GMC Sierra Steering Problems
Owners have filed 248 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the GMC Sierra across 22 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (63). The words owners use most often: “steering shaft” (10% of reports).
- 248steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 11mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 7related recalls
- 32%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.
- Steering shaft: mentioned in 24 of 248 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 118 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 248 complaints, 11 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury.
GMC Sierra steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Sierra | 3 | 5% | 38,000 |
| 2016 Sierra | 1 | 17% | 2,000 |
| 2015 Sierra | 6 | 11% | 1,700 |
| 2014 Sierra | 7 | 7% | 51,000 |
| 2013 Sierra | 5 | 13% | 26,500 |
| 2012 Sierra | 3 | 10% | 60,000 |
| 2011 Sierra | 1 | 2% | 54,000 |
| 2009 Sierra | 2 | 5% | 47,204 |
| 2008 Sierra | 2 | 3% | 77,628 |
| 2007 Sierra | 3 | 5% | 47,900 |
| 2006 Sierra | 4 | 8% | 21,750 |
| 2005 Sierra | 11 | 9% | 27,000 |
| 2004 Sierra | 14 | 7% | 18,342 |
| 2003 Sierra | 27 | 13% | 22,000 |
| 2002 Sierra | 12 | 5% | 40,000 |
| 2001 Sierra | 10 | 4% | 49,274 |
| 2000 Sierra | 28 | 6% | 68,500 |
| 1999 Sierra | 18 | 3% | 46,264 |
| 1998 Sierra | 15 | 8% | 89,500 |
| 1997 Sierra | 63 | 26% | 63,671 |
| 1996 Sierra | 5 | 2% | 62,000 |
| 1995 Sierra | 8 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (7)
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2015
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14743.
Steering:linkages:tie rod assemblyDo not drive
Model years: 2014
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles manufactured May 23, 2013, through March 25, 2014, 2014 GMC Sierra vehicles manufactured May 25, 2013, through March 31, 2014, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 27, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the tie rod threaded attachment may not be properly tightened to the steering gear rack.
Risk: An improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: GM notified all owners, and dealers will inspect the inner tie rods to make sure that they are correctly tightened, replacing the steering gear, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14204. NOTE: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired. Owners should contact GM to have their vehicles towed to the dealership.
Power train:automatic transmission; steering:column locking:anti-theft device
Model years: 2013
Problem: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
Risk: As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.
Steering:linkages
Model years: 2011
Problem: Gm is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and gmc sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Risk: This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Gm dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 13, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Model years: 2005, 2006
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
Risk: If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.
Steering:gear box:shaft sector
Model years: 2005
Problem: On certain trucks, the bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may not meet specification. The bolt may fracture resulting in the loss of steering.
Risk: If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft bolt free of charge. The recall began on january 24, 2005. Owners may contact gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Model years: 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: extended cab 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. The bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move. This loosening can result in some unresponsive steering feel and some noise to the driver.
Risk: If this condition is ignored, the steering gear to frame can wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the point of breakage or the bolts backing out. If all the bolts break or back out, the steering gear would separate from the frame resulting in a loss of steering control.
Fix: Dealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and…
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while exiting his garage and making a right turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent shop but was unable to diagnose the failure…
Vehicle was regularly maintained and did not show any air bag codes on a reader. Was told by tow truck driver a new ball joint failed after recently being replaced. This caused me to lose steering around a small bend and lead me to go straight into a guardrail at 55mph. Upon impact of guardrail and…
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra. The contact stated while driving on a dirt road at 3 mph and making a left turn but the vehicle made a right turn and crashed into a tree. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Sierras have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 248 owner complaints about steering for the GMC Sierra. 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 steering?
Yes: 7 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the GMC Sierra?
The most frequent phrase is “steering shaft”, in 24 of 248 complaints.
Other GMC Sierra problems
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (954)
- Visibility problems (343)
- Service Brakes problems (304)
- Power Train problems (293)
- Electrical System problems (241)
- Air Bags problems (193)
- Structure problems (193)
- Suspension problems (160)
See all GMC Sierra problems.