YearToAvoid

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 144 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, 34% of all 429 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 24,000 miles. There is no related recall on file for this issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
144
34% of 429
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
24,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the transmission hesitating or failing to shift out of first or second gear at low speeds, sometimes with a delay of several seconds before engaging.
  • Several drivers describe unintended lurching or surging forward or backward at slow speeds or when coming to a stop, strong enough to feel like being rear-ended.
  • Some complaints mention harsh or clunking 1-2 shifts under light throttle, which one owner says the dealer linked to the 8-speed transmission used across 2015-2017 GM trucks.
  • A few owners report vibration felt through the steering wheel and seat at highway speeds above 65 mph, with dealers telling them it was normal.
  • One complaint describes a transmission cooler return line rubbing against a frame component and developing a hole that leaked fluid while towing.

When 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 15, 2017, latest Sep 18, 2026.

2017 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter102017 Q22018 Q32019 Q42021 Q12022 Q22023 Q42025 Q12026 Q3
144 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q4 (10).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Sierra 1500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20105 (2%)
  2. 201132 (9%)
  3. 20128 (5%)
  4. 20138 (5%)
  5. 201480 (9%)
  6. 2015109 (14%)
  7. 201692 (24%)
  8. 2017144 (34%)
  9. 2018132 (41%)
  10. 2019140 (21%)
  11. 202096 (20%)
  12. 2021136 (24%)
  13. 2022108 (18%)
  14. 202391 (19%)
  15. 202468 (19%)
  16. 202525 (22%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 144 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Sierra 1500, which is 34% of the 429 total complaints filed for the model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500?
No. NHTSA's records show no related recall tied to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Sierra 1500.
At what mileage do 2017 Sierra 1500 transmission problems usually show up?
The median mileage at failure among reported cases is 24,000 miles.
What kind of transmission symptoms do owners report most on the 2017 Sierra 1500?
Owners commonly describe delayed or failed shifts at low speed, sudden lurching or surging, and harsh 1-2 shifts, based on NHTSA complaint narratives.
Did any 2017 Sierra 1500 transmission complaints involve crashes?
Yes, NHTSA data shows 4 crashes tied to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year, with no fires or injuries reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.