2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 8%of 484 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,550miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the steering of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, 8% of the 484 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,550 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.
“On december 14, 2020 my sierra with 2339 miles displayed, at startup, the power steering was out, to drive with care. Also displayed service ESC and traction control failures. I drove with much difficulty, without power steering, ten miles to the nearest Gmc dealership, lafontaine in highland, mi. I picked up the vehicle on december 29, 2020 with an additional 60 miles. The service personnel said they were unable to duplicate the problem, therefore no repairs were made. …”
NHTSA complaint #11387889, filed 2021-01, 2,339 miles“My truck tuesday march 16th had me update software as soon as I got to work, after it was done I got out of my truck and it would not lock with push button or fob. When I got into my truck to go home 10hrs later it made a bunch of clicking noises and after a minute it showed update complete on screen then started. The very next day I drove back to work which is 22 miles. When I took my truck to lunch three blocks away I had ESC service light and service parking brake accompanied by check engine light. …”
NHTSA complaint #11403691, filed 2021-03, 20,500 miles“The steering will completely lock up, this is the 2nd occurrence. It was at the dealer 1143 miles ago and codes were cleared, problem reoccurred. I was able to start the vehicle, put in drive/reverse neutral etc without issues, however the steering was completely locked up and would not allow steering/control of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked in driveway, cold outside both times. I have video evidence. The first occurrence 12/26/2020 at 9591 miles, 2nd occurrence 2/16/2021 at 10733 miles (1142 miles later)”
NHTSA complaint #11396687, filed 2021-02, 10,733 miles“Everything was fine for about 6 months after having purchased vehicle as new. Then I got warning lights asking me to both service the parking break and service ESC with a warning that driving would be compromised just over 60mph. I notified dealer who says they fixed the glitch but it happened again. The last time, most recently, I tried to start the truck the next day and all the warning lights came on. This was followed by a complete shut down. No engine, no lights - not even lock/unlock with key fob. It had to be towed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360829, filed 2020-09, 5,000 miles“I was going about 15 miles per hour when suddenly all these error codes started popping up, first ESC malfunction then trailer brake malfunction,stabilitrak, steering assist reduced, brake system fail, lighs just pop up I do feel like the truck looses some power feels more sluggish, I took it to dealership, they recalibrated the break system and stuff, it fixed the issue temporarily, but the lights keep coming back, sometimes I turn the truck on in the morning and lights are gone, then later on I get all the error codes again while driving it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11310853, filed 2020-02, 300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11024378Sep 6, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician of a possible loose ground that may be causing customer concerns of Loss of Steering Assist and/or Loss of Brake Assist and…
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11019325Apr 15, 2025This informational bulletin provides information on the turn signal stalk not cancelling and/or mis cancelling.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 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…
- 11013269Jan 16, 2025This informational bulletin provides a guide on how to diagnose and test for vibrations utilizing the PicoScope.
- 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 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
245 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
99 complaintsElectrical system
81 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsOther or unknown
46 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsForward collision avoidance
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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