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 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the transmission started shifting improperly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission fluid control sensor. The contact was informed that due to the transmission fluid sensor failure, the torque converter control module needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several different independent mechanics and the diagnosis was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact provided the DTC codes: P0711 and P0700. The contact researched and discovered a previous repair coverage with a similar failure description. The coverage program code was N192291660. …
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting to drive (D), the vehicle hesitated and then lunged forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle also lunged forward while depressing the brake pedal with the transmission downshifting. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurring. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was recently illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stopped moving very slowly and came to a complete stop. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under warranty twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding, shuddered, and made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter clutch shudder and failure. The dealer determined that the torque converter clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 66,456.
-Engine gas consumption state 21 MPG Highway, 17 MPG Combined and 15 MPG City. When I started using this vehicle during the first weeks and months the best MPG I could get at the highway is 18.5 MPG with top tier gas such Shell & Chevron during the first 2 years and now Costco brand. Every since I bought it, the gas MPG have gone down around 0.5 MPG. The vehicle feels that it has to use more gas in order to perform. -The motor oil pump at times moves down from the 40 mark to the 20 when idle at traffic light and when it starts moving, it temporarily moves to the 60 mark. -The transmission is an 8 speed automatic. It has issues shifting to first gear, second gear and times 3rd gear. …
This complaint follows the same pattern for thousands of vehicles manufactured by General Motors. The specific component is the 8L90 (RPO-5MU) 8-speed transmission. The vehicle has experienced torque converter shudder since the purchase date of 06/28/2016. Numerous "attempts" via TSBs and cover-ups by General Motors has failed to alleviate the common shifting, shuddering, rough shifting, LURCHING out of control along with appurtenant damage to adjacent components and structures within the vehicle itself. The vehicle manufacturer has attempted to forestall remedy at the expense of consumers. It has knowingly violated specific requirements for merchantability of said vehicle. IF SUCH KNOWLEDGE had been in my possession prior to purchase, I would NEVER have purchased the subject vehicle. …
Transmission Harsh 1-2 shift. Under light or heavy throttle. While driving the vehicle on first or second shift the vehicle has a delay to engage into shift making it a safety issue under normal conditions. If shift happens under rain will activate traction control almost making you lose control. Due to transmission not engaging correctly or delayed. Upon slowing down the transmission down gear feels as if someone hit my truck from behind. Feels like whiplash from initial engagement to first and second gear and again whiplash for passengers especially kids in car seats when slowing down. # 16-NA-361 information on Transmission Harsh 1-2 shift. This is the bulletin GMC has put out in response to my hard shift when I took into dealer for repair. It also gives the direction DO NOT Replace any parts for this condition. …
The electrical system keeps throwing a code for short to ground as well as low voltage codes. The voltage gauge on the dash shows either over charging or under charging. The in dash radio and screen shut off and turns back on by itself while driving down the road. Occasionally while backing up or pulling forward the truck completely stalls. The transmission was subject to the shudder issue, we took it to King Cadillac in Lake City, SC for the transmission flush. After the flush we have not felt the shudder, but instead Occasionally when pulling off from a dead stop, or while crossing the very busy highway my house is on the truck looses momentum almost as if the transmission is failing to engage at all, and all of the sudden about 15 seconds later it engages and accelerates at a rapid rate. …
The transmission overheated due to a poorly manufactured torque converter which caused my truck to come to a sudden stop on the interstate nearly being struck by several semi tractor trailers leaving my family and I in a dangerous situation. Upon research the torque converter and the thermal bypass valve fail causing the transmission to overheat with no warning whatsoever. It massively blew smoke out of the tailpipe blocking all lanes of traffic, completely unable to see that I'm broke down and nearly caused several accidents. Police was not notified since no accident occurred. The transmission preformed as its supposed to. No hard shifts or slipping between gears. This needs to be addressed by the NHTSA and GM as it's a huge safety issue. …
My truck only has 40,000 miles on it and has the 8 speed 8L90 transmission. The truck bucks hard and has majorly delayed acceleration, especially on the initial startup of the vehicle. At this point the torque converter is going bad as well as the transmission fluid temperature sensor as per my mechanic when hooked up to the computer. It is now causing a fluttering of the RPMs, especially when the vehicle heats up after running for several minutes. It is severely impacting my fuel economy as well as my general safety when operation my truck. This is a known problem with this type of transmission but so far there has been no recall issued, only a class action lawsuit that I am having a hard time joining. It is going to cost me over $8000 for a new transmission and I don't really know where to turn at this point or what to do! …
Transmission complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 84 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 24% of the model year's 343 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › torque converter (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 8 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 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
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.