2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 4%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,411miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500, 4% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,411 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2002 Gmc SIERRA 1500. While making a left turn the steering column locked without prior warning. After completing the turn, she was able to unlock the steering column. She took the vehicle to the dealership, and she was in the process of having the power steering gear box replaced . The current mileage was 77,596. The failure mileage was 77,483.”
NHTSA complaint #10295316, filed 2009-12, 77,483 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Gmc SIERRA 1500. While driving approximately 5 MPH the contact heard a clanking noise and felt a vibration in the steering column. The contact stated that the vibration and the sound would occur constantly when driving at low speeds and became more noticeable when driving at highway speeds. The manufacturer and dealer were contacted and stated that there was not a recall for the failure and they could not provide any further assistance. The failure was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10394129, filed 2011-04, 10,000 miles“The contact stated while turning at various speeds on the highway, there was a thumping noise coming from the steering wheel column. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the intermediate steering shaft and shaft pitman needed to be replaced. Afterwards, the problem persisted. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer who determined the intermediate steering shaft needed to be lubricated. The manufacturer was alerted, and determined the intermediate steering shaft lubrication was a part of general maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #10173355, filed 2006-11, 56,822 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Gmc SIERRA 1500. The contact was driving approximately 5 MPH in rainy weather conditions and pressure was applied to the brake pedal, followed by an activation of the anti-lock brake system. The failure occurred at extremely low speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the failure was contributed to severe corrosion in the anti-lock brake sensor. There was a prior recall repair under NHTSA 07e106000 (wheels:cap/cover/hub). However, the remedy failed to correct the safety related defect. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10301936, filed 2010-01, 34,000 miles“2001 Gmc SIERRA 1500. Consumer writes in regards to steering component failure. The consumer stated amonth after purchasing the vehicle the steering gear began leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #11043548, filed 2018-03Related service bulletins
- 10032462Aug 1, 2009Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement is necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 3% |
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 7 | 2% |
| 2023 | 13 | 3% |
| 2022 | 13 | 2% |
| 2021 | 34 | 6% |
| 2020 | 38 | 8% |
| 2019 | 42 | 6% |
| 2018 | 30 | 10% |
| 2017 | 25 | 7% |
| 2016 | 38 | 11% |
| 2015 | 81 | 11% |
| 2014 | 156 | 21% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 10 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 10% |
| 1997 | 25 | 30% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
127 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology