2017 GMC Sierra 1500
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 429 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Sierra 1500 model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 20 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/window, curtain, inflatorSep 24, 2026
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, GMC Sierra 2500/3500 vehicles, and 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The left-side or right-side roof rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
A detached end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape and project the end cap or fragments of the inflator into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace both RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262569920. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 24, 2026.
Campaign 26V611000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringOct 24, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Campaign 19V761000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, power assist, vacuumSep 6, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Campaign 19V645000 on NHTSA.gov
Child seat, tether, connector/clipAug 3, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks. The owner's manual for the affected vehicles may be missing instructions on how to use the tether anchorage and child restraint anchorage systems. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
If the instructions are missing from the owner's manual, the child seat may be installed incorrectly and not be properly secured, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will provide a corrected insert for the owners manual, free of charge. The recall began on September 25, 2017. 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 17307.
Campaign 17V487000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 10, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Campaign 17V437000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalSep 8, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Campaign 16V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
144 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Sep 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH to 50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and made a shuddering sound while shifting between gears. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine lifters and camshaft were previously replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The traction control warning light was intermittently illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to a dealer to determine whether the failures were associated with a recall for coverage consideration. The contact stated that a coworker's vehicle experienced an identical transmission failure, and a transmission specialist diagnosed that issue as a torque converter failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Engine, Sep 11, 2026
The catastrophic power failure with no warning on my 2017 GMC Sierra, at 87450 miles completely contaminated the engine oil cooling lines with metallic debris and fractured structural mounts. The servicing dealership replaced the transmission but is refusing to remediate the engine line contamination without out-of pocket payment. The vehicle cannot be safely operated without causing terminal engine failure on the highway, creating a imminent mechanical and traffic safety hazard.
Power train, Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, failed to accelerate, and stalled. The vehicle was unable to shift into third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a wiring harness failure on the transmission. The vehicle was repaired based on the diagnostic test but failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was parked at the residence and was undrivable. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 4, 2026
check engine light and traction control light on. vehicle undriveable. took to dealer code P0304 lifters need to be replaced
Power train, Jan 25, 2026
My vehicle has lurched forward upon the first engine start of the day, under no throttle, on several occasions, throughout the life of my vehicle. Shortly after starting my 6.2 engine in my garage, if I shift my 8L90 transmission into Drive as soon as the engine RPMs settle to idle, the vehicle will lurch forward, screeching the tires. Luckily, I had my foot on the brake hard enough such that no one was injured. The harsh transmission shift into drive is dangerous, possible injuring passengers or my garage door. I've learned that if I wait 5 to 10 seconds, allowing the engine to idle (while the transmission oil becomes pressurized ??), then the shift into drive is normal, without any lurch.
Power train, Jan 25, 2026
After 38,000 miles and 8 years of normal service (mix of city, highway, and 10% towing), my 8L90 transmission began to shudder occasionally. The problem first became apparent when driving slightly uphill, on cruise control at about 50 mph, or while slightly accelerating on a flat road, with no load in the box, and no trailer. It felt like I was driving across a rough patch of asphalt or rumble strips. Every half mile or so, it would shudder. Slowing down or speeding up stopped the rumble. The problem proved not to be caused by tires, U-joints, or AFM. The problem in fact was caused by defective GM transmission fluid, which was sold as "sealed for life", and rated for 200,000 miles, as factory-installed. That proved to be BS. If not repaired, this problem would lead to transmission lockup and/or lack of propulsion, which could contribute to a vehicle crash. The problem was solved by installing AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, Product Code: ATLTP-CA. If GM properly cared for their customers, to make up for false advertising at the time of purchase, GM should publish and pay for GM Service Bulletin #20-NA-142, for all 8L90 owners, instructing owners to replace their transmission fluid every 5 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Power train, Engine, Dec 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and slammed into the intended gear. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had persisted, and the vehicle had failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the drive was rough, and there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the engine misfired. The vehicle was taken to several unknown locations for diagnostic tests, and it was confirmed that the transmission and the engine had failed. The contact was informed that metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was provided with the manufacturer's TSB Number: 20-NA-138; however, the vehicle was not covered. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the manufacturer was unable to locate the Warranty Administration Service Bulletin. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Dec 3, 2025
Transmission Hard shifts 1-2 or 2-3 Delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse Shudder at 30–60 mph Slipping under light throttle Clunk when stopping The risk I've described to the dealer is that the hard shifts at stop and go in heavy traffic situations could cause and accident. Yes the issue has been confirmed at the dealer and they replaced the transmission. That did not resolve the issue. It has not been inspected. No warnings.
Power train, Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the RPM increased quickly. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact drove the vehicle across a four-lane highway to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the transmission had seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 128,177.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Oct 17, 2025
Driving in town going 20mph and the truck shut down not allowing for braking or gas and the steering locked up. Placed the vehicle in neutral, shut the truck off and turned it back. Was able to continue driving. Attempted to have the dealership we bought it from run a diagnostic and the battery was replaced but it continues to shut down at random times. Took the truck to a local auto shop after this happened again, another diagnostic was run, I am waiting the report to confirm what was done.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Engine, Sep 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed and the engine revved; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a local dealer and failed to exceed 10 MPH. The dealer was able to diagnose the vehicle and determined that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating and stalled. The contact stated that again, there were no warning lights. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle back to the same dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the fuel injectors failed, and the contact had taken the vehicle to a different dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was difficult to depress. The contact allowed the vehicle to coast and was able to pull off the road. The contact slowed down to approximately 2 MPH and was able to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to reset the braking functionality. The contact was out of town and took the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Aug 20, 2025
In November 2023, my lifters collapsed and I had multiple bent pushrods on my vehicle due to the active fuel management system, leading me to become stalled in my vehicle on the middle of the road with no way of getting off the roadway safely. I have had multiple issues with this vehicle, and know many other who have as well. I had been compliant with all routine and preventative maintenance to this point, and I know that this will lead to injuries or fatalities due to these issues that GM is aware of, yet will not do anything to rectify the situation.
Power train, Aug 11, 2025
Driving on highway at 70mph loss of power. Transmision slipping and vehicle rapidly lost speed creating a very hazardous situation. Was able to barley get of highway safely going down to 40mph. Vehicle went into limp mode.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 8, 2025
To whom this may concern, This gmc truck with the 6.2 has had constant engine issues regarding the lifters failure causing the engine to destroy itself internally I’ve had to get it repaired every 3 Months on average there’s also a class action lawsuit that applies only to the 2025-2020 years however they are the exact same engine in the 2017. The transmission is not in sync with the motor having a late take off or sounds like the gears are grinding between shifting
Suspension, Power train, Engine, Jul 27, 2025
i have 2017 gmc sierra 1500 6.2l engine i have maintain my service on this vehicle and now facing a complete engine failure due to the poor design of the engine by gmc. i have spoken with alot people and dealer mechnics and they all agree gmc and chvrolet know that this is a bad design but refuse to acept responsiblity for it. there are tousands of people with this same issue we cant fight this on our own we need your help please.
Power train, Apr 21, 2025
I had to replace my transmission at 71902 miles. I complained to Flow GMC dealership over seven times about the Vibration , jerking, shaking and shuddering. Most of the time when I carried they said they can not duplicate the problem. On Feb. 05, 2025 I was driving and stopped at a stop light when I pulled off the vehicle started vibrating, shaking and had a hard jerk. I thought someone had ran in the back of me but that was not the case . I had it pulled in to Flow GMC they checked it out and said the transmission need to be replaced. I had it replaced at the dealership. I had to pay $7782 to get a new transmission. I read were they being are all on some GMC models. I want to know why the 2017 GMC has not been recalled.
Power train, Apr 18, 2025
When shifting down to a low gear at an abrupt stop the transmission will hit hard causing vehicle to brake harder and has almost gotten in accidents because it seems to push itself a bit.
Power train, Apr 10, 2025
Original issue started at about 60K miles regarding hard shifts and clunking with acceleration with my 2017 Sierra 6 speed transmission. I had it inspected by the dealer when I purchased it, told it was normal for this model. Had it inspected by independent shops, told that this is a known issue, but not fixable without a new transmission. At 90K miles, began experiencing a whining sound while idling. Told it is in the torque converter/transmission housing but I could not afford the thousands of dollars for replacement/inspection. I had the transmission fluid serviced and changed as recommended with the dextran ATF that GM recommends in the manual both at 60K miles, and again at 100K miles as recommended. I also drive the vehicle reasonably, yet still at 130K miles had the transmission and converter fail. With no warning, no check engine lights or vehicle codes. Even after I lost 5th and 6th gear, there were no warnings or alert in my truck and despite the transmission giving out while on the highway. I feel this is a huge safety concern with both GM torque converter and transmission issues being known, as well as my vehicle not giving any warnings before, during, or after my transmission failing. I have had the warning lights checked as well, I’m told they are fully functioning when tested, so for some reason there seems to be an inherent issue with the truck’s warning system.
Power train, Mar 31, 2025
The lifters failed on one side and the dealer replaced only that side under warranty. I paid over 64k for this veh and I am scared the other side will fail while driving.
Power train, Feb 11, 2025
I see you are investigating GM on their 2019 to newer vehicles with the v-8 motors over the active fuel management stuff causing motors to blow, I’ve got a 2017 gmc with 5.3 with 30,000 miles and have issues with it over that mess. Just wondering why vehicles back to 2015 aren’t included in it that have that active fuel management stuff that are having problems? Thanks
Power train, Feb 3, 2025
Transmission went out as I was pulling into traffic, no warning lights on dash and no issues until this incident and had it towed to the dealership where I was told it would be $6600 to replace the transmission and that it was completely in operable. My truck is a 2017 with 53816 actual miles. Called gm company and they will not help with repairs at all.
Power train, Engine, Jan 30, 2025
Diving my 2017 GMC SIERRA 1500 down the road and all of a sudden it had a big bang in motor,luckily only going 35 miles an hour. Had a slight tick in engine which I had gotten after most recent service visit, and had scheduled to take back to dealer. When I had checked it with a scanner, it only showed a P0700/P0711 code which was for transmission, otherwise no other lights or codes until that day when check engine light came on. Immediately stopped driving and pulled in parking lot and had car towed to dealer that day, [XXX]. They had called me back on [XXX], and said that they had to go further into engine for diagnosis, for extra charges. They called back next day and said that there was a camshaft failure that led to bent rod and metal in engine. Only fix was to replace engine. I then went and talked to them about cost and cause of failure, which is what I previously have stated. I then put in a call to GMC CUSTOMER CARE about the issue, and what they could do to help with issue, because no engine should fail with that few miles on it. Stated also that I had bought vehicle used with factory warranty still on it , and had all service since done at a GMC DEALERSHIP, and that they had all my records. And also, that the previous owner more than likely had all service done at a GMC dealership since it was all under warranty at the time. My service request with them is number [XXX]. My basis is on TSB Bulletin No: 20-NA-142 and Bulletin No: 15-06-01-002M . Which shows that GMC Corporation was aware of issues. At moment I am awaiting response from GMC. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jan 27, 2025
I have been experiencing trasmission problems. The vehicle jerks, shutters and makes numerous thumping sounds during acceleration as well as at certain constant speeds. It frequently make a lound clunking sound when first put in drive and beginning to move. On January 16, 2025, I took the truck to Rubideaux GMC, 351 W Dalton Ave, Hayden ID 83835, for inspection. I was told that the torque converter "was shot" and that the transmission fluid was scorched and there metal shavings in the transmission filter. The service manager informed me that I needed a new transmission at a cost of $7,000. the dealer told me that they will have to find a remanufactured replacement which by their description are in short supply. I went to an independent shop in the area and was quoted a similar price. The employee also advised me of a class action law suite that was in process for 2016-2020 GM trucks and SUV's and passenger cars equipped with the model 8L transmission with the same problem. Several suits are under way including, [XXX] et al v GM, I find this situation especially concerning given the very gentle treatment Ive given this vehicle since I purchased it new. The truck only has 63,000 miles on it and I have never towed anything with this vehicle nor carried any load of more than a couple oh hundred pounds in the bed of the truck. What component failed? Transmission. The transmission is still in the truck pending available replacement. How was your safety put at risk? The transmission could fail while driving causing a lack of vehicle control. Has the problem been reproduced by a dealer? Yes it was confirmed by the dealership listed above. Has vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance? It has been inspected by a licensed GMC dealer. Where there any warning lamps, messages or other symptons.....? No INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the RPM increased, and the drive signal flashed on and off. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module (TCM) failure. The contact was informed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact requested a second opinion from another independent mechanic, and it was confirmed as a transmission control module (TCM) failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
Power train, Dec 28, 2024
Shifting 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 1st is very hard and jolting. It hesitates and doesn't go immediately which could cause an accident.