2012 GMC Sierra Denali Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 40%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2012 GMC Sierra Denali, 40% of the 10 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 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.
“I have goodyear wrangler sr-a 265 60r20 tires on my Sierra Denali hd 2500. I was on the way back from nc via I-95 and pulled over so my wife could nurse our 3 week old. Me and the boys went in k-mart for a few minutes. Upon returning and getting back on the road, I noticed my car was pulling bad right and the steering wheel was shaking very badly. I managed to drive it the additional 30 miles back home. When I started the truck the next morning, the steering wheel shake was too bad to continue anywhere but the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10662321, filed 2014-12, 28,987 miles“Loss of steering control (three episodes) : 13 nov 2012, while exiting nb I-95 onto eb route 214 in landover, md, my steering wheel locked. My speed at the time was approximately 50 MPH. I was able to brake rapidly as the ramp began to straighten from it's sweeping right curve. The locked steering was forcing me onto the right shoulder. Luckily I was able to stop my truck on the right shoulder before the locked steering forced me off the hard top. During this event, the trucks engine remained running and the ignition key stayed turned on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10485236, filed 2012-11, 29,000 miles“After exiting interstate lost steering and brakes briefly in parking lot. Pumped brake and both returned after a hissing sound. Recurred a few times in next 6 months or so. Then, in the fall of 2013, lost steering and brakes on I-49/us71b heading south from joplin, missouri. You could pump the brakes and briefly regain, but for the most part all steering and brakes were out. Took truck to Gmc dealer where purchased new in bentonville. Dealer confirmed no steering and brakes and damaged bumper while vehicle in its possession by bumping into parking lot barrier. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567717, filed 2014-03, 36,000 miles“2012 Gmc denali. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle steering problems. The consumer noticed a very bad problem with the steering whenever he slowed down to turn, he would loose control over the ability to turn. The wheel locked down when he applied the brake and tried to turn at the same time. He was not able to turn until he pressed on the accelerator or released the brake. The dealer said it was caused by the power booster taking all the power to the brakes and leaving very little to the steering. Also, there was a problem with the back-up screen. …”
NHTSA complaint #10549145, filed 2013-10Related service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This 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
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Sierra Denali
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Sierra Denali
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