2016 GMC Sierra Denali Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 20%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,950miles
- 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 Denali, 20% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,950 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.
“The vehicle has excessive steering play. It is dangerous to drive in icy conditions and can be noticed driving the vehicle straight under all driving conditions on dry or icy pavement. I took it to the dealer and they performed service bulletin work at my expense to fix the problem. The service bulletin and rework involved tightening the steering box backlash screw. The problem was not fixed and still exists. This is a known problem, but my vehicle was not included on the recall list to fix the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11165611, filed 2019-01, 49,900 miles“Purchased the 2016 duramax denali with less than 39,000 miles after my previous Gmc truck turned out to be a safety hazard and a money pit. Sales rep had me drive the vehicle around the block and the vehicle was what I wanted. After driving the truck at highway speed I started noticing the vehicle drifting all over, I had to turn the lane departure warning system off because you cant keep it in the lane. Going into a construction zone I almost was pushed into the barrier because of the draft off of a semi. …”
NHTSA complaint #11289518, filed 2019-12, 38,456 miles“1) rear driver side seatbelt would not retract when unbuckled. Seatbelt had to be manually fed back in so that the belt didn't dangle or get shut in the door. Repaired at dealership on june 18, 2020 at roughly 55-56,000 miles. 2) truck is currently shaking when driving and has tendencies to shake violently at times. I'm currently just shy of 59,000 miles on the truck and has been noticeable within the last 1,000 miles. Researching it appears it has a common name of chevy shake.”
NHTSA complaint #11351566, filed 2020-08, 56,000 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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