YearToAvoid

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 33 steering complaints for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, about 6% of its 570 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 47,500 miles. No related recall is currently listed for this steering issue.

Steering complaints
33
6% of 570
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
47,500 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Steering wheel suddenly locks up or seizes while driving or at standstill, sometimes with a 'Service Power Steering' message on the dash.
  • Loss of power steering assist occurs together with ESC and brake warning messages, making the truck hard to control.
  • Popping, creaking, or clicking noises come from the steering system during hard turns, slow sharp turns, or when going over bumps.
  • Steering and brake failures sometimes happen together, with the steering wheel vibrating and unusual clanking sounds under the hood.
  • Lane keep assist and lane departure warning fail to activate from the time of purchase, despite dealer visits.

When 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 7, 2020, latest Sep 9, 2026.

2021 GMC Sierra 1500 steering complaints: complaints filed per month3Dec 2020Jan 2022Sep 2022Mar 2024May 2025Jan 2026Jun 2026
33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Apr 2023 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Sierra 1500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200530 (10%)
  2. 200611 (5%)
  3. 200710 (3%)
  4. 20083 (1%)
  5. 20094 (1%)
  6. 20103 (1%)
  7. 201111 (3%)
  8. 201210 (7%)
  9. 20135 (3%)
  10. 2014162 (19%)
  11. 201588 (11%)
  12. 201644 (12%)
  13. 201728 (7%)
  14. 201833 (10%)
  15. 201949 (7%)
  16. 202037 (8%)
  17. 202133 (6%)
  18. 202213 (2%)
  19. 202312 (3%)
  20. 20247 (2%)
  21. 20253 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 33 steering-related complaints for the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, which is 6% of the 570 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
No related recall is currently listed in the data for this steering issue.
At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on this model year is 47,500 miles.
Did steering problems on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 injuries and 0 fires linked to steering complaints for this model year.
Is 2021 the worst year for Sierra 1500 steering complaints?
No, 2021's 33 steering complaints and 6% share are lower than years like 2014 (162 complaints, 19% share) and 2015 (88 complaints, 11% share).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.