2016 GMC Sierra 3500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 32%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2016 GMC Sierra 3500, 32% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,200 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.
“-all started with loud pop, metal failure sound. -at a stop, with brakes applied, the power steering turns the wheel to the right. I have to pull to the left to keep the wheel centered. (not moving) this pressure issue will finally stop and the wheel will center on it's own. -steering has slop, feels loose, dead center -while at speed applying the brakes the steering wheel was torn from my hand 3 times. The power steering causes truck to change directions when braking. 99% of the time the truck turns right. …”
NHTSA complaint #10948966, filed 2017-02, 16,000 miles“Steering wheel has slop/play in it. Wheel has 3-4 inches of play before it catches. Can drive down road and 1 min wheel is to the left next its to right to keep truck going straight.”
NHTSA complaint #11191309, filed 2019-03, 20,400 miles“Backed it out of the garage to go somewhere, got on the main road and it was wondering with a lot of play in the steering wheel, next hit a bump in the road and the front wheels started shaking uncontrollably until I slowed to under 40 MPH, hit another road seam and it did the same thing.took it to the mechanic, he diagnosed it as a failed steering box. Truck only has 27,500 miles on it. Never seen a dirt road, not driven in the winter.$1700.00 later its fixed. Many complaints about this on the internet and Gmc has not recalled these trucks for this problem they know about. …”
NHTSA complaint #11416308, filed 2021-05, 27,500 miles“When braking, the service trailer brake system message and service stabilitrac message appear on the dash and brake pedal gets soft to hard repeatedly and truck pulls from side to side violently as if one side of the trucks brakes are working and the other side is not.”
NHTSA complaint #11595591, filed 2024-06Related 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 | 1 | 20% |
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 5 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 3 | 21% |
| 2016 | 6 | 32% |
| 2015 | 3 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 1 | 7% |
| 2006 | 3 | 27% |
| 2005 | 5 | 21% |
| 2004 | 2 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 14% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Sierra 3500
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Sierra 3500
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