2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 4%of 284 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, 4% of the 284 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,000 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.
“While driving around a highway bend in the road the steering wheel locked up and would not move going 60 miles per hour. I'm a big guy and really used all my force to turn the wheel and final got to break free with a loud pop from the steering colum area. This has happened about six time since and I now have only 20,000 miles on it. I am a shop owner and ase master tech, so I know what I am reporting this is crazy dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10550340, filed 2013-10, 15,000 miles“While driving down the interstate today, the steering locked in position. It took both hands to force it to turn, at which a pop was heard from the steering column area. Vehicle has driven normally since. Truck only has 1,500 miles on it. No consumer debris could have caused the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10383901, filed 2011-02, 1,500 miles“Heat sheald on exhaust manifold rusted and fell off engine resting on steering column locking steering momentarily untill I forced it to work.car was in motion when this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11047104, filed 2017-11, 70,000 miles“Driving on the freeway, when truck started running rough. I managed to make it to the side of the freeway before the truck stopped working. Towed to Gmc dealer. Broken throttle body sensor and broken steering position sensor connector.”
NHTSA complaint #10496347, filed 2013-02, 55,000 miles“Started truck up and let idle for two minutes. Upon take off, the traction control light came on and was immediately followed by the check engine light with a message stating engine reduced power. The truck then begins to run very rough and when the brakes where applied it violently and uncontrollably lunged forward. I pulled off the road, turned off the engine, and waited a minute or two. Upon restarting the engine, the check engine light came on but the reduced power message and traction light where gone. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567896, filed 2014-03, 38,958 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017868Apr 11, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10233331Mar 8, 2023This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low…
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 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
113 complaintsOther or unknown
73 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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