Incident 12/29/2024 while making a stop at a Stop sign while making a left turn steering wheel broke free with no resistance what so ever??? Turned off the vehicle opened the hood discovered the intermediate steering shafts had separated??? retaining bolt missing causing shafts to slip out of each other, putting my life & passenger's at high risk how this happened there is no explanation to this…
2019 GMC Sierra steering problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe sudden, simultaneous loss of power steering and braking power accompanied by multiple dashboard warnings (Service ESC, Service Trailer Brake, Brake System Failure 62 MPH Top Speed, Steering Assist Reduced). These failures strike without prior warning—some while parked, others mid-drive at speeds from 10 mph to 75 mph. Brake pedal goes to floor requiring extreme force to produce minimal braking; steering wheel becomes nearly impossible to turn. Most frightening: failures often clear mysteriously after a restart or waiting period, making diagnosis impossible at dealerships, which repeatedly tell owners "no codes found." One owner's brake master cylinder failed at highway speed ($1708 replacement); another's brake assist module drew excessive current after dealer service. A 2019 Sierra with only 645 miles lost both brakes and steering in a parking lot, then mysteriously recovered. Dealerships have replaced master cylinders, bled brake systems, reset computers, and changed batteries—without permanent resolution. Owners report the problem recurs across 2019 Sierras and Silverados on online forums. One truck experienced wiring harness wear-through from steering knuckle contact. Front upper control arm ball joints have separated, and a steering intermediate shaft bolt was found missing. Owners express fear about family safety and refusal to let children drive these trucks.
Same GMC Sierra steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden complete loss of power steering assist
Electronic power steering system fails suddenly without warning, wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Owners report losing all power assist mid-drive, at stop signs, during turns, or upon startup. Wheel either locks completely or requires brute-force manual steering effort.
When: Occurs at various mileages (645 miles to 72,000+ miles) and unpredictably—sometimes at startup, sometimes mid-drive at speeds from 10 mph to 75 mph, often while turning or navigating ramps. Episodes may last seconds to minutes before mysteriously clearing after vehicle restart.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Complete loss of power assist with no resistance feedback; Steering wheel locks or seizes; Wheel jerks to one side during power loss; Steering column makes clicking or clunk sounds; No warning prior to failure on some occasions
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering warning message, Service ESC message, Stability Control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced: steering gear motor (35,070 miles), grounding strap, intermediate steering shaft bolts (one missing, one loose), steering column bolts. Some owners report loose or missing fasteners in steering column and intermediate steering shaft separation. Replacement parts cost $1500+ for wiring harness alone with significant labor. Air gaps and loose connections mentioned. No permanent fix confirmed; problem recurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges no codes appear in many cases. Some dealers advise restarting vehicle or waiting 15–20 minutes for systems to reset. No recall issued despite multiple model years affected. Customer Satisfaction Program N202324120 exists for limited MY2021 Silverado/Sierra trucks (not MY2019) for eBoost brake unit assembly replacement, but steering-specific remedy not documented in narratives.
Brake system failure with near-total loss of braking power
Brake pedal becomes firm or goes to floor with minimal or no braking response. Owners report brake pedal requiring extreme force to press and stopping distance extending dramatically or stopping ability disappearing altogether. Often accompanied by warning messages and limp-mode speed restrictions.
When: Occurs unpredictably after brief parking (15–30 minutes) or while driving at highway speeds (35–75 mph). Mileage ranges from 645 miles (new truck) to 72,000+ miles. Some trucks experience repeated failures (up to 5+ occurrences reported).
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with little or no braking effect; Brake pedal feels hard and requires excessive force to press; Delayed braking response (4–5 feet stopping distance after brake applied); Spongy brake feel; Vehicle restricted to 43–62 mph limp mode; ABS light, brake warning light, traction control light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Brake System Failure 62 MPH Top Speed warning message, Service Brake Assist message, Service Trailer Brake System message, Service ESC message, Brake warning light, ABS light, Traction Control light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced: brake master cylinder (PN 86788482) for $1708.06, entire eBoost brake unit assembly, brake condenser. Diagnostics reveal secondary seal failure in master cylinder, air in brake fluid system, short circuits in brake assist module drawing excessive current. Air bleeding performed. Problem persists after multiple dealer visits and part replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Customer Satisfaction Program N202324120 for limited MY2021 Silverado/Sierra trucks to replace eBoost brake unit assemblies; does not cover MY2019 trucks. Dealers unable to reproduce failures or find codes. Owners report GM stating issues are 'normal.' No safety recall issued despite repeated failures on multiple vehicles.
Cascading electronic warning messages with simultaneous brake and steering loss
Multiple dashboard warning messages appear simultaneously (Service ESC, Service Trailer Brake, Brake System Failure, Steering Assist Reduced), accompanied by loss of both power steering assist and braking power at the same time. System sometimes recovers after restart, but failures are unpredictable and repeated.
When: Occurs within hours of purchase (new trucks with <645 miles) through higher mileage (50,000+ miles). Episodes triggered by startup after brief parking or spontaneously while driving. Recovery occurs randomly after restart cycles, waiting periods, or clunk sounds heard from front of vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights simultaneously: ABS, Check Engine, Brake, Traction Control, Parking Brake; Dashboard displays 4–6 warning messages at once; Loss of power steering (wheel becomes hard to turn); Loss of braking power (pedal to floor, minimal response); Vehicle enters limp mode with 43–62 mph speed restriction; Warnings clear mysteriously after restart or waiting; Check engine light may persist after other warnings clear
Codes mentioned: Service ESC, Service Power Steering, Service Trailer Brake System, Brake System Failure 62 MPH Top Speed, Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care, Service Brake Assist, Brake warning light, ABS light, Traction Control light, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform computer resets, replace brake master cylinders, bleed brake systems, and replace batteries. No permanent repair identified. Owners report multiple dealer visits (3–4+ times) with no lasting resolution. One owner paid to diagnose but truck fixed itself before service visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer techs cite 'no codes found' as reason for no repair. One dealer reset computer and sent truck home without diagnosis. No recall issued. GM customer satisfaction program referenced does not cover MY2019 trucks. Forum discussions indicate issue is widespread across 2019 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado models but remains unresolved.
Front upper control arm ball joint separation or accelerated wear
Upper control arm ball joint fails, becomes loose, or separates from steering knuckle, causing wheel to collapse inward or detach. Occurs without warning and leaves vehicle immobile.
When: Documented at approximately 13,000–70,000 miles. One vehicle failed twice (driver side, then passenger side). Failures can occur at very low speeds (10–15 mph) or after vehicle was recently aligned (20 days prior in one case).
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally loud sound from front end; Front wheel collapses inward toward wheel well; Wheel detaches or ceases to function normally; Tire rubs inside wheel well; Vehicle veers to opposite lane; Steering suddenly difficult or impossible
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis: upper control joint, steering column, and front wheel replacement required. Owners report Safety Recall 21V-718 describes 'front upper control arm experiencing accelerated wear leading to ball joint separation,' but GM will not repair vehicles with no unsatisfied recalls showing on VIN report. Repairs not completed in documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall 21V-718 exists but appears to apply selectively; some owners told no unsatisfied recalls exist on their VINs despite experiencing the exact failure described in the recall. No additional manufacturer response documented.
Wiring harness wear-through and fire hazard
Wiring harness positioned too close to steering knuckle, allowing steering movement to wear through wire insulation and expose bare wires. Creates electrical failures and potential fire hazard.
When: Detected at unknown mileage but requires repeated steering movement over time to develop. Owner reported issue after multiple failed start attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent starting problems (requires playing with brake, shift, and steering wheel to start); False warning messages (e.g., engine oil low immediately after oil change); Clicking noise in steering column when brake is pressed; Bare wires exposed in wiring harness; Potential fire hazard from exposed wiring
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic diagnosis: major wiring harness worn through by steering knuckle contact. Replacement wiring harness approximately $1500 plus substantial labor to install. Mechanic reports seeing similar problems on other vehicles of this model.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Owner believes this should be a safety recall for the model line.
Steering wheel lock-up while driving
Steering wheel suddenly locks or freezes while vehicle is in motion, with no power steering assist. Requires emergency shutdown and vehicle tow.
When: Occurs at highway speeds (60+ mph) and at low parking-lot speeds. One case documented sudden shutdown during traffic stop with steering wheel locking and inability to restart.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes or locks while driving; No power steering assist available; Check engine light comes on; Engine shuts down without warning (one case); Vehicle will not restart (one case); Dashboard displays ESC and power-related warnings
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light, ESC warning, Power warning
Repairs/costs cited: One case resulted in collision with utility pole and rollover; airbags failed to deploy and left rear tire damage occurred. Vehicle towed; no repair details documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Steering wheel lateral play or locking position shift
Steering wheel slips out of locking position or shifts up and down while driving over road bumps, causing potential loss of control.
When: Occurs early in ownership (3 months, 2 occasions noted) at any speed when traveling over road humps.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel slips out of locking position; Steering wheel shifts up and down when passing over bumps; Potential for loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle is under warranty; repair details not provided in narrative.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2019 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 2019 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 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 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 8,100 and 14,300 miles, with the median around 11,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,100; a quarter make it past 14,300. 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/2019/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.