2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 10%of 305 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the steering of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 10% of the 305 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving 70 MPH down highway 75 in mckinney tx, when my steering completely locked up. Luckily I managed to get truck stopped and towed back to dealer. This could easily have been a fatality accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11149451, filed 2018-11, 8,128 miles“No transmission power regardless of the gear shifter position. I turned the engine on and off several times trying to get a solution, no luck. I returned to the vehicle 5 minutes later and did get it to move,,,would only go 25 MPH at 3000 rpms. I was in the middle of wi not near any major dealership on-star was useless saying I had a major engine problem and the computer was trying to protect the engine. I was directed me to a chrysler dealer ship, who told they could not get me in for 2 weeks, suggested another branch which was over 45 miles away. …”
NHTSA complaint #11221668, filed 2019-06, 6,000 miles“When driving vehicle at any speed it steers to the left or right . Not a simple alignment pull or wander I can feel the wheel as to which way it wants to steer at random. If not paying attention or if you were to let go of the steering wheel it will go off the road absolutly not safe to drive. While accelerating the vehicle feels like the brakes are being applied and does not accelerate I have to give excessive gas petal throttle to get up to speed. There have been times I have came home from as short drive and I can smell the brakes they smell burnt hot. …”
NHTSA complaint #11064915, filed 2018-01, 150 miles“Steering pulls to left when driving at any speed, and terrain. Pulls enough to turn you into oncoming traffic if you do not correct. Took to dealership and was told nothing was wrong with the truck. Steering problem continues and is definitely a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11091022, filed 2018-04, 1,500 miles“A/c stops working 2.) mechanic does vacuum test and replaces refrigerant ($200) freon 3.) A/C is blowing hot air again after 3 days; refrigerant completely gone 4.) mechanic runs dye through lines to find the leak, replaces refrigerant again and states the problem is compressor failure ($200) again 5.) the overall fix would be to replace the compressor ($1,000) but there are no compressors to be found, the part is on national backorder because of the widespread problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11321974, filed 2020-04, 35,750 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014577Feb 18, 2025This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on…
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
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 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
131 complaintsEngine
67 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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