2001 GMC Sierra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 4%of 264 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,274miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2001 GMC Sierra, 4% of the 264 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,274 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Disc rotor delamination, anti-lock control. I was pulling a 3/4 ton van stuck in his yard, as I got him close to the hard surface ( driveway) I put on the brakes and the truck wouldn't stop, it hit the corner of his block house. No damage to the house however I had to replace all but hood and one headlight assy. 10 MPH and neither bag deployed. I thought it was my own stupidity until reading all the issues on here w/ GM's braking problems. I feel a bit better about myself. The big issue !! …”
NHTSA complaint #10133091, filed 2005-08, 46,000 miles“A Gmc service manager conveyed to me that several GM truck owners have reported excessive wear to the steering shaft leading through the firewall. Wear at a u joint occurs around 15,000 to 25,000 miles due to excessive torque on the joint, as explained to me by a GM service manager. Gm has recognized the problem by providing a new steering rod. The service department kept the old part. Hopefully this fixes the problem. This fix came at a cost of $180.00 to me. This cost, I believe, should be born by GM. …”
NHTSA complaint #10091330, filed 2004-09, 20,000 miles“The consumer heard a clunking noise and a pulsating sensation in the steering column while making turns. The consumer was told that the wrong lubricant was used at the factory for the steering column shaft. The shaft was unable to be lubricated because the lubricant would not penetrate between the first and second sleeve. The intermediate steering shaft was replaced and the problem got worse. Four wheel drive warning light came on.”
NHTSA complaint #10110868, filed 2004-12, 25,000 miles“Steering wheel jerks in hand when depressing brakes while making a right hand turn. This can be duplicated with the vehicle idling in neutral or park. Dealership attempted to fix problem on 01/25/02 by replacing the power steering pump and brake booster. When I attempted to pick up my truck on the 25th, I was notified by marcus that they had not found the problem and that they considered the problem a safety issue, I wasn't allowed to have the vehicle but was given a loaner to drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #763954, filed 2002-07“The contact stated while making a u turn at 3 MPH the power steering and ABS failed. This occurred on a normal road during normal braking. The vehicle was slowly driven home. The dealership was notified however no repairs were made. While making a normal speed u turn the power steering assist failed. Therefore, deleting any assistance to the braking system. Nhtsa recall campaigns 05v005000 and o5v379000 were issued, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10151558, filed 2006-03, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10036545Oct 1, 2010Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/oldsmobile and hummer: information on pitman arm shaft seal service kit. Do not replace entire steering gear for pitman seal leak. Technicians have…
- 10025148Apr 1, 2008Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel and/or steering column (replace upper intermediate steering shaft [I-shaft] assembly).
- 10021450Mar 1, 2007Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
- 10014899May 11, 2005Steering idler arm inspection procedure.
- 10013533Apr 21, 2005Lack of steering assist or shudder during parking lot type maneuvers.
- 10011223Aug 1, 2004Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. This bulletin replaces previous bulletin 00-02-35-003e.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 1 | 17% |
| 2015 | 6 | 11% |
| 2014 | 7 | 7% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 11 | 9% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 27 | 13% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 28 | 6% |
| 1999 | 18 | 3% |
| 1998 | 15 | 8% |
| 1997 | 63 | 26% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 8% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2001 GMC Sierra
150 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsTires
18 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 GMC Sierra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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