GM: THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE CAN DISABLE THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. THIS COULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT AT LOW SPEEDS, A POWER STEERING DIC MESSAGE, AND COULD SET DTC C056D. THIS INFORMATION IS THE PROCEDURE NECESSARY TO REPROGRAM THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 GMC Sierra steering problems
severe 159 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
159
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
5crashes
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 159 steering complaints filed for the 2014 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 21 model years of GMC Sierra we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 159.
Owners have filed 159 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CHEVROLET/GMC: PRODUCT RESTRICTION FOR THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GEAR.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2014 Sierra owners describe a pattern of steering and electrical failures that repeat or persist despite recalls and dealer repairs. The most common complaint is sudden loss of power steering assist, especially during low-speed turning—the steering wheel locks hard or jerks violently, sometimes throwing the driver's hands off. Many report the engine shuts down during these events, disabling power brakes and creating crash risk.
Owners say the StabiliTrak warning light appears before the steering fails, and sometimes the dashboard and interior lights flicker as the whole electrical system seems to brown out. Some have experienced complete power loss for 10–15 minutes, then recovery. Dealers have replaced negative battery cables (at $800+ cost), updated EPS module software per recall 17V414000, and in some cases replaced entire steering gears or modules—yet the failures recur.
A smaller group reports a clunking or binding sensation in the electronic steering rack, worse when turning left, starting around 17,000 miles. Another group describes persistent vibration at highway speeds (69–72 mph) that worsens over time despite tire balancing, rotation, and replacement.
Owners frustrate over dealers claiming inability to duplicate intermittent problems or saying nothing is wrong, then the failure happens again days later. A few note their VINs fall outside the recall coverage even though their symptoms match the recalled issue exactly.
Same GMC Sierra steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
Owners report intermittent loss of power steering functionality, especially during low-speed turning maneuvers. The steering wheel becomes very hard to turn or locks completely. Often accompanied by StabiliTrak warnings and sometimes complete engine shutdown. Occurs both while stationary and in motion at various speeds.
When: Primarily low-speed turns, some incidents at highway speeds. Can occur after extended driving or unpredictably. Mileage range: 8,000 to 215,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Power steering assist suddenly unavailable; StabiliTrak warning light and/or 'Service Steering Assist' message displayed; Engine stalls or shuts down completely; Dashboard and interior lights dim or flicker; Radio, A/C, and other electrical systems shut off; Steering wheel jerks violently out of driver's hands; Entire electrical system loses power for seconds to minutes
Codes mentioned: 17V414000, 14V246000, 19V761000, C0398, 17V-414, 573
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed EPS module software updates (recall 17V414000), replaced negative battery cables ($800+), replaced power steering control modules, replaced steering gears, and reprogrammed EPS module. Some repairs cost $3,000-$3,600 with GM covering 50-75% under warranty. Multiple dealers unable to diagnose intermittent failures. Many repairs did not resolve the issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued recall 17V414000 (loss of steering assist during low-speed turning) for 2014 Silverado 1500 LD and Sierra 1500 LD models only, though many 2014 Sierra LTD owners report the same failure. Recall remedy is EPS module software update. Some owners reported GM declined to cover repairs outside warranty. One owner noted internal dealer memo mentioned replacing battery cables as fix. GM software updates have not permanently resolved the issue for many owners.
Steering rack or steering gear binding and clunking
Electronic steering rack develops loud clunk or binding sensation when wheel is turned, particularly when turned to the left or during low-speed maneuvers. Problem occurs whether truck is stationary or moving. Multiple owners report the electronic power assist assembly contains a broken gear or internal binding component.
When: First appears as early as 8,000-17,000 miles; progresses over time. Can occur repeatedly or intermittently during turns.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise in steering column or rack; Clunk felt in steering wheel and heard from outside vehicle; Binding sensation when turning wheel; Noise when wheel turned 2/3 of the way to the left; Broken gear inside electronic power assist assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced steering box/rack multiple times. One owner reported replacement at 17,000 miles and again at 40,000 miles. GM denies warranty coverage claiming electronic steering gear was 'updated' for 2015 models, implying knowledge of defect. Costs not specified by most owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has not issued a recall for steering rack binding. Technicians noted that 2014 models use a different electronic steering gear than 2015+ models, suggesting an acknowledged design change but no formal recall or TSB mentioned by owners.
Electrical power dropout and battery cable degradation
Vehicles experience intermittent electrical power loss where the battery appears to lose connection. Happens primarily during turning or braking maneuvers at low speeds. Voltage drops suddenly from 15V to 9V or lower, then recovers. Negative battery cables fail prematurely (within 18-24 months) despite proper connections. Some owners attribute failure to poor ground wire installation or high-resistance connections.
When: After 18 months to several years of ownership; occurs at 45,000 to 90,000+ miles. More frequent over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Voltage drops suddenly to 9V or below; Dashboard lights, headlights, radio flicker or shut off; Engine stalls or shuts down; Power steering fails when electrical system loses power; A/C and radio malfunction; Ticking or popping noise heard behind dash like arcing wire; Negative battery cable corrodes or fails prematurely
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced battery after 18 months (out of typical warranty). Replaced negative battery cables at costs of $800+. One owner attempted to repair by relocating vapor recovery intake tube and manually cleaning filters. Oscillating battery terminals sometimes restores power temporarily. Battery and alternator testing normal by dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has not issued a specific recall for electrical power dropout. One owner reported finding a dealer internal memo recommending battery cable replacement as a fix. Service bulletins referenced but not detailed by owners. One owner found reference to G218 ground issue and manually cut back sound deadening from ground without success.
Vibration at specific speeds
Persistent vibration felt throughout vehicle at speeds between 30-72 mph, particularly 69-72 mph. Vibration felt in steering wheel, seat, and gas pedal. Starts early in vehicle life and worsens over time. Not improved by multiple tire balancing, rotation, replacement, drive shaft balancing, shock replacement, or other suspension work. Dealership engineers unable to pinpoint or fix despite multiple visits.
When: Begins as early as 8,000-12,000 miles and progressively worsens over months and years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration felt in steering wheel; Vibration felt in driver and passenger seats; Vibration felt in gas pedal; Vibration strong enough to vibrate rear window; Vehicle 'dog tracks' (travels sideways down road); Vibration worse at 30-45 mph and especially at 69-72 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Extensive dealer work completed without resolution: tire rotation, re-torque of wheels, tire balancing (multiple times), drive shaft balancing, rear end work, shock checks, mud flap removal, exhaust system inspection, tire replacement, road force testing. Factory engineers visited multiple times but could not replicate or fix. One owner documented 9+ dealership visits over 7 months with only temporary improvements or no improvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claimed vibration was 'normal' or within factory specifications. Factory engineers arrived and performed work, then later claimed no additional fixes possible. Dealership stated similar trucks on lot had same vibration but refused to commit to permanent repair.
Steering wheel seizing or jerking violently
Steering wheel suddenly locks, seizes, or jerks violently in the opposite direction of intended turn. Requires excessive force to overcome. Can result in vehicle lurching into unintended direction. Occurs primarily at low speeds during turning but also at highway speeds. Dangerous because steering is unpredictable and driver loses temporary control.
When: At low speeds (under 20 mph), especially during parking maneuvers, U-turns, and low-speed turns. Also reported at highway speeds (50-75 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks hard; Steering wheel jerks or springs violently in opposite direction of turn; Steering wheel jerked out of driver's hands; Excessive force required to turn wheel; Loss of steering control for seconds; StabiliTrak warning light flashes; Engine stalls after steering locks; Steering becomes non-existent then extremely heavy
Codes mentioned: 17V414000
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate failure multiple times. One repair involved software update and negative battery cable replacement. Multiple visits (2-3 times) to same dealership for same issue without resolution. One dealership put vehicle in shop 4 times with 200+ miles added without fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V414000 addresses loss of steering assist but does not address violent jerking or seizing. Some owners with VINs not covered by recall report identical symptoms to recalled vehicles.
Mechanical steering component failure
Steering linkage and mechanical components fail suddenly during normal driving. Includes broken gears inside electronic power assist assembly, tie rod separation, and steering gear failure. Can occur without warning at low speeds and cause loss of vehicle control and crash risk.
When: 82,000 to 170,000 miles; one instance at 5 mph during slow-speed maneuvers.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of steering control; Steering wheel seized; Vehicle abruptly jerks to unintended direction; Broken gear inside power assist assembly; Tie rod assembly failure or separation; Steering gear completely locked
Codes mentioned: 14V246000
Repairs/costs cited: One owner hit pole head-on after rack and pinion came apart. Steering module, negative battery cable, and steering gear replacement recommended at costs over $3,600. One instance involved ball joint pulled out of control arm ($936 repair, not under warranty). Tie rod replacement needed but not completed by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claimed failures were due to tire rotation neglect or impact damage. GM denies warranty coverage for these mechanical failures. One dealer refused to acknowledge steering linkage recall (14V246000) as applicable.
Headlight flickering and electrical instability
Headlights flicker intermittently, especially during braking or steering maneuvers. Associated with broader electrical system instability including StabiliTrak warnings and power loss.
When: Occurs intermittently over extended vehicle ownership; spans same timeframe as steering assist failures.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flicker or dim; Dashboard lights dim; Flickering when brakes applied or steering wheel turned; All interior and exterior lights dim together
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented for headlight flickering alone; treated as symptom of larger electrical issue.
Synthesized from 159 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
While traveling to denver colorado, my power steering shut off at random on the interstate. I pulled over and turned my vehicle off, and it came back on. A few days later while driving in the snow, it went out permanently and I was stranded until a tow truck arrived. It took 3 days to get my truck fixed, and the whole steering system, rack and pinion, had to be replaced. It cost me over $2,500 to…
2014 GMC sierra 1500 4wd ~75k miles. Sometimes when I roll up my windows or use my blinker and it shuts off cruise control (hwy). And sometimes when I hit my breaks my headlights will dim (hwy, city streets, parking lots). When I'm turning slowly (in parking lots) the steeling will occasionally lock up and once it lost power entirely. My battery was tested at bigo and said it was fine. I've seen…
Steering wheel springs/snaps (hard) in the opposite direction that the wheel is being turned and steering control is lost. When this does not shut the engine off, the only way to regain steering control is to restart the vehicle. When this does cause the engine to shut off the steering is restored with the restart. The stabili trak indicator appears just for an instant on the dic when this…
Losing power steering intermittently and suddenly. Wheel becoming extremely difficult/heavier to move. Truck turned off.
Had steering trouble with your 2014 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2014 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 159 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 111 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 47,000 and 85,870 miles, with the median around 66,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 47,000; a quarter make it past 85,870. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/GMC/Sierra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.