Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I own a 2006 GMC Envoy XL. Last May of 2009 I was driving on us state 30 with my children when the driver's side door start smoking vigorously without warning. Just as this happened the vehicle shut down in the middle of the highway while I was driving. I was able to restart the vehicle after a few attempts and remove it from traffic. I then tried to open the drivers door to get out (the handle its self was not smoking) and it would not open. I climbed into the passenger's side and manually opened the door, got out, then removed my children also. This incident was reported to GMC and their answer was that the car shutting off was designed as a safety feature. Explain how this could be safe in my situation? The consumer stated the 4-wheel drive recently failed for the fourth time in disastrous weather conditions. …
Driver had just exited a parking lot onto a main road in the evening. The car was cold, had not been used since the morning. The car failed to take power after slowing down for a light that was red than changed to green. The car was on and in drive, but failed to go further. There was no warning whatsoever. The driver braked and stopped, nearly causing the car behind to rear end the GMC. GMC driver had put flashers on immediately. The car was put in park, turned off, than restarted. The GMC was put into drive, but again would only roll. The driver put the car into gear 3 on the auto trans, than 2. In gear 2, the car moved. The GMC was immediately moved back to its parking spot. A diagnostic shows the transmission has failed. Only 94,500 miles, and the GM transmission is dead. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Envoy XL. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact stopped at a fuel station and proceeded to check all the fluid levels. The contact continued to drive and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact could only operate the vehicle in first and second gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the transmission failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and complaint number: 84441281449 was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 140,395. Consumer stated the vehicle has been repaired with a remanufactured transmission it is a know fact in the automotive industry that GM is aware of the faulty construction of truck trans missions. …
As I was driving in cruise control speed off 55 MPH vehicle begin to make a dragging sound. After stopping and placing vehicle into park and then putting gear back into drive vehicle began to go into reverse mode. I then tried every other gear 1,2,3 drive the vehicle continued to still go into reverse. The car still turns on without a problem but will not move forward when in drive.
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 GMC Envoy XL. The contact stated that the vehicle lost control while driving 25 MPH on a slightly icy roadway. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. The contact also stated that the limited slip differential system failed to engage during the failure. The contact, as well as a passenger suffered minor injuries during the crash. In addition, the driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash suffered minor injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an insurance lot. An authorized dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that they would investigate the vehicle. The failure mileage was 98,630. Updated 01/05/12 updated 01/09/12
Tl contact owns a 2003 GMC Envoy XL. While approximately driving 55mph the vehicle made an excessive noise as if the vehicle shifted out of gear. The the gear shift indicator became inoperative disabling the vehicle from moving. The dealer stated that the transmission failed. They replaced the pump assembly, input drum shaft, perefeet shift, converter, and the ujc. In addition, she smelled a fuel odor when adding fuel into the fuel tank. The mechanic stated there was a leak in the fuel tank. There is a defect investigation for the fuel system, NHTSA action# ea07009. The failure mileage was 98,000 and current mileage was 108,000. The VIN and engine size were unavailable.
2002 GMC Envoy with 31,000 mile experienced transmission failure (no reverse). The dealer said that it was the "sunshell" gear and normally would cost $2300 to repair, but, out of the goodness of their heart they would only charge me a $500 deductible (I assume it is on some type of warranty that they have) plus fluids, so my grand total would only be around $600. On the surface this seemed like a good deal but after a little research it turns out there are many other Envoy and trailblazer owners who have had the same problem. It is clear that there is some sort of defect and appears GM has it covered under some type of warranty and is sticking the consumer with their $500 deductible when they should be paying for the entire repair.
Dt*: the contact stated while exiting the expressway at 45 MPH the vehicle lost all transmission control. The engine revved and the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was put into park however, the vehicle still rolled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. Upon inspection the transfer case and module needed to be replaced. There is a NHTSA recall #01V334000, regarding the transmission and transfer case. The vehicle has the same problem as indicated in the recall however; it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. No repairs have been made.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Envoy XL years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (20), 2003 (18) and 2002 (13) model years. Transmission complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for GMC Envoy XL transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any GMC Envoy XL model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Envoy XL transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (21 mentions), followed by the transfer case (4-wheel drive) (4).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.