2003 GMC Sierra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 13%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the steering of the 2003 GMC Sierra, 13% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 Gmc Sierra 1500 has a clunking sound, coming from the steering column, when I turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving. Also, my front brakes have a rubbing sound and the peddle gets spongy when I activate the brakes at a low speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10149399, filed 2006-02, 19,010 miles“First incident was a brake line bursting in my driveway. I had it repaired at my local garage. At that time he told me that all of the brake lines were in bad shape. Second incident, while I was driving up the road at approx 55 MPH with my 19' boat in tow I realized I had no steering or brakes. I was able to coast to a stop and pull the vehicle off the road to a safe location. The failure was attributed to a rotted line to the power steering cooler. Lastly, I am not able to get a safety inspection sticker because my brake lines in such bad condition. …”
NHTSA complaint #10472349, filed 2012-08, 80,000 miles“I own (2) 2003 Gmc trucks and they both started this clunking noise in the steering. I have taken both of them back to the dealer to repair under warranty. The first time they just re-lubed the intermediate shaft in the steering. This worked for awhile, but the noise soon returned. I took them back again and this time they replaced the shaft. Again, the clunking noise has returned and it is getting louder. I am in the process of taking the trucks back in to have them look at them again. However, my warranties are about to expire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10152373, filed 2006-03, 12,000 miles“2003 Gmc Sierra crewcab 4x4 long bed 8.0lt. (1) I have a problem with the power steering system that when I am at idle, stopped or sitting with my foot off the breaks I can hardly turn the wheel. Only when I move the vehicle some can I then turn the wheel and still it can be difficult. (2) the dealer has replaced the hydroboost system in an effort to remedy the problem. I have brought it back to the dealer twice for the same problem and both times when I picked it up it still had the same problem sitting right there in the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10106394, filed 2005-01, 1,500 miles“At about 20,000 miles I started hearing a slight knocking noise in the steering while slightly turning to the right, and while hitting minor bumps in the road. Now at about 22,500 miles it continues to get worse. Being a former mechanic I checked it out and found the upper steering shaft u-joint, by the firewall, to be the cause. I called the dealer and talked to the parts deparment. The parts guy said it is a common problem and you have to replace the complete shaft and u-joints. There are about 400,000 on back order. It will take months to get it in. …”
NHTSA complaint #10106063, filed 2005-01, 22,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10022671Apr 1, 2011Gear box power steering pump, p/s performance concerns. *nj updated on 6/30/2011.
- 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).
- 10012694Aug 1, 2007Release of steering gear stub shaft bearing kit for service. *tt updated 08-15-07. *kb updated 10/09/07.
- 10014899May 11, 2005Steering idler arm inspection procedure.
- 10013533Apr 21, 2005Lack of steering assist or shudder during parking lot type maneuvers.
- 10014845Mar 10, 2005Steering gear whistle noise on turns.
- 10017450Feb 1, 2005Diagnostic trouble code c0455, service rear wheel steering, system jumps from 4-wheel steer to 2-wheel steer.
- 10011757Jan 31, 2005Service 4 wheel steer message with diagnostic trouble code c0455.
- 10013457Jan 1, 2005Quadrasteer intermittent service 4-wheel steer message.
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 2003 GMC Sierra
83 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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