2021 GMC Sierra 1500 steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 3, 2026OHCrashBody & StructureSteeringSuspension

   Vehicle Safety Hazard Summary: This complaint concerns an incomplete, non-compliant post-collision structural repair on a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 (VIN: [XXX]). It has resulted in immediate vehicle tracking failure, dangerous steering drift, and a compromised cabin safety cage following a passenger-side side-impact collision. 1. Severe Suspension and Tracking Misalignment • Electronic Alignment Failure: The post-repair electronic wheel alignment documents a Rear Thrust Angle of…

   NHTSA complaint #11768724 · source
2. Filed Sep 9, 2026MIBrakesEngineSteering

   XXX 2021 GMC Seria 108,339 miles driving home from [XXX] in town and out of nowhere the lights on the dash light up I saw it say adaptive steering and something breaking. There was a lot going on as the steering was rapidly shaking limited breaking while trying to avoid a collision. The engine started a loud knocking sound and sudden smoking out tail pipes. I was able to get the truck stopped turned it off and sat there for a while trying to collect myself. Restarted the…

   NHTSA complaint #11762994 · source
3. Filed Jul 24, 2026GABrakesSteeringSuspension

   Vehicle: 2021 GMC Sierra SLT | VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Carl Black GMC Roswell, GA (11225 Alpharetta Hwy, 30076) | Invoice #[XXX] | Service Date: [XXX] Paragraph 1 – Suspension Hazard: Dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed Rough Country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height Sierra SLT. These arms are designed for lifted suspension and alter factory caster/camber geometry, placing extreme stress on ball joints.…

   NHTSA complaint #11752674 · source
4. Filed Jun 1, 2026AZElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   power steering locked up while driving. multiple dash lights turned on, on its own after the issue, 4wd, emergency brake, abs, and other ones im not sure what they are. took it to the dealership for a recall and told them the issue that happened.

   NHTSA complaint #11741189 · source
5. Filed May 25, 2026SCElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   My truck will not start when I press the push-button ignition. After waiting a few seconds and trying multiple times, it typically starts on the third attempt. Additionally, it will not restart after the auto stop feature activates at stop signs or traffic lights. This is very concerning, especially when pulling into oncoming traffic, as I’m worried the truck could shut off while I’m crossing. I have already had the battery, starter, and alternator checked, and all…

   NHTSA complaint #11739883 · source
6. Filed May 22, 2026GAElectrical SystemSteering

   Shift to park dings continuously and vehicle won’t turn off draining battery leaving doors unlocked. Don’t want to force into park and break anything more.

   NHTSA complaint #11739515 · source
7. Filed Apr 24, 2026MIElectrical SystemSteering

   Driving down road and had total loss of power steering and yes it is available for inspection. Almost drove it off the road due to loss of steering Yes, it happened to be a failed main grounding strap that created the issue. The dealership made the repair. No, it was inspected and repaired by the dealership Yes, started with loss of power steering, then truck died and these codes popped up: Low fuel code, but tank was full; trailer brake system code; side detection code and…

   NHTSA complaint #11733610 · source
8. Filed Jan 14, 202680,000 miSCTowedSteering

   The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle lost proper steering ability, and the steering wheel became loose and spun around in a circle. The air bag message was later displayed on the instrument panel. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the bolt connecting the steering shaft was missing. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the cause of the failure was confirmed. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11710896 · source
9. Filed Dec 19, 2025ILSteering

   The power steering on the truck would quit working at times. I made an appointment with a local dealership to have it checked out. I was told the steering rack was binding and would need to be replaced. I was also told there was a two to four week backorder on the parts. As I am trying to back out of my garage to take it to the dealer the steering totally locked up. I called a wrecker to take the truck to the dealer the next day. When the wrecker operator started to load the…

   NHTSA complaint #11706098 · source
10. Filed Sep 11, 2025MDSteering

    My power steering completely failed. This is a safety issue and could have caused bodily harm. I have looked on line and I am not the only one with this issue, and as I investigated it shows that this issue was recall situation on earlier models. My truck is currently in the shop and looks like it will cost $5,000 to do the full repair.

    NHTSA complaint #11686554 · source
11. Filed Jun 1, 2025UTBrakesEngineSteering

    While traveling on the interstate the vehicle lost all propulsion and started to rapidly decelerate. Shortly after propulsion was lost the engine turned off completely affecting the steering and braking of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the GMC dealership that we purchased it from. repairs have not begun so I assume it would be available for inspection. We were traveling on a three lane interstate up a grade at 80 MPH. Had I not been able to safely get the vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11664233 · source
12. Filed May 4, 2025CACrashTowedSteeringWheels & Tires

    I was driving approximately 25-30 mph coming over an overpass moving into the right hand lane when my truck right front end failed. The steering and brakes locked up for approximately 50’ until I hit the curb for the sidewalk and stopped. I safely exited the vehicle checked the left side of my truck for damage and didn’t find anything. I walked around the back of my truck and came to the passenger side where I found my right front wheel and tire completely broken away from…

    NHTSA complaint #11658813 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology