This informational bulletin explains there is another steering hose that can be used for cold weather drivers that experience a steering hose leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 GMC Sierra steering problems
severe 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 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.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a conditionwhere a tick noise may be present inside a vehicle while driving. This may be the result of a deformed or improperly seated steering shaft seal allowing engine compartment sounds into the vehicle. Dealers are instructed to replace or reinstall the boot as needed and are informed the condition is being reviewed by engineering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle with Service ABS and/or Traction control lights/message on, Service Power Steering System, Service Suspension System, and or Loss of communication with EBCM, SWPS, PSCM, and/or SCM. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes U0077, U0121, U0126, U0131, U0139, U0401, U0415, and/or U0428. Technician should remove the driver and passenger sill plate to gain access to the wire harness. If any open, damaged, or corroded wires should be repaired.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates a customer concern ofIPC gauges inoperative or fluctuate, No Start,No Crank,SIR Light / Service Airbag Message, Service Suspension Message,Radio display blank, Steering Wheel Controls (SWC) not illuminated, Turn Signal no audible feedback,HVAC controls inoperative. During diagnostics a technician may find any of the following DTC's: B1011, B1370, B3980, U0020, U0029, U007D, U0073, U0078, U0100, U0101, U0102, U0104, U0140, U0151, U0155, U0164,U0184, U0186, U0198, U0422. Dealer is instructed to check Serial Data Gateway Module X2 connector for terminal concerns and repair as needed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Power steering loss is the dominant failure. Owners describe sudden loss of steering assist during low-speed turns, parking, and highway driving—sometimes lasting seconds, sometimes requiring an engine restart. The steering wheel becomes unresponsive or extremely stiff. Many report the issue recurring 15 or more times during ownership. Some incidents occur with the engine shutting down entirely, leaving no steering, brakes, or lights operational.
Electrical shutdown events hit alongside steering failure. The whole truck loses power—engine stalls, all lights go dark, dashboard goes blank. This happens most during low-speed maneuvering and parking but can occur at highway speeds. Owners restart the engine and regain control, but no fault codes are logged. Stabilitrak warnings frequently accompany these events, sometimes with spurious messages about trailer wiring or window controls.
Dashboard warnings persistently flag steering and power system issues: 'Power Steering Failure,' 'Steering Assist Reduced,' 'Service Power Steering.' These warnings appear at startup or trigger randomly, then vanish. Dealers have replaced ECMs, power steering modules, batteries, and ground wires with inconsistent results. One owner had repairs attempted three times and GM refused further service, claiming the truck is "operating as designed." Owners note that 2015 model years were recalled for the identical problem but 2017 models remain uncovered despite exhibiting the same symptoms.
Same GMC Sierra steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent power steering loss/assist failure
Power steering cuts out suddenly during low-speed turns, at traffic speeds, or while driving. Owners report the steering wheel becoming unresponsive or extremely difficult to maneuver. Some incidents resolve by restarting the engine; others last 5-15 seconds or longer. The electrical system appears to reset itself. Dashboard warnings include 'Power Steering Failure,' 'Steering Assist Reduced,' and related messages. Occurs at all speeds but most commonly reported during slow turns or parking maneuvers.
When: 98,000 miles; incidents reported from early ownership through 150,000 miles; most common at low speeds and during turning
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering becomes unresponsive or very stiff during turns; Complete loss of steering assist; Steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn; Warning messages: 'Power Steering Failure,' 'Steering Assist Reduced,' 'Service Power Steering'; Occurs during low-speed turns, parking, backing, and highway driving; Engine may shut down simultaneously; Symptoms resolve after restart or 5-15 seconds; Happens repeatedly—owners report 15+ incidents over vehicle ownership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repairs have included ECM replacement, power steering module replacement, TCM reflash, replacement of starter cable, and ground wire replacement. One owner changed ground wires at independent shop with partial success. Some dealers stated vehicle is 'operating as designed' and refused further repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2015 model year recalls exist for similar power steering/electrical shutdown issues (referenced as report 17V-414); 2017 models not covered by existing recalls despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Owners note earlier generation trucks were recalled for the same problem but later model years have not been.
Complete electrical shutdown during operation
All or most electrical systems shut down while driving—engine stalls, power steering fails, brakes lose power, lights go out, and dashboard goes dark. Triggers most commonly during low-speed maneuvering, turning, or parking. Owner must restart engine to regain control. No fault codes are logged. Some incidents involve dashboard error messages about window controls ('roll down driver window and roll back up').
When: Low mileage to 150,000+ miles; incidents throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls unexpectedly; All dashboard lights and interior lights shut off; Power steering fails; Brakes become unresponsive (no power assist); All electronics shut down simultaneously; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable until restarted; Dashboard message instructs to roll window up/down; No stored diagnostic codes after restart; Occurs most at low speeds or during maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced battery, reflashed TCM, replaced ECM, and checked/repaired battery cable connections. One owner tapped battery box/cables to restore power. Ground wire repairs performed at independent shop. Issue often recurs despite repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM advised dealer to replace ECM as catch-all solution when unable to replicate or diagnose. No TSBs or recalls specifically address this failure mode for 2017 model year.
Stabilitrak/stability control activation with electrical glitches
Stabilitrak warning light illuminates intermittently or stays on. Activation often accompanies power steering loss or electrical shutdown. Dashboard may display additional warnings about trailer wiring or braking. Owners report the truck attempting to shift into 4WD unintentionally when these warnings appear. System resets on its own or after engine restart.
When: Early in ownership; recurring throughout vehicle service life
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak warning light on dashboard; Warning messages about trailer wiring control; Dashboard lights flashing or turning on simultaneously; Unintended 4WD engagement; Warnings appear during turning maneuvers; Light cycles on and off or remains on; Occurs with or without power steering loss
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer wiring repairs performed. Most repairs have not permanently resolved the issue—warnings recur. One dealer could not fix the problem initially.
Steering vibration and shimmy at highway speeds
Steering wheel vibrates or shakes noticeably at speeds above 40 MPH, with most complaints at 65+ MPH. Vibration causes owner's hands to go numb and makes the vehicle feel unstable. Owners report having repairs attempted three or more times without resolution. GM has stated this is 'operating as designed' and refused further service. Issue reported across 2014–2017 model years with no manufacturer action.
When: At highway speeds 65+ MPH; issue present from early in model's production run
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibrates or shakes at speeds above 40 MPH; Vibration most severe at 65+ MPH; Owner's hands become numb from continuous vibration; Vehicle feels unstable at highway speeds; Consistent, ongoing vibration while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired three times with no correction. GM stated no further repairs will be performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM informed owner vehicle is 'operating as designed.' Refused additional repairs or investigation. Issue spans model years 2014–2017 with no recall or TSB issued.
Hard shifting and transmission-related power loss
Vehicle experiences sudden hard shifting at low speeds (5–6 MPH) followed by complete shutdown at highway speeds (45–50 MPH). All lights illuminate simultaneously. Transmission attempts unintended 4WD engagement. Engine shuts down leaving no steering, brakes, or lights operational. Dealer unable to replicate issue despite extended diagnostics.
When: Early in ownership at 10,000–11,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shift at 5–6 MPH from complete stop; Truck shuts down at 45–50 MPH; All dashboard warning lights illuminate; Unintended 4WD engagement attempt; Steering wheel locks; Loss of brake power; Loss of all vehicle control; Repeated hard shifts despite repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reflashed TCM initially, then found loose starter cable connection to battery. GM recommended ECM replacement as general troubleshooting step. Dealer held vehicle for two weeks unable to locate root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM consulted but offered no expert technician—advised ECM replacement instead.
Steering wheel lock-up and inability to turn
Steering wheel abruptly becomes locked or extremely stiff, requiring exceptional physical force to turn. Occurs during low-speed maneuvering, backing, or parking. In some cases, steering wheel jerks violently in the opposite direction of the intended turn. Hazardous at any speed but most common during slow maneuvers. May occur with or without engine shutdown.
When: Low-speed turning, parking, backing; occurs early in ownership and recurs
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks and will not turn; Steering becomes extremely stiff, requiring exceptional force; Steering wheel jerks violently in opposite direction of turn; Loss of power steering assistance; Occurs during low-speed maneuvers: parking, backing, turning at slow speed; Rapid onset with no warning; Lasts seconds to minutes; May recur multiple times during single trip
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs noted in narratives. One owner experienced this at dealership during diagnosis appointment; dealer found no recalls or known issues.
Persistent warning lights and electrical glitches
Dashboard displays persistent warning messages including 'Service Power Steering Drive with Care' that appear every time the engine starts. Random electrical glitches activate multiple warning lights that disappear seconds later. Window switches trigger on/off cycling of all electronics. Lane assist and other driver assistance systems behave erratically.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; recurring after each start
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent 'Service Power Steering' warning at startup; 'Drive with Care' message displays repeatedly; Random electrical glitches causing multiple warning lights; Lane assist system prevents steering wheel movement; Window switch activation causes entire electrical system to cycle; Warning lights appear and disappear without user action; No permanent fault codes stored
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2017 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 2017 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 11,000 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 27,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,000; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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/2017/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.