2019 GMC Sierra 1500 · symptom sheet
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard
- 62owner reports
- 40,000median miles
- $990median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 20, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
135 of the 633 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 62 of those describe transmission shudder.
Tick what matches of 62 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the torque converter (8 reports) and the transmission (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 and 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 trucks. One of the driveshaft joints may not have been properly welded, causing the driveshaft to separate while the vehicle is moving.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202314870.
What owners paid
7 of the 62 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $165 to $7,100.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 5,500 and 84,000 miles, from the 36 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Experienced the GMC shudder while driving on the highway. This is a known issue with GMC transmissions valve bodies and torque converters. I would like to know why my vehicle is not on the recall list 2019 GMC? 85,000 miles and has always shifted hard randomly when cold but was unaware of the problem until this shudder became an issue and started looking into it.”
Filed Jul 14, 2026 · 85,000 miles
“Shuddering, slipping, then lost all gears. Unable to put in reverse, drive, or low. Repair shop says the transmission needs replacement. Pump and torque converter issues. Vehicle has excellent maintenance and only 84k miles.”
Filed Apr 22, 2026 · 84,000 miles
“The transmission is experiences periodic rough shifting, a shudder and droning noise between 1,000 and 1,500 RPM. An independent transmission specialty shop states the transmission is starting to fail. The transmission, differentials and transfer case fluids were changed at 53,000 miles and again at 104,000 miles.”
Filed Jan 20, 2025 · 53,000 miles
“The transmission causes the vehicle to shudder, lurch from a stop, at times it won't move forward (from a stoplight etc), it won't reverse other times. When driving down a freeway, the transmission allows the engine RPM to surge wildly as if I had put it in neutral and pressed the accelerator. This started at 85k miles approximately. It's into 90k now. The transmission had to be replaced at a cost of $6000”
Filed Jul 18, 2023 · 85,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 62 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 149 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 112 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 104 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 91 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 41 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 26 reports