Is torque converter shudder and vibration at speed a known issue with the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about torque converter shudder and vibration at speed on the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500 (2017-10 → 2020-01). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11287017): "VEHICLE IS SHUDDERING AND SHACKING AT SPEEDS ANY WHERE FROM 35 TO 55 MPH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT'S A KNOWN TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE" Source: NHTSA.

Is loss of brake pedal assist from vacuum pump failure a known issue with the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500?

19 NHTSA complaints have been filed about loss of brake pedal assist from vacuum pump failure on the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500 (2018-03 → 2022-08). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11306555): "BRAKE VACUUM PUMP FAILURE. VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES VERY HARD TO DEPRESS AT SLOW SPEED AND VERY HARD TO STOP. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN IN SLOW TRAFFIC AND AFTER THE PEDAL IS DEPRESS MORE THAN 2-3 TIMES IN A ROW" Source: NHTSA.

2017 Gmc Sierra 3500 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is hard or delayed transmission shifting and gear engagement a known issue with the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500?

15 NHTSA complaints have been filed about hard or delayed transmission shifting and gear engagement on the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500 (2017-07 → 2025-09). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11011130): "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AND THERE WAS A DELAY OF THREE TO FOUR SECONDS BEFORE SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED EVERY MORNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (JIM" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is recall repair parts unavailable for extended period a known issue with the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about recall repair parts unavailable for extended period on the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500 (2019-03 → 2026-01). Reported component: EQUIPMENT. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11460578): "The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V496000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is insufficient headlight output for nighttime driving a known issue with the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about insufficient headlight output for nighttime driving on the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500 (2017-12 → 2020-01). Reported component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11056076): "THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY NEW GMC SIERRA 2500HD DENALI ARE HORRIBLE AND UNSAFE FOR DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE 25 WATT RATING AND 2,000 LUMENS ON THE OEM HID BULBS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE, SAFE LIGHTING FOR OPERATING MY VEHICLE. I ALREADY HIT A DEER WITH MY BRAND NEW TRUCK BECAUSE I" Source: NHTSA.

The 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500 carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering retractor and engine. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Torque converter shudder and vibration at speed.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Campaign #17V567000 · Sep 14, 2017

Issue: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 trucks. The front seat belt retractor assemblies were built with the incorrect torsion bar. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Risk: The seat belt retractors may not perform as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front seat belt retractor assemblies, free of charge. The recall began March 24, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's numbers for this recall are 17368, 17375, and 17376.

ENGINE

Campaign #19V328000 · Apr 25, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 4500, 5500 and 6500 vehicles and 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with Duramax 6.6 liter diesel engines and an optional engine-block heater. The engine block heater cord or the terminals that connect the heater cord to the block heater may short circuit and fail.

Risk: A short-circuit may damage the engine components and increase the risk of fire.

Fix: GM will contact owners, dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Additionally, in Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 vehicles, dealers will install a new rerouted heater cord. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N182206310.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #19V088000 · Jul 2, 2019

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 GMC Sierra 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado 3500 trucks equipped with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks. The fuel-level sensor in the front tank may stick in a low-level position, allowing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

Risk: If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear-tank fuel-pump module, inspect the front tank and, if necessary, replace the front tank, free of charge. The recall began July 30, 2019. GM's number for this recall is N182204190.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #17V437000 · Oct 7, 2017

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

Campaign #21V496000 · Jan 7, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and 2017-2019 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with a Duramax diesel 6.6 liter engine and an optional engine-block heater cord. An electrical short-circuit may occur in the engine-block heater cable or in the terminals that connect the heater cable to the block heater.

Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace engine block heaters and heater cords. Vehicles that have this feature disabled as a remedy to the safety condition will be contacted and offered replacement block heaters and heater cords under a separate customer satisfaction program, free of charge. GM will provide free replacement block heaters and cords under a separate customer satisfaction campaign. For vehicles previously included in recall 19V-328, the heater cord will be replaced and rerouted, free of charge. Interim owner notifications were mailed on August 13, 2021. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on April 4, 2022. Customers may call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 212329840.

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #23V047000 · Feb 2, 2023

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. The rear fuel tank may collapse and prevent the fuel pump from transferring fuel to the front tank, resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and fuel pump module, replacing them as necessary. Dealers will also add a vent hose to the rear tank assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on March 15, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 21, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222368030.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500.

Reported to NHTSA

Torque converter shudder and vibration at speed

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2020-01

“VEHICLE IS SHUDDERING AND SHACKING AT SPEEDS ANY WHERE FROM 35 TO 55 MPH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT'S A KNOWN TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11287017

“WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY, I EXPERIENCE A SHAKE/SHUDDER WHEN AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH AND HIGHER. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER DID SHUDDER. DEALER CHANGED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND I WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE FOR 200 MILES TO SEE IF PROBLEM WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11291983

“I HAVE A 2017 GMC SIERRA DENALI 1500. I BOUGHT IT NEW AND IT HAS VERY, VERY LOW MILEAGE. AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THERE IS A VIBRATION. FEELS LIKE I AM DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. I HAVE ALWAYS NOTICED IT BUT MOSTLY THOUGHT IT WAS JUST SPOTS ON THE ROAD THAT WERE CAUSING IT. I STARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11298142

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hard or delayed transmission shifting and gear engagement

POWER TRAIN

15 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2025-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR AND THERE WAS A DELAY OF THREE TO FOUR SECONDS BEFORE SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED EVERY MORNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (JIM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11011130

“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while shifting from park(P) to drive(D), the engine revved, but the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who determined that the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688844

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH THEIR WAS SUDDEN LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND THE GEARS DISENGAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11306166

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall repair parts unavailable for extended period

EQUIPMENT

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-03 → 2026-01

“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V496000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460578

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 19V328000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11301554

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V088000 (FUEL SYSTEM) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN FEBRUARY OF 2019. SPRINGFIELD BUICK GMC (431 RIVER ST, NORTH SPRINGFIELD, VT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11187499

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Insufficient headlight output for nighttime driving

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2020-01

“THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY NEW GMC SIERRA 2500HD DENALI ARE HORRIBLE AND UNSAFE FOR DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE 25 WATT RATING AND 2,000 LUMENS ON THE OEM HID BULBS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE, SAFE LIGHTING FOR OPERATING MY VEHICLE. I ALREADY HIT A DEER WITH MY BRAND NEW TRUCK BECAUSE I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11056076

“HEADLIGHT ON THIS TRUCK ARE EXTREMELY HORRIBLE AND UNSAFE AT NIGHT TIME. THE LIGHT OUTPUT IS WORST THEN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DROVE. GM NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND THE ISSUE AND PROVIDE A SOLUTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11297243

“HEADLIGHTS SHAKE OR FLICKER AT THE SLIGHTEST BUMP OR CRACK IN ROAD. GM IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS NO FIX NOR DO THEY PLAN TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11065003

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of brake pedal assist from vacuum pump failure

SERVICE BRAKES

19 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2022-08

“BRAKE VACUUM PUMP FAILURE. VEHICLE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES VERY HARD TO DEPRESS AT SLOW SPEED AND VERY HARD TO STOP. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN IN SLOW TRAFFIC AND AFTER THE PEDAL IS DEPRESS MORE THAN 2-3 TIMES IN A ROW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11306555

“WAS DRIVING MY 2017 GMC SIERRA WITH MY WIFE AND YOUNG SON. I WENT TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND HAD NO BRAKES. THE BRAKE WAS VERY HARD TO PUSH AND MADE A FUNNY CLICKING NOISE WHEN I SHOVED IT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION AND PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172529

“MY 2017 GMC SIERRA DENALI HAD ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL RELATING TO THE BRAKE ISSUE. SHORTLY AFTER THEY PERFORMED THIS RECALL WORK THE BRAKES BEGAN FAILING AT LOW SPEED. WHEN DRIVING BELOW 5 MPH, THE PEDAL WHICH SUDDENLY FALL AND THE ABS WOULD TRIGGER. DURING THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310961

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

73 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Gmc Sierra 3500 reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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