2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 6%of 596 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the steering of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 6% of the 596 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,500 miles. 2 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.
“Started vehicle everything was normal shifted vehicle into drive proceeded forward. While driving vehicles steering seized I was unable two move the steering wheel. It was also very difficult to stop the vehicle brakes were not working properly. Messages came up on to display reading service power steering and briefly imessage about the brakes flashed quickly on the message board. …”
NHTSA complaint #11378394, filed 2020-12, 847 miles“My power steering completely failed. This is a safety issue and could have caused bodily harm. I have looked on line and I am not the only one with this issue, and as I investigated it shows that this issue was recall situation on earlier models. My truck is currently in the shop and looks like it will cost $5,000 to do the full repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11686554, filed 2025-09“I just purchased a used 2021 GMC Sierra after having for a month the SERVICE POWER STEERING came on, I took it in for service and was told the part is on back order. Not to worried if the dealership and GM sold it to me that way. I am going to drive it and hope and pray that nothing bad happens. And if it does i will be getting a Lawyer.”
NHTSA complaint #11591379, filed 2024-05“I start my car and I went to pull off and the steering wheel locked up and I couldn’t turn it and it was just stuck going to sit power steering EC something. And then came home parked the car few days later try driving it and then the ABS brake light came on warning me not to go over 65 mph and my brakes pad feel really loose now.”
NHTSA complaint #11485362, filed 2022-09“Alignment Cam Guide Pins sheared off while driving on highway. Alignment went all over the place and car was drifting side to side. Also, steering wheel spun a quarter turn while car was not turning but still driving on highway. Almost caused me to crash. GMC does not want to acknowledge the issue or allow me to file a warranty claim. Car could not be driven to GM dealership safely and had to be repaired at closest shop”
NHTSA complaint #11576218, filed 2024-03Related 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.
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 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
322 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
144 complaintsElectrical system
76 complaintsEngine cooling
49 complaintsOther or unknown
44 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsLane departure
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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