2007 GMC Sierra powertrain problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2007 GMC Sierra powertrain carries real risk—owners report excessive oil burn (2–3 quarts per interval), transmission failures at low mileage with multiple replacements needed, intermittent power loss, and driveline vibration. GM has refused to acknowledge or cover these issues as warranty defects despite widespread complaints.
Owners of 2007 GMC Sierra trucks report persistent powertrain issues across multiple systems. High oil consumption is the most common complaint—a 5.3L engine burning 2.5 to 3 quarts between oil changes despite recent oil changes and oil pan gasket replacement. Owners say GM dealerships performed oil consumption tests and then advised the excessive burn rate was "normal usage," with GM later claiming no record of the issues existed.
Transmission failures occur at relatively low mileage. Owners report violent jerking at highway speeds, loss of power while driving slowly, slipping into wrong gears with check-engine lights, and loud pops followed by total loss of acceleration. Multiple owners describe transmission replacements, with one owner experiencing failure twice after the first replacement. One owner notes his dealer sees this condition monthly and repair costs exceed $1,000.
Driveline and related issues include transmission fluid leaks from transmission lines at 75,000 miles, driveshaft vibration and locking during braking that feels like the rear end is separating, and a "reduced power" mode that cuts off all drivetrain power with no warning—a safety concern happening anywhere, anytime.
Engine issues include lifter chatter at startup that disappears, then recurs only 2–3 times before total engine failure. One owner reports feeling a rear-impact sensation upon braking, attributed to transmission problems.
Same GMC Sierra powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
High oil consumption (5.3L engine)
Engine burns 2.5–3 quarts of oil between oil changes despite recent oil pan gasket replacement and successful oil consumption test documentation.
When: 70,000 miles (consumption accelerating over time)
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil light coming on 1,000 miles after oil change; Oil light recurring after dealership found no issue; Engine burning excessive oil despite no external leaks visible
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan gasket replaced; dealer-performed oil consumption tests showed 2.5 quarts burn rate; GM advised this was 'normal usage' and refused warranty repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM directed owner to dealership for oil consumption test; later advised burn rate was normal and no repair warranty available. Owner claims case numbers were closed and reassigned, with no VIN records maintained by GM Customer Service.
Transmission jerking and loss of power
Violent transmission jerking without warning at various speeds, progressing to total loss of acceleration; check-engine light illuminates. Multiple transmission replacements required.
When: 25,499–60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking at 60 mph without warning; Transmission slips into wrong gears (3rd, 4th); Loud pop followed by loss of acceleration at 10 mph; Check-engine warning light illuminates; Failure recurred after first replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced (first replacement); failure recurred and transmission replaced a second time. Repair costs exceed $1,000. Dealer reports seeing this condition approximately once per month.
Transmission fluid line leaks
Transmission lines leak fluid over several months; dealer denied warranty coverage citing powertrain exclusion despite low mileage.
When: 75,000 miles (at time of report; current 83,000)
Symptoms owners cite: Visible transmission fluid leaks from transmission lines; Leaks present for couple of months prior to repair
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission lines replaced at owner's expense. Dealer denied warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated warranty did not cover powertrain-related repairs; no recall issued for 2007 Sierra HD.
Reduced power mode / drivetrain power loss
Vehicle enters 'reduced power' mode at low speeds, cutting all drivetrain power with no warning. Condition is intermittent and unpredictable.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters 'reduced power' mode while driving at low speed; Complete loss of forward and reverse power; Normal operation resumes after engine shut-off and restart; Condition can occur at any time while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs exceed $1,000. Dealer reports seeing this condition approximately once per month.
Driveshaft vibration and locking during braking
Driveshaft vibrates and locks up during braking at all speeds; rear end feels like it is separating from vehicle. TSB issued due to widespread nature of issue.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft vibration at all speeds; Driveshaft locking during braking; Rear end feels like it is coming off vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued because issue is widespread.
Engine lifter chatter and failure
Lifter chatter occurs at startup, disappears, then recurs only 2–3 more times before total engine failure.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Lifter chatter at engine startup; Chatter intermittent, disappearing between occurrences; Recurrence limited to 2–3 times total before failure; Complete engine failure follows
Rear-impact sensation upon braking
Vehicle exhibits rear-impact sensation when braking; owner attributes to transmission.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sensation of being hit from rear when stopping; Related to transmission malfunction per owner observation
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 25,499 and 73,379 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,499; a quarter make it past 73,379. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.