower 6.0L V8 4-speed automatic AWD

166500 mi

US $15000
Sun shell stripped out. Transmission rebuilt. 

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2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

285-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

202000 mi 4 wheel drive would not engage, due to a loose ground wire under driverside of Truck 

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2002 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

275-horsepower 4.8L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

108000 mi

US $1400
Removed transmission, disassembled and found stripped reaction shell. Replaced reaction shell with "updated" kit. Reassembled and reinstalled tranny. 

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2001 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

285-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic RWD

68200 mi

C $350
Tow haul mode failed. Wire in gear shift broke. Replace gear shift lever 

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2001 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

285-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

159000 mi

US $2600
Original transmission lost 2nd and 4th gears. Replaced with OEM rebuilt transmission. 
181200 mi

US $350
Differential seal leak needed to be replaced. 
123000 mi

US $250
U Joint replacement 

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2001 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 6.5ft bed

200-horsepower 4.3L V6 4-speed automatic RWD

96720 mi

C $460
Transmission lines were rusted and leaking fluid. 
122140 mi

C $300
Transmission cooling radiator didn't work. 
123380 mi

C $225
Rear CV Joint 

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2000 GMC Sierra 1500 4dr Extended Cab 6.5ft bed

285-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

290000 mi

US $300
Hard shifting, so drained and replaced filter on transmission. 
127000 mi

US $950
Complete Rear end needed replacing. Thought it was just carrier bearing, but was not. 

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2000 GMC Sierra 1500 2dr Regular Cab 6.5ft bed

285-horsepower 5.3L V8 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range

51500 mi Replaced all 4 u joints, they were making noise, especially the rear shaft rear joint. 

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1999 GMC Sierra 1500

Engine not specified

177700 mi replaced RF axle, replaced both rear seals. 
75000 mi Yoke still kicking when coming to a stop replaced under drive train warranty. Still kicks. 

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1999 GMC Sierra 1500

8-cylinder automatic AWD

127000 mi

US $2600
Had Transmission rebuilt due to a previous loose and failed cooler hose. Drove with slight slippage for over a year and finally had it fixed. Trans was rebuilt as I plan to keep truck for a long time. 

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GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission Problems

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