I've had plenty of GMC in the bay over the years, and the transmission and driveline complaints on these don't surprise me. 3,416 on the NHTSA record across 99 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 18 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 1,530 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 60,470 miles. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin GMC / POWERTRAIN
99 model-year entries · 2005–2025
GMC powertrain problems
3,416 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against GMC vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
3,416
Recalls
0
Year-models
99
Avg fix
$2,500
57crashes
18fires
39injuries
Worst-affected GMC model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2008 GMC Acadia
249 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2017 GMC Acadia
223 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 GMC Acadia
162 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 GMC Acadia
151 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 GMC Acadia
140 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2017 GMC Sierra
134 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 GMC Sierra
115 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 GMC Sierra
114 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2021 GMC Sierra
113 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 GMC Sierra
97 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2022 GMC Sierra
82 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2020 GMC Sierra
78 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2023 GMC Sierra
69 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2011 GMC Terrain
69 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2014 GMC Sierra
65 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 GMC Acadia
59 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2024 GMC Sierra
52 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 GMC Terrain
47 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 GMC Terrain
46 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2017 GMC Yukon
44 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 GMC Terrain
42 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2015 GMC Yukon
40 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 GMC Terrain
39 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2012 GMC Acadia
38 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2021 GMC Yukon XL
37 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many GMC powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
3,416 complaints across 99 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for GMC.
Which GMC model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2008 GMC Acadia leads with 249 complaints in this category. Next: 2017 Acadia (223) and 2007 Acadia (162).
What does it cost to fix GMC powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the GMC lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there GMC powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on GMC vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with GMC.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.