2020 GMC Sierra steering problems
severe 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 37 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 report intermittent loss of power steering on 2020 GMC Sierras, with the steering wheel becoming heavy and unresponsive at random times—sometimes at startup after parking, sometimes mid-drive on the highway. Several cases describe the vehicle losing all power and steering assist simultaneously while driving (one at 75 mph), forcing the driver to manually steer into a curb or off the road to stop. These events are often preceded by a cascade of dashboard warnings: Service Power Steering, Service ESC, Electronic Stability Control malfunction, brake system errors, and Check Engine lights all lighting up together.
The problem starts early—one owner reported it at 250 miles, another at 1,000 miles. Dealership responses are frustratingly inconsistent: technicians clear codes, find nothing wrong, or claim inability to reproduce the failures. Software updates, steering module replacements, engine harness repairs, and battery checks have been attempted with minimal lasting success. One case resulted in an $8,185 engine replacement bill after a complete power loss event. A few owners mention online references to recalls for 2020-21 GM SUVs with similar EPS electrical glitches, but many report their truck is not on the recall list despite exhibiting identical symptoms. The intermittent nature—problems vanishing during diagnosis and reappearing later—leaves owners stranded and dealers stumped.
Same GMC Sierra steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Loss / Failure
Power steering assist stops working intermittently or completely, making the steering wheel extremely stiff and hard to turn. Occurs randomly at startup or while driving. Often accompanied by 'Service Power Steering' and 'Power Steering Disabled' warning messages. Multiple restarts or waiting periods may temporarily restore function.
When: Occurs from as early as 250 miles to 140,000 miles; some cases at startup, others while driving at various speeds (15 mph to 75 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes heavy and stiff; Complete loss of power steering assist; Service Power Steering warning light illuminates; Power Steering Disabled message displayed; Drive with Care message appears; Steering wheel lock-up in stationary vehicle; Intermittent loss followed by spontaneous restoration
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering, Power Steering Disabled, ESC warning light, Service ESC, Loss of Communication to DIC, Steering Assist Reduced
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have cleared codes, recalibrated brake systems, updated software, replaced steering modules, replaced gears in steering column, checked battery and wiring harness connections, and repaired engine harness. Many repairs have been temporary or ineffective. One owner reported $8,185.20 in repairs (engine replacement) due to power loss event.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Several owners mention online references to recalls for 2020-21 GMC SUVs with intermittent EPS issues related to electrical glitches. Service Bulletin 20-NA-21 was referenced as addressing steering column lock issue. Dealers report inability to duplicate failure in many cases; GM Tech Center offered limited diagnostic suggestions.
Steering Column Lock / Steering Lock-Up
Steering wheel becomes completely locked and immobilized, preventing any steering input. Can occur at startup or while vehicle is stationary. Steering may spontaneously unlock after restart or system reboot.
When: Occurs at startup after parking periods, both at cold temperatures and normal conditions. Mileage range from 1,000 to 10,700+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel completely locked and immovable; Cannot steer left or right; Service Steering Column Lock message appears at startup; Problem disappears once vehicle is started (intermittently); Locks up in cold conditions
Codes mentioned: Service Steering Column Lock, Loss of Communication to DIC
Repairs/costs cited: One owner has video evidence of occurrences. System has been software-updated; dealers report inability to immediately reproduce failures and have taken no action.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 20-NA-21 was supposed to address steering column lock issue. Vehicle received software updates but problem persisted.
Vehicle-Wide Electrical/Power Loss with Steering Failure
Complete or near-complete loss of vehicle power accompanied by steering and brake failures. Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously; engine may shut off. Often triggered by software updates, electronic glitches, or unknown causes. Creates dangerous driving situation requiring vehicle to coast or be steered manually into safe stopping position.
When: Occurs during normal driving at various speeds (25 mph, 55 mph, 75 mph) and during startup; one incident occurred after software update; incidents reported from 250 miles to early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Brake system failure warning; Steering assist failure; Check Engine light; ESC malfunction light; Reduced Engine Power warning; Engine dies or power cuts completely; Loss of steering control; Hard to depress brake pedal; Engine would not start; Complete electrical shutdown (no lights, no FOB function)
Codes mentioned: Brake System Fail, Steering Assist Failure, Check Engine, ESC Malfunction, Electronic Stability Control failure, Antilock Braking System error, ECM error, Reduced Engine Power, Trailer Brake Malfunction, Stabilitrak error, Loss of Communication codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have cleared computer codes and found no defects (multiple cases report this). In one case, entire engine was deemed to require replacement after complete power loss at 75 mph. One case involved software update followed by clicking and update notification; another required three-day shop stay with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Field inspector sent in one case but found no brake failure codes. Dealer diagnosis unclear in most cases; codes either not found or unclear what caused them.
Intermittent Steering Assist/Control Issues While Driving
Steering becomes difficult to control, unstable, or sluggish while driving. Vehicle may pull to one side, shake, or wobble. Often accompanied by multiple system warnings (ESC, brake, traction control). Issue may be temporary and resolve after restart or may persist.
When: Occurs during normal highway and local driving at 15 mph to 75 mph; some cases develop after 4 days of ownership; one case at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls strongly to the left or right; Steering wheel shakes or wobbles; Steering is sluggish or feels stiff; Power steering pump sounds squealing; Steering wheel elevation lock fails (wheel slams to lowest limit); Vehicle feels less responsive to steering input; Tremor felt through steering wheel, floorboards, and seat
Codes mentioned: Steering Assist Reduced, ESC Service light, Service ESC, Traction Control light, Electronic Stability Control warning, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have recalibrated brake systems, cleared codes, performed test drives, checked wiring. Multiple owner visits (one owner visited six times). One case had corroded body ground strap repaired out of pocket. Many cases remain unresolved with dealers unable to duplicate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner referenced GMC Customer Satisfaction Program N252515590. GM has been notified in multiple cases; case opened and owner referred to NHTSA Hotline in one case. Most commonly, dealers report inability to duplicate failures.
Right-Side Steering System Noise / CV Joint / Suspension Issue
Clicking sound emanates from right side of vehicle when turning steering wheel. Also reported: loud clunk from driver-side upper control arm that threw truck into oncoming traffic.
When: Clicking occurs during normal steering turns; clunk reported after months of complaint to dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from right side when turning steering wheel; Loud clunk from driver-side upper control arm; Vehicle thrown into oncoming traffic (upper control arm failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Driver-side upper control arm failure. Dealership inspected multiple times stating everything was good despite owner complaints for months.
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2020 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 37 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 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 3,500 and 20,500 miles, with the median around 10,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,500; a quarter make it past 20,500. 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.