2002 GMC Sierra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 249 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 2002 GMC Sierra, 5% of the 249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 2 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.
“Front steering tie rods folded in half on two occassions while climbing a hill off road. All steering was lost mid way up the hill, with no way to steer the vehicle. This was covered under manufacturer warranty. I am affraid to drive the vehicle. It is in the shop as we speak for the second time.”
NHTSA complaint #10071028, filed 2004-01, 16,000 miles“Front suspension/ steering 'rattles' excessively when in a turn and road rough to the point I must accommodate it in how I driven turns. The rattle almost goes away after the front suspension is lubed but is back in about 500 miles of driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10110057, filed 2005-02, 25,000 miles“While my 17 year old son was driving, the truck suddenly lost all power steering and brake capability. My son was traveling with his younger brother and a friend in the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10116397, filed 2005-04, 40,490 miles“There is rattle/vibration in my truck's steering column. Any time I go over an uneven surface I hear an annoying rattle coming from under the hood in front the steering wheel, and I feel a consistent vibration in the steering wheel. This rattle started with about 35,000 miles on the vehicle, just in time for the warranty to expire. My truck now has 60,000 miles on it with the same annoying problem. My dealer keeps telling me there is probably going to be a recall on it, so I don't want to pay to repair it (whatever may be wrong with it).”
NHTSA complaint #10150348, filed 2006-02, 35,000 miles“While making a right hand turn consumer lost steering control. This caused the consumer to hit a wall. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10066906, filed 2004-04, 5,000 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).
- 10014899May 11, 2005Steering idler arm inspection procedure.
- 10013533Apr 21, 2005Lack of steering assist or shudder during parking lot type maneuvers.
- 10013457Jan 1, 2005Quadrasteer intermittent service 4-wheel steer message.
- 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 2002 GMC Sierra
145 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsTires
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Sierra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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