GMC Sierra 1500 Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 218 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the GMC Sierra 1500 across 30 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “ball joint” (11% of reports).
- 218suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Ball joint: mentioned in 23 of 218 complaints (11%)
- Upper control: mentioned in 18 of 218 complaints (8%)
- Front wheel: mentioned in 16 of 218 complaints (7%)
- Leaf spring: mentioned in 14 of 218 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 113 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 218 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 3 an injury.
GMC Sierra 1500 suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sierra 1500 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2025 Sierra 1500 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2024 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 1% | 48,000 |
| 2023 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2022 Sierra 1500 | 2 | 0% | 40,000 |
| 2021 Sierra 1500 | 10 | 2% | 38,000 |
| 2020 Sierra 1500 | 18 | 4% | 29,000 |
| 2019 Sierra 1500 | 10 | 2% | 56,500 |
| 2018 Sierra 1500 | 11 | 4% | 50,000 |
| 2017 Sierra 1500 | 8 | 2% | 19,850 |
| 2016 Sierra 1500 | 15 | 4% | 33,128 |
| 2015 Sierra 1500 | 17 | 2% | 11,761 |
| 2014 Sierra 1500 | 24 | 3% | 34,500 |
| 2013 Sierra 1500 | 10 | 9% | 100,000 |
| 2012 Sierra 1500 | 4 | 4% | 43,000 |
| 2011 Sierra 1500 | 9 | 3% | 35,000 |
| 2010 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 2% | 87,000 |
| 2009 Sierra 1500 | 4 | 2% | 100,000 |
| 2008 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 1% | 45,500 |
| 2007 Sierra 1500 | 9 | 3% | 65,000 |
| 2006 Sierra 1500 | 11 | 8% | 22,214 |
| 2005 Sierra 1500 | 5 | 3% | 50,106 |
| 2004 Sierra 1500 | 4 | 2% | 24,810 |
| 2003 Sierra 1500 | 2 | 1% | 75,750 |
| 2002 Sierra 1500 | 9 | 5% | 72,041 |
| 2001 Sierra 1500 | 1 | 1% | 25,000 |
| 2000 Sierra 1500 | 6 | 3% | 98,250 |
| 1999 Sierra 1500 | 7 | 4% | 150,000 |
| 1998 Sierra 1500 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 1997 Sierra 1500 | 6 | 7% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Suspension:front:control armDo not drive
Model years: 2016
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Risk: Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Suspension:rear:axle:spindle
Model years: 2011
Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and gmc canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.
Risk: The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
Fix: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Suspension:rear:axle:spindle
Model years: 2011
Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade ext, chevrolet avalanche, silverado ld and gmc sierra ld vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.
Risk: The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
Fix: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On Oct 11,2026, at approximately 105,106 miles, I was driving my 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 under 20 mph while entering a short designated turning lane at [location]. I felt a sudden, unexpected bump or jolt. The truck slid slightly and abruptly came to a complete stop, as though something had…
Vehicle Safety Hazard Summary: This complaint concerns an incomplete, non-compliant post-collision structural repair on a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 (VIN: [XXX]). It has resulted in immediate vehicle tracking failure, dangerous steering drift, and a compromised cabin safety cage following a…
Both of my upper ball joints wore out and one broke as I was driving down the road at 65 miles an hour pulling me into the on coming lane of traffic, there was no warning of this. I had both upper and lower ball joint replace. If there had been another vehicle coming in the on coming lane we would…
Unknown
The front left frame that the wheel and suspension bolt onto is in advanced rust stages. It is being considered unsafe to drive although the right side is still considered safe. Common issue from what I have heard. Took car in to replace the starter and shop doesnwant to work on it. We cannot…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Sierra 1500s have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 218 owner complaints about suspension for the GMC Sierra 1500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Sierra 1500 suspension?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the GMC Sierra 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “ball joint”, in 23 of 218 complaints, followed by “upper control” (18).
Other GMC Sierra 1500 problems
- Engine problems (2,083)
- Power Train problems (1,343)
- Service Brakes problems (1,225)
- Electrical System problems (1,212)
- Air Bags problems (951)
- Steering problems (614)
- Structure problems (591)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (475)
See all GMC Sierra 1500 problems.