610 of the 11,637 complaints filed about the GMC Sierra 1500 are about the steering — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.
610
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
27
Crashes
1
Fires
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Power steering seems to be lost for a second or two at low speeds turning. Happens multiple times a day.
NHTSA complaint #11763463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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This vehicle has water intrusion for the power steering harness. The system went out one day. Vehicle has 40K miles on it. i bought it less than a year ago as a used vehicle with 30K miles on it. Less than a year later i end up with a $6,500 bill for it.
NHTSA complaint #11763381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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XXX 2021 GMC Seria 108,339 miles driving home from [XXX] in town and out of nowhere the lights on the dash light up I saw it say adaptive steering and something breaking. There was a lot going on as the steering was rapidly shaking limited breaking while trying to avoid a collision. The engine started a loud knocking sound and sudden smoking out tail pipes. I was able to get the truck stopped turned it off and sat there for a while trying to collect myself. Restarted the truck and slowly drove it to my home 2 miles away. It was flatbed to local GM dealer that quickly diagnosed it saying heavy smoke knocking needs New Engine! They won't confirm exactly what the internal engine failure is. Other than its Failed. The engine build date is 2020 day 350 My VIN is not currently in the current GM engine recall However it's certain this failure is totally related to GM's engineering design and Manufacturing issues. Look deeper into the recall date ranges this failure is clearly a victim. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved electrical system failures and unexpected loss of power steering assist. The problem involves multiple warning lights, module communication faults, drivability issues, and simultaneous malfunctions affecting systems including power steering, traction control, transmission, four-wheel drive, and other electronic controls. Repair records, diagnostic information, and videos documenting the failures are available for inspection upon request. The most serious incident occurred on August 23, 2026, when the power steering failed unexpectedly while I was driving. The sudden loss of steering assist made the vehicle difficult to control and nearly resulted in a collision with an oncoming vehicle. The failure created a significant safety risk because it impaired my ability to safely steer and control the vehicle. The condition has occurred multiple times over several months and has resulted in repeated dealership visits. Repairs have included replacement an HVAC controller, but the failures have continued. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized dealer, and the manufacturer has been notified through an open support case. As of the most recent repair visit, no confirmed root cause or permanent repair had been identified, and the dealership was still working with engineering support to diagnose the issue. Prior to and during these failures, numerous warning lamps and service messages appeared, including warnings related to power steering, traction control, transmission, four-wheel drive, trailer brake system, steering column lock, and tire monitoring systems. In some incidents, the vehicle entered reduced-performance mode. These warning messages first appeared in November 2025 and have continued intermittently despite multiple repair attempts. The recurring and unresolved loss of power steering assist while driving creates an ongoing risk of crash or injury.
NHTSA complaint #11762555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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My 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 recently started having all the symptoms under GM internal recall number 18289. I lose my power steering briefly and the electronics turn off momentarily. I lose dash, AC, radio and GPS. It comes back on within a second or two and only does this during low speed turning. I ran my VIN but it does not show under this recall despite having the correct Make/Model/Year. It is currently at the shop because it isn't safe to drive and I was hoping I could get a reimbursement for the repairs. NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (GM's Internal Number: 18289)
NHTSA complaint #11760877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and pulled to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop
NHTSA complaint #11756121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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My 2023 GNC Sierra 1500 has experienced a recurring electrical and safety-related malfunction on multiple occasions while driving. The dashboard and warning lights intermittently flash on, and off and numerous warning messages appear simultaneously. During previous occurrences, warnings included power steering service, safety restraint system, check engine and transmission related messages, including a message instructing me to pull over and shut the vehicle off. During one occurrence, the electric power steering assist stopped working while I was driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized GMC dealership multiple times while under the factory warranty. The dealer replaced the Brake System Control Module and performed vehicle-wide software/programming updates. When the problem continued, the dealer contacted GM Technical Assistance. The Dealer subsequently diagnosed an intermittent open circuit involving the electric power steering rack-and-pinion/steering gear assembly and replaced the complete steering gear assembly. Despite these repairs, the malfunction has occurred again, during another occurrence while driving on the freeway, the dashboard flashed on and off and multiple warning lights and messages repeatedly appeared, similar to the condition that occurred before the steering gear was replaced. The vehicle currently has approximately 55,000 miles. The condition remains intermittent despite multiple repair attempts. I am concerned that this recuring electrical or vehicle communication failure could again cause loss of power steering assistance or affect other safety-related vehicle systems while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11755734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Vehicle: 2021 GMC Sierra SLT | VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Carl Black GMC Roswell, GA (11225 Alpharetta Hwy, 30076) | Invoice #[XXX] | Service Date: [XXX] Paragraph 1 – Suspension Hazard: Dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed Rough Country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height Sierra SLT. These arms are designed for lifted suspension and alter factory caster/camber geometry, placing extreme stress on ball joints. This can cause sudden ball joint separation, wheel collapse, and total loss of steering control at speed. The dealership admitted on the invoice they "could not find branding" on original parts and chose non-OEM lift components without my consent or any safety disclosure. Paragraph 2 – Brake Failure & No Safety Warning: The same service included a full front/rear brake job (pads + resurfaced rotors) using their certified technicians and parts. After pickup, the brakes failed to operate properly. When I returned, the service manager refused to correct their own workmanship and instead quoted $1,900 to repair the very brakes they just serviced. Most critically, at vehicle pickup they issued no written or verbal safety warning—no "do not drive" instruction—despite the brakes being knowingly compromised, endangering me and the public. Paragraph 3 – Requested Action: The service manager was unprofessional, condescending, and refused accountability. I request an immediate NHTSA investigation into Carl Black GMC's unauthorized use of lift-kit suspension parts on stock vehicles, failure to warranty their own brake service, and reckless omission of safety warnings at delivery. This dealership pattern poses an imminent public risk. Please escalate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Truck shut off and would not turn back on. Negative battery cable so hot it burned skin off. Would not start, tried to start clicking sound, radio blipped for a moment.
NHTSA complaint #11747926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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My 2024 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate 1500 experienced a catastrophic powertrain failure that created a serious safety hazard. On XXX, while driving at highway speeds, the truck unexpectedly shifted into neutral, causing an immediate loss of propulsion. During this event, the electrical system was also affected. The battery power dropped, power steering assistance was lost, and due to the electronic push-button start system, the vehicle could not be restarted while in this condition. This placed me and surrounding motorists at significant risk of a crash. I initially brought the vehicle to Point GMC, where I was advised no issue was found. After the problem continued, I returned on XXX and a dealership technician rode with me. During the test drive on [XXX], the truck again shifted into neutral, confirming the defect. The vehicle was then towed to the dealership, where diagnostics revealed DTC P0016. I was informed the engine had seized and required a complete engine replacement. The engine was replaced by an authorized GMC dealership in New Jersey. After only about 2,000 miles, the check engine light returned and the vehicle began experiencing additional electrical issues. This is a Denali Ultimate, the highest trim level, with advanced electronic systems, making these recurring failures especially concerning. To date, the vehicle has been inspected by three authorized GMC dealerships, and I have opened multiple cases with GMC Corporate. Despite repeated repair attempts, the manufacturer has not provided a permanent resolution. I continue to experience recurring engine and electrical issues and no longer have confidence in the safety or reliability of this vehicle. Given the repeated failures, loss of propulsion, loss of steering assistance, inability to restart the vehicle, and lack of resolution after multiple dealership visits and an engine replacement, I believe this matter warrants investigation by NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11747534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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In early June 2026 I discovered a sheared pin on the front control arm of my 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X (VIN [XXX]), sold to me new by Parks GMC, Kernersville NC, with a dealer-installed Performance Package modifying the factory suspension. I delivered the truck to Parks GMC for warranty repair. The dealer represented it as a 1-2 day job. The truck was out of service approximately 2 weeks. The dealer sub-contracted the work to a third-party shop (CCV). At pickup, the dealer provided written documentation stating the repair was NOT PERFORMED. Neither the dealer nor I has been able to obtain any documentation from CCV describing what, if anything, was actually done to the vehicle. THREE UNRESOLVED SAFETY CONDITIONS: SHEARED FRONT CONTROL ARM PIN — original failure, status of repair unknown and undocumented. TIRE-TO-BODYWORK CONTACT — front tires intermittently rub the inside of the wheel wells during normal driving and steering, causing visible damage to the plastic mud guards. Tire-to-bodywork contact creates risk of sidewall failure, sudden air loss, and loss of vehicle control. FRONT RIGHT SUSPENSION CREAK — loud, persistent creak from the front right suspension during low-speed driving and steering inputs. Present at service drop-off, never addressed. Consistent with a worn, loose, or improperly installed suspension component. I escalated to Parks GMC management and GMC Customer Assistance. Parks has not provided a written repair plan, no decision-maker has contacted me, and the only response has been "looking into it." GMC Customer Assistance declined to assign a District Service Manager. I am filing to document these suspension and tire safety conditions in the federal database against this VIN and to request NHTSA evaluation of whether further action is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11746601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Power steering went out for 2-3 seconds as I was making a turn into a street , this happened twice to be exact
NHTSA complaint #11743173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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- THE GROUND STRAP CORRODED AND BROKE APART. YES, I HAVE THE GROUND CABLE THAT FAILED, IF NEEDED FOR INSPECTION. - YES!!! THE TRUCK'S STEERING KEPT GOING IN AND OUT OF MANUAL STEERING AND THE ENGINE REDUCED IN SPEED ALLOWED, AND THEN THE ENGINE CUT OUT ON ME COMPLETELY - WHILE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD TRYING TO TURN ONTO A SIDE STREET. THEN THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART. - I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED ON A FLAT BED TO A GMC DEALERSHIP NEARBY. THEY CONFIRMED THE ISSUE WAS THAT THE GROUND STRAP FAILED. THEY REPLACED THE PART AT MY COST, WHICH FIXED THE ISSUES. - YES, THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED THE ISSUE WAS THE CORRODED AND BROKEN GROUND STRAP. - YES, THERE WERE MANY WARNING MESSAGES THAT STARTED TO APPEAR ABOUT 3-4 DAYS PRIOR TO THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. I STARTED SEEING A MESSAGE ABOUT SERVICING THE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM, AND ANOTHER ABOUT SERVICING THE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM. THEN A SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING AND TO DRIVE WITH CARE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS OFF AND ON OVER THAT TIME. - I CHECKED THE WIRE CONNECTIONS IUNDER MY VEHICLE TO CHECK FOR BROKEN WIRES OR CORROSION. I DID NOT FIND ANY. I THEN CHECKED IF A HARD BATTERY RESET WOULD WORK, BUT IT DID NOT. LASTLY, I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE, EVEN THOUGH THE EXISTING BATTERY HAD NO ISSUES EVEN WHEN TESTED UNDER LOAD. THAT RESOLVED THE ISSUE FOR ABOUT 35 MINUTES THAT NIGHT AND THEN THE NEXT MORNING. AFTER THAT, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT START. AT THAT POINT I GOT TOWED IN TO THE GMC DEALERSHIP. I HAD TO LEAVE THE TRUCK FOR A WEEKEND, AND THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT COME UP WITH A LOANER, EVEN THOUGH I REQUESTED ONE. I GOT THE TRUCK BACK ON MONDAY AFTERNOON AND EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE SINCE THEN. - OVER THAT WEEKEND, I WAS AMAZED TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE BULLETIN GM RELEASED TO COVER ONLY SOME TRUCKS FOR THE ISSUE, BUT NOT OTHERS! MY TRUCK IS STILL NOT COVERED, DESPITE THE OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUES I EXPERIENCED!!
NHTSA complaint #11742790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This all happened during rush hour while driving in the left lane of traffic. This sudden loss of power forced me to maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder of the expressway across the right lane of traffic. As there was no shoulder to pull over on the left side of the highway. This created an immediate crash risk for myself and other drivers. Upon inspection at the authorized GMC dealership where I purchased the truck new, a certified mechanic determined that the engine experienced a complete failure requiring replacement or rebuilding of the engine. I paid to have the engine rebuilt at the dealership. The second instance was similar to the above incident. Once again I paid for the repair. The third instance was more dangerous as when my trucks engine failed it almost caused an accident. As of today my truck is still sitting in the dealership for over 6 months and no one from the dealership or manufacturer will give me an answer on what has to be done now. This patter of sudden repeated engine failure clearly indicates a systemic safety defect that extends beyond normal wear and tear. I urge the NHTSA to open a defect investigation into the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 engine systems.
NHTSA complaint #11741547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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power steering locked up while driving. multiple dash lights turned on, on its own after the issue, 4wd, emergency brake, abs, and other ones im not sure what they are. took it to the dealership for a recall and told them the issue that happened.
NHTSA complaint #11741189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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power steering locked up while driving. has been inspected and repaired by manufacturer. recall.
NHTSA complaint #11741190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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While driving on the highway, the steering became much more stiff, and then I heard metallic clanging sounds for a few seconds. The dashboard said press start to start Vehicle. I pressed start while going 30 miles an hour and all lights and instrument clusters went black. I pulled into the grass median where the truck would not start or shift gears. Truck was towed to a GMC dealership
NHTSA complaint #11740289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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My truck will not start when I press the push-button ignition. After waiting a few seconds and trying multiple times, it typically starts on the third attempt. Additionally, it will not restart after the auto stop feature activates at stop signs or traffic lights. This is very concerning, especially when pulling into oncoming traffic, as I’m worried the truck could shut off while I’m crossing. I have already had the battery, starter, and alternator checked, and all components tested fine. However, the issue is still occurring. There are also no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11739883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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Shift to park dings continuously and vehicle won’t turn off draining battery leaving doors unlocked. Don’t want to force into park and break anything more.
NHTSA complaint #11739515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.