2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 24%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500, 24% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,000 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.
“On 5 different occasions the power to the truck cuts off and the steering wheel locks up while driving. On the dash the stabililock light flashes. This has happened to me while turning to get on a major highway, while driving down main roads trying to change lanes, and the last time I was turning into my banks drive through and had to slam on breaks in order to avoid crashing into the median. I took the vehicle back to the dealership patriot in killeen texas and they said they updated the system and found no issues and could not recreate the issue I said I was having. …”
NHTSA complaint #11176487, filed 2019-02, 25,000 miles“Truck steering is very dangerous. 4-8 inch play in the wheel left and right. You have to turn the wheel 4' either way for it to respond. The dealerships don't have a fix for this and there are 1000 of thread posts on this issue. This exact issue. People are going to die if this is not fixed properly and recalled by GM. The dealerships are putting loctite on the steering g but to prevent it from backing out but this does not last. It happens again only 1000s of miles later. Going down the road I almost ended up in the woods because my steering would not respond. Nightmarish.”
NHTSA complaint #11288023, filed 2019-12, 29,500 miles“While driving at 45mph in the left lane of a major city thoroughfare the engine quit running, power steering and brakes did not work. The check engine light came on when the engine quit running. I was able to get the vehicle stopped but the engine would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where I was told this issue was reported in arkansas, louisiana and tennessee. The dealership reported that shards of metal were found in the fuel injector and the entire fuel system would have to be completely replaced. Additionally I was told the parts are hard to get. …”
NHTSA complaint #10924403, filed 2016-11, 7,180 miles“Steering box adjustment screw backed out causing excessive slop in the steering wheel. This is a well documented problem with these trucks with GM's solution is to add locktite and torque nut. I believe that this is a temporary solution and it could backout again. Should have a mechanical lock to prevent it from backing out.”
NHTSA complaint #11365798, filed 2020-10, 45,000 miles“Steering has excessive play before tires respond. This has been case since a couple thousand miles on vehicle. Hard to keep traveling in straight line. Always having to correct, especially with 17k fifth wheel in tow.”
NHTSA complaint #11208985, filed 2019-05, 2,500 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.
- 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…
- 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.
- 11009031Sep 10, 2024This informational bulletin provides information on Steering Bump or Clunk Noise on Rough Roads or Potholes.
- 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.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 31% |
| 2025 | 7 | 25% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 6 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 14 | 24% |
| 2015 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 | 6 | 20% |
| 2013 | 5 | 11% |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 10 | 15% |
| 2005 | 16 | 14% |
| 2004 | 7 | 5% |
| 2003 | 10 | 6% |
| 2002 | 9 | 7% |
| 2001 | 11 | 8% |
| 2000 | 3 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 6% |
| 1998 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Sierra 2500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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