Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
11/2022 shift cable separated from shift lever; preventing ability to put vehicle Into park. Retaining clip deteriorated allowing separation. Fortunately it happened when leaving parking garage and not moving fast. Was able to refasten using zip-tie until new retaining clip arrived at auto parts store.
Vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure characterized by a percussive "shotgun blast" noise from the rear chassis, followed by an immediate, total loss of braking power (pedal to the floor) and a violent loss of directional stability. This incident represents an aggravated safety failure of known GMT900 platform defects. The technical chain of causality began with the factory exhaust manifold fasteners suffering a metallurgical shear, a universal defect documented under GM Bulletins 19-NA-218, PIP5075, and PIP4701. This shear created a high-velocity, high-heat exhaust leak directed at the brake master cylinder and vacuum assembly. …
I was driving my 2011 GMC on a highway in massachusetts when the transmission decided to fail. My rear wheels locked up and was caused to turn sideways on a highway. My truck was hit by four other vechicles. Well the truck got fixed. The transmission was replaced 3 times! With all the same failures. GM needs to check into there transmittions before it could kill someone. 3 times its been replaced and all 3 times my rear wheels have locked up. Why? You guys need to fix this issue...
While driving on highway check engine light came on and lost power. Also started to hear tapping coming from engine. Had it checked by mechanic. Found code p0306 cylinder 6 misfire. Checked GM truck web site and noted service bulletin noting valve lifter failure, but no recall. Bulletin states that lifter can fail causing misfire and taping in motor. Also states during repair to check cam shaft for scoring & damage. Also checked several GM & Chevy car form websites, and noted multiple complaints about same issues as well as several near accidents because of loss of power while driving. There are also several youtube videos of issues with this motor and valve lifter failure. This happens because cylinders shut down during cruising. Lifters that fail have a spring attached that fails causing the misfire and scoring to cam shaft. …
Stabilitrak off/reduced engine power came on again after 3 unsuccessful 'fixes' at GMC dealer. I was driving 30mph over a hill when my engine completely stopped responding. Couldn't accelerate and the steering wheel locked. Went into oncoming lane but fortunately I wasn't hit. I was able to pull truck to shoulder and wait a few minutes before being able to turn on again and get it home. I have taken the truck to my local dealer every time this has happened and they only replace the throttle body sensor. It's the second time the truck has stopped responding while driving. The first time was on a highway 99 when all lights came on and truck started slowing down due to lack of engine power. I was left stranded once and had to get truck towed for a total of $430. I'm feeling unsafe in my vehicle and GM has ignored my concerns about this issue.
I purchased this truck in 2017. Found out about the airbag recall and over the last 3 years I have went to several GMC dealerships to replace the airbags to fix the recall issue and they tell me that they cant fix it without the proper airbags which they dont have. How is it that there is recalls, and even deaths but I have to fear driving this truck hoping my airbag wont deploy? And no one cares to fix the issue. I spent 2 thousand dollars throwing parts into my engine to find out. Two lifters in the engine doesn't like cold weather. When the temp drops below 40 degrees, the check engine light comes on. When the temperature raises above 40 degrees the check engine light goes off. I chased this problem for years. There is some mechanical issue here.
Tl* the contact called on behalf of her customer who owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle jerked and shuddered while downshifting. The stability trac and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to fiore Toyota (1000 s logan blvd, hollidaysburg, pa 16648) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the throttle body sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was repaired by the contact. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. Consumer stated warranty is good until May 2021 or 120,291 miles.
I was driving on a main route where the speed limit it 45 MPH. It was on a straight stretch and my rear end exploded leaving me and my young son stuck. I finally realized that I use 4x4 to get us off the road which thankfully worked.
this vehicle was sold by a dealership with these issues the frame has a half inch wide six inch long gap needs a fuel pump control module and the engine needs lifters replaced.
Started truck up and let idle for two minutes. Upon take off, the traction control light came on and was immediately followed by the check engine light with a message stating engine reduced power. The truck then begins to run very rough and when the brakes where applied it violently and uncontrollably lunged forward. I pulled off the road, turned off the engine, and waited a minute or two. Upon restarting the engine, the check engine light came on but the reduced power message and traction light where gone. After sitting at a light for a few seconds, the symptoms where back, nearly causing me to rearend the vehicle in front of me. I pulled over again, turned off the engine for a minute, restarted and the same results as before occured. Now this happens every time the truck is running and sits in the same spot for more than two or three minutes.
Transmission complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, 8% of the model year's 284 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.