Vehicle Questions and Answers

Welcome to the Vehicle Q&A Hub. Find answers to your automotive questions, share your experiences, and get expert advice on vehicle maintenance, troubleshooting, and more!

Can you tell me about any issues with the 6-speed transmission in the 2018 GMC Sierra?

13951 views

26 answers

★ Top Answer
Jamie F.

A class-action lawsuit, known as the Chevy Shake case, alleges that more than a dozen GM vehicles, including your 2018 GMC Sierra, are equipped with faulty transmissions that cause shaking when the driver changes gears. Complaints indicate that these vehicles may experience shaking, shuddering, jerking, clunking, or hard shifts during gear changes. The lawsuit asserts that the shaking can occur not just during gear shifts but also while accelerating in a single gear. It is claimed that this defect in the transmission, known as the Chevy Shake, can lead to premature transmission failure. The jerking and shaking are believed to stem from problems with the torque converter, the transmission, or both, causing excessive friction within the gears, hydraulic systems, and surfaces.

More answers

  • Ramon A.

    My salesman at GMC and the staff are great. I bought a truck for my husband's homecoming in July 2018 after his deployment. Almost two years later, with our truck at 72,000 miles, the transmission got messed up, and the torque converter was to blame. Apparently, GMC's new transmissions come with a 3-year, 100,000-mile warranty, but our old one only had a 60,000-mile warranty. The representative mentioned there were recalls on the torque converters, but we were never informed. Despite knowing about the ongoing transmission issues with this model, GMC hasn't been willing to help. We also have CarShield, but they are taking forever to address the problem. We're stuck without a car or rental, and with a $6,400 repair bill looming, it's a struggle given the current tough times. My husband, a disabled veteran, worked hard for this truck, so it's disappointing that GMC and CarShield won't step up. It's frustrating and has ruined our Christmas. I won't be recommending GMC to anyone anymore. If you've had a similar issue with a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, please share your experience. I'm leaving negative reviews until this is resolved. Best of luck with your own truck.

  • Saul T.

    My 2018 GMC Sierra has 65,000 miles on it and is experiencing a shaking issue with the transmission.

  • Pablo Calderon

    In 2018, the GMC Sierra with a 6-speed transmission encountered issues according to consumers, including leaks in the transmission cooler line, rough shifting, and getting stuck in a single gear.

  • Kaci

    I just installed a new battery, and now my transmission is malfunctioning as it won't change gears.

  • Rosalie I.

    The transmission has a rough shift when going into 2nd gear. It was like that when I first got the truck. The service technician mentioned that it might be adjusting to my driving style, but I'm not thrilled with the situation.

  • Jay Phipps

    Transmission problems can cause difficulties with shifting gears, including rough shifts and jerking movements. Accelerating from a complete stop may also be challenging.

  • ProDigit

    In 2018, there were reports of transmission shuddering issues with the GMC Sierra.

  • Sherman K.

    Likewise. My 2018 Sierra is currently parked in the drive, unable to budge due to transmission issues. It's incredibly frustrating. I'm considering participating in a lawsuit with others facing a similar predicament.

  • Betty D

    My 2018 Sierra is currently in the repair shop with 94,000 kilometers on it getting the transmission rebuilt because the torque converter was causing damage with the shaking and rough shifting it was experiencing on occasion.

  • Eddie S

    My 2018 Yukon XL, with 97,000 miles, started experiencing issues with shuddering and grinding on November 10, 2023. Earlier this year, there was a transmission coolant line leak that the dealership didn't disclose as a known problem with these trucks. In October 23, the truck began to overheat, so I had a bypass valve installed and the transmission fluid flushed. Prior to this, the truck had trouble starting, necessitating a battery change. Despite consistently maintaining the truck, including regular oil changes, GM offered to cover only $741 out of the $7,000 repair cost. As a loyal GM owner and the daughter of a retiree, I feel that GM's handling of these issues is disrespectful. I never received a recall notice regarding these known problems with my truck, and I expect better service given the significant amount I pay each month for my vehicle.

  • Shane

    I have a 2018 GMC Sierra with 65,000 miles, but the transmission has failed. While driving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina on a 420-mile journey, my truck began shaking and eventually broke down on Route 17 South. I had to have it towed to the GMC dealer, who informed me on March 30, 2023, that I need a new transmission costing $7,100. I feel like I have no other option but to proceed with the repair. I plan to participate in a class-action lawsuit because this situation is unfair and unacceptable.

  • Dan Rustamov

    Harsh gear changes and intermittent vibrations at 39,000 miles.

  • Connie E

    I think there are potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of owners experiencing similar transmission issues. A mechanic at the nearby dealership informed me that the problem lies with the torque converter, suggesting it's a factory defect dating back to the manufacturing process.

  • Rick Silvestro

    In 2018, my truck has racked up 45000 miles, and now the transmission is completely dead. I have taken great care of my truck, treating it like a baby ever since I got it. I am extremely disappointed; I invested a significant amount of money in this truck, only for it to fail after just three years.

  • Travis.

    The same problems persist as mentioned earlier. It's important for all of us to band together and confront GM about this issue, holding them accountable for addressing a problem that is their responsibility.

  • Emergency

    In 2018, I purchased a GMC Yukon with 175,000 kilometers on it. I decided to get a transmission flush at a local dealership to address some hard shifting issues I was experiencing. After the service, the transmission started to shift even more roughly. I then brought it to a small-town dealership where they discovered metallic shavings in the pan and recommended a new transmission. I am currently waiting for the replacement transmission and will have to pay for it out of my own pocket. It's disappointing because my previous 2002 Yukon Denali had no drivetrain problems even with 450,000 kilometers on it. This experience has made me lose confidence in the newer GMC Yukons.

  • Van C

    I feel the same way. Right now, I don't have much faith in GMC.

  • Tammy D.

    The company's 2018 GMC Sierra work truck has 23,000 miles on it and is experiencing a shimmy issue. It's been at the shop for two weeks, but there's been no update or solution provided yet.

  • Victor M.

    The frigid weather destroyed my transmission. I'm not sure what happened, but now you can hear the pump during gear shifts, and the vehicle won't move once it hits a certain temperature.

  • Teresa S

    Hello! I just purchased my first GMC 2018 1500 Sierra 4x4 5.3 and it has 13200 miles on it. I mainly use it for driving around and hauling small items. Unfortunately, I am now experiencing transmission issues. I brought it to a local transmission service shop and they quoted me $6000 for the repair with a 3-year warranty. I believe this is too expensive considering it only has 170 hours of use. So, I am exploring other options at the moment.

  • Josephine M

    I'm having an issue with my truck where it shifts roughly between first and second gear and sometimes it jerks. I've been told that I need to learn how to drive a truck, but I've never experienced this problem with any other vehicle. It seems like someone at GMC is not living up to their end of the deal. The customer service from GMC is really disappointing.

  • Joe pina

    I'm in a similar boat. My 2017 vehicle has 47,000 miles on it, and the transmission failed. The torque converter and some other parts needed to be replaced. Thankfully, GMC covered it under warranty. What should I expect next?

  • Peter T

    I'm facing some serious issues with my car at 80,000 miles. Along with the problems with the air conditioning, lifters, and coils, replacing the vehicle has cost me a fortune. It's frustrating that GMC is letting consumers bear the brunt of their mistakes. What's really baffling is that they were aware of these issues and are managing to avoid taking responsibility for them!

  • Thomas Atchley

    Accomplish the task, and even if they were aware of it, they simply continued constructing without hesitation.

  • Reign

    The 2018 GMC vehicles have rough gear shifts and are not reliable.

Buying a Used car?
Check it by Epicvin
  • NIADA Logo
  • Blockchain confirmed data
  • NMVTIS Logo