2004 GMC Sierra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 7%of 188 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,342miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 2004 GMC Sierra, 7% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,342 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.
“My concern is one for trying to prevent a future accident. I own a Gmc Sierra 2500 pickup and the upper intermediate steering shaft has been replaced once and in going out again. This all within 40,000 miles. I feel there is an issue with the design of the part. My concern is that if the steering shaft fails, the driver would lose control of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10153887, filed 2006-03, 23,209 miles“While driving vehicle you get a loud thump and shake from the steering wheel. This happens at any speed, when the vehicle hits a bump in the road or turning. This problem has been traced to the steering shaft on all chevrolet and Gmc pickups from that year.”
NHTSA complaint #10444979, filed 2012-01, 50,000 miles“When turning left the steering wheel squeaks. When taking minor bumps on the road there's a rattling or a pulsing feeling coming from the steering wheel/column. Driver door made a rattling noise (which was fixed) and there was a pumping noise coming from under the dash board by the floor (which was fixed).”
NHTSA complaint #10112378, filed 2005-03, 5,000 miles“Consumer complained about a steering problem. The steering locked up. Took vehicle to the dealer, and also contacted the manufacturer. Consumer was told that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. However, the service technician at the dealer did not know how to repair the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10109562, filed 2005-02, 18 miles“Dt: contact states since 7-04 had steering problems. In 3-05 he received a letter from Gmc stating that they extended the warranty to 2-11 or 100,000 miles because of all of the problems he had been having with the car. His warranty was about to run out and he was still having the same problems with his truck. He was going to forward other pertinent documents later concerning the numerous repair work he has done.”
NHTSA complaint #10133709, filed 2005-08, 21,412 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.
- 10012089Feb 1, 2007Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. *eh updated *eh updated.
- 10019479Jan 1, 2006Increased steering and brake effort.
- 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.
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 2004 GMC Sierra
74 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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