2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems

Head gasket failure and overheating. After fixed, power steering has just failed during driving. Will have to have it towed to shop

NHTSA ID

11756121

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

Power steering went out for 2-3 seconds as I was making a turn into a street , this happened twice to be exact

NHTSA ID

11743173

Incident

Jun 7, 2026

Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This all happened during rush hour while driving in the left lane of traffic. This sudden loss of power forced me to maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder of the expressway across the right lane of traffic. As there was no shoulder to pull over on the left side of the highway. This created an immediate crash risk for myself and other drivers. Upon inspection at the authorized GMC dealership where I purchased the truck new, a certified mechanic determined that the engine experienced a complete failure requiring replacement or rebuilding of the engine. I paid to have the engine rebuilt at the dealership. The second instance was similar to the above incident. Once again I paid for the repair. The third instance was more dangerous as when my trucks engine failed it almost caused an accident. As of today my truck is still sitting in the dealership for over 6 months and no one from the dealership or manufacturer will give me an answer on what has to be done now. This patter of sudden repeated engine failure clearly indicates a systemic safety defect that extends beyond normal wear and tear. I urge the NHTSA to open a defect investigation into the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 engine systems.

NHTSA ID

11741547

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC SEIRRA 1500 CREW CAB JUST LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THEN WHEN I PARK IT. Assist notifications come on, ABS notices, BRAKE light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc SUDDENLY A LOUD thump & feels like the whole truck just drops like 5” inches, settling. I cannot afford an inspection (ID theft in 2025, compromised all accts & all credit cards) BUT. It IS available as long as cost is covered by YOU !! 2. Lucky it happened in a grocery store parking lot. However not expecting power steering to go out, almost hit a pedestrian. 3. No it has not Ben inspected yet I can’t afford the bill 4. No it has not been reported what for I didn’t hit anybody and the cops in this area they could give her rats ass they don’t make a report the question you like you’re like a criminal. 5. No warnings or anything until it happened that day leaving the grocery store. There is absolutely no notification it was gonna happen. It ran fine when I parked it to grocery shop Come back out & I could barely back out to leave. I can lift up my had fatboy if needed so I’m sure turning a steering wheel…. lol Thnx a lot If I could figure out what part needs to be changed out or you could cover the parts needed. I do work in cars or have in the past, I don’t like the new ones, but this seems simple enough if I knew exactly what part I needed to pull out change out or I see that there’s recalls on previous vehicles and GMC after2020- 24 but I don’t see 2018 didn’t happen so I like to say whoever created that electronic steering can take that module along with the harness and they know exactly where they can put it don’t they I’m just saying as a used to be not sure now a GMC supporter, but I’m starting to think twice now if I

NHTSA ID

11721830

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

2018 GMC Sierra SLT's electric power steering suddenly stopped working, I almost got killed this issue has been reported by other owners

NHTSA ID

11678809

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

I've had the vehicle service twice for the same incident power steering shut off in the middle of drive Vehicle shuts down almost smashed into a freeway wall. This has been to the dealership numerous times to fix it and they have not. We are in the tens of thousands of dollars in repair and still nothing is fixed I've had this vehicle for 5 years it's been In the shop for at least 3 I bought it with 30000 miles it only has 61000 on it right now The last repair lasted 10000 miles this repair only lasted 4000 I almost died and was left Is petrified.

NHTSA ID

11670041

Incident

Jun 29, 2025

My engine and all electrical components including power steering and power brakes and all dashboard electrical will fail while driving. It is becoming more frequent and has almost caused an accident on numerous occasions to the point of not being able to drive safely on the highway any longer so now I only stay on surface streets and can't use for any out of town work. I usually do all of my own vehicle maintenance not been able to diagnose the culprit. Unfortunately I'm not able to afford the dealership diagnostic prices but open to any type of inspection.

NHTSA ID

11658155

Incident

Apr 29, 2025

While driving my truck and making low speed turns the dashboard (including center console) cuts off, along with my power steering. The truck has also shut off completely making u-turns causing me to almost crash. This also happened while driving around 60mph on the freeway, the entire dashboard went out, loss of steering, and truck shut off, almost causing an accident. When it does happen, it will cut out in 1 second intervals and steering will work again for 2 seconds then cut out again for 1 second, this causing me to stall. There are no check engine lights, or service lights that stay on. However, I will get a message stating: You are memory setting 3 in the system (wording may be different). In some cases the stabilitrak light will come on, the park assist warning stating it shut off comes on dash, and trailer break. I have a full service AUL warranty and had vehicle checked at certified dealership and no codes were recorded. I replaced battery and the problem is still happening. This is unsafe and should be part of the previous recall as my symptoms are the same exact symptoms as the other 2018 recall.

NHTSA ID

11652605

Incident

Apr 2, 2025

Electrical system turns off power steering while driving Dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree service track service brake stability Had this service back in 2022 August the problems have resurfaced there are no recalls have spent lots of money and still failing Spent almost a year at the dealership fast forward to years later the same problem is occurring I am running out of money

NHTSA ID

11637228

Incident

Aug 22, 2022

I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 that I bought new in Oct of 2018 and it now has 15,756 miles on it and was still like new at the time of failure. On May 23rd I was driving the truck when the driver suspension suddenly had an structural failure (mostly the ball joint coming out of the control arm) causing the front right side of the suspension to collapse while driving. This caused the truck to go left of center into on coming traffic resulting in a traffic accident.

NHTSA ID

11592367

Incident

May 23, 2024

My 2018 Sierra began experiencing severe shuddering while driving down the road. The dealer said it was caused by moisture getting into the transmission fluid and contaminating it. In my ownership of dozens of vehicle's this has never happened before. This formerly inexpensive minor fluid change requirement morphed into a $618.00 major surgery just to fix a problem that should have never occured. If the fluid was contaminated by moisture as the dealer explained, it's a design defect which caused it and nothing I have ever done. I am still unsure as to if the transmission or torque converter may be damaged. The manufacturer should be liable for the cost to fix this not me!

NHTSA ID

11555796

Incident

Nov 17, 2023

The vehicle steering wheel shudders at speeds from 40-55mph. The steering wheel shudders at 2-second intervals and is constant between those speeds. At first, I thought it might be one of the safety systems. It is not. This is unsafe and GM should be held responsible.

NHTSA ID

11554641

Incident

Nov 11, 2023

The electric power steering failed while accelerating into a turn from a stop at an intersection. The wheel was jerked from my hands, and the engine stalled, all electrical failed momentarily. Within a couple of seconds everything returned to normal. This has happened several times since I purchased this vehicle. Also the electrical power steering drops out quite often at low speeds, such as in parking lots. No warnings have ever been given. In May of 2021 the dealer replaced the steering rack, the problem has continued intermittently to this date. I have researched for recalls on this problem and found that GMC issued a recall for years 2014-2017, and am amazed that they could just declare the problem fixed, and leave such a dangerous problem unresolved!

NHTSA ID

11552528

Incident

May 15, 2021

Noticed a scraping noise after new, recommended tires installed on my stock truck. Checked the door label to ensure correct tires installed, they were, returned to the tire facility and they recommended I ask a repair facility to investigate. Found that the tires are rubbing the upper control arm when fully turned left or right (both sides affected). Went online to discover that this is a common issue with the 2018 and similar GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado trucks. This is a safety issue caused by a design deficiency. Two things can happen. One, the tire can fail. Two, the upper control arm could fail, causing the vehicle to be uncontrollable. This could be fixed by restricting the extreme left and right travel in the steering system or redesigning and replacing the upper control arm so it doesn’t interfere with the tire. This is an unacceptable safety issue caused by a design deficiency and needs to be addressed by NTSB now.

NHTSA ID

11516300

Incident

Mar 30, 2023

Hit a small bump driving 55mph on highway and had sudden complete power steering loss and extremely hard to turn. Drove to a safe location and shut down truck for 1 hour. Upon restart power steering was operating normal. Proceeded back on the freeway and as soon as I hit a small bump with driver's side front tire the same thing happened again complete power steering loss. Drove to dealership and waiting for explanation. The truck is not safe due to inability to turn the wheel without power steering. For someone with less strength, this could be deadly on anything besides a straight road, needing to turn a corner, or to avoid a collision.

NHTSA ID

11500039

Incident

Jan 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while pulling up to park the vehicle at approximately 2 MPH, the power steering failed causing the contact to use an excessive an extra amount of effort while maneuvering the steering wheel to park the vehicle. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering assembly and steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

NHTSA ID

11491315

Incident

Jul 26, 2022

Mileage

39,000 mi

My truck has a severe vibration or shake extremely bad at 60mph and up.i have tried new tires, front end alignment, and several different shops have told me they don't know what it is drive shaft or axels

NHTSA ID

11484121

Incident

May 13, 2020

On 2/26/22, approximately 24,000 miles on the vehicle, while traveling on the Interstate a warning popped up in the display that the power steering had failed and to operate the vehicle with caution. Immediately I noticed I had no power steering, and the vehicle was extremely hard to steer. I exited the interstate and turned the vehicle off. I conducted a visual inspection; no issues were immediately apparent. After several minutes I started the vehicle, and the power steering began functioning. I conducted an Internet search and learned this is a common issue for GMC trucks, previously resulting in numerous crashes and over one million vehicles being recalled. NHTSA campaign number: 18V586, GM’s number for the recall 18289. 3/1/22, I contacted GM customer care and was advised my vehicle was not part of the recall. I was advised to take the vehicle to a GM service center, at my cost. 3/1/22, I contacted Mossy GMC of Picayune, MS, and spoke with a technician, who advised the issue is usually due to a drop in voltage and advised me to replace the battery. 3/19/22, replaced the battery. 3/30/22, upon startup the power steering again failed. I turned the vehicle on and off several times, and the power steering began functioning. 3/30/22, went to Mossy of Picayune, spoke with a technician, who advised he was quite familiar with the issue, stating this is a common problem with GMC trucks, he advised to replace the battery. Told him I replaced the battery on 3/19/22, he stated I would likely need to have the steering module reprogrammed, at my expense $130.00, or replace the steering assembly, again at my expense $1,500.00. 4/3/22, while turning the power steering failed, and the vehicle was extremely difficult to steer. I turned the vehicle off and waited several minutes. Upon startup the power steering began functioning. The power steering failure is a MAJOR safety hazard and a recall needs to be issued before someone loses their life.

NHTSA ID

11459993

Incident

Feb 26, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist causing the steering wheel to become firm. The steering wheel jerked while turning and the vehicle stalled on several occasions almost causing a collision. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin 18-NA-161. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer promised to provide a callback. The failure mileage was 47,184.

NHTSA ID

11421246

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

47,184 mi

POWER STEERING JUST GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING (PULLING INTO PARKING LOT) AND THEN COMES BACK ON CAUSING AN OVERSTEERING PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11416244

Incident

May 12, 2021

Mileage

48,000 mi

A/C STOPS WORKING 2.) MECHANIC DOES VACUUM TEST AND REPLACES REFRIGERANT ($200) FREON 3.) A/C IS BLOWING HOT AIR AGAIN AFTER 3 DAYS; REFRIGERANT COMPLETELY GONE 4.) MECHANIC RUNS DYE THROUGH LINES TO FIND THE LEAK, REPLACES REFRIGERANT AGAIN AND STATES THE PROBLEM IS COMPRESSOR FAILURE ($200) AGAIN 5.) THE OVERALL FIX WOULD BE TO REPLACE THE COMPRESSOR ($1,000) BUT THERE ARE NO COMPRESSORS TO BE FOUND, THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER BECAUSE OF THE WIDESPREAD PROBLEM." LEFT SIDE OF WHEEL MAKING ALOUD NOISE WHEN BACKUP , IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING RACK TANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT FROM 30-15 MAKE A PUSH EFFECT AND COUCHING NOISE

NHTSA ID

11321974

Incident

Mar 10, 2020

Mileage

35,750 mi

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN WHEN SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING AND VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN WITHOUT EXTREME EFFORT.

NHTSA ID

11301911

Incident

Jan 20, 2020

Mileage

16,500 mi

TRUCK SHIFT INTO GEAR VERY ROUGHLY. SHAKES WHEN DRIVING THROUGH ALL SPEEDS. FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS FALLING OFF THE TRUCK.

NHTSA ID

11234127

Incident

Jul 23, 2019

Mileage

47,000 mi

NO TRANSMISSION POWER REGARDLESS OF THE GEAR SHIFTER POSITION. I TURNED THE ENGINE ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO GET A SOLUTION, NO LUCK. I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE 5 MINUTES LATER AND DID GET IT TO MOVE,,,WOULD ONLY GO 25 MPH AT 3000 RPMS. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF WI NOT NEAR ANY MAJOR DEALERSHIP ON-STAR WAS USELESS SAYING I HAD A MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEM AND THE COMPUTER WAS TRYING TO PROTECT THE ENGINE. I WAS DIRECTED ME TO A CHRYSLER DEALER SHIP, WHO TOLD THEY COULD NOT GET ME IN FOR 2 WEEKS, SUGGESTED ANOTHER BRANCH WHICH WAS OVER 45 MILES AWAY. I DROVE 5 MILES TO A FRIENDS HOUSE AND WAS ABLE TO FIND A DEALERSHIP IN JANESVILLE, WI (FAGAN). WHEN I STARTED THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE TO JANESVILLE, THE TRANSMISSION DID WORK. FAGAN SPENT 2 HOURS WORKING ON IT, AND COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE FOR THE PROBLEMS, THEY CHECKED EVERY COMPUTER, COULD NOT DUPLICATE WHAT HAPPENED. THEY REPROGRAMMED ALL THE COMPUTERS. THEN IN CINCINNATI, OH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WENT "OFF", WHILE STAIONARY. I TRIED RESTARTING SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL, DROVE THE 3 MILES LEFT TO THE G'KIDS HOUSE, NO POWER STEERING, TRAILER PROBLEM LIGHJT ON, NO RPM OR MPH NEEDLES MOVING. CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP (BORCHARDING) AND THEY SUGGESTED I DRIVE IT TO THEIR LOCATION 12 MILES AWAY. WHEN I STARTED IT, THE POWER STEERING WAS BACK ON, BUT THE UNIT WOULD NOT GET OUT OF 2ND GEAR, RAN 40 MPH AT 2500 RPM, WARNING LIGHTS ALL ON, ENGINE LIGHT STILL ON. NEXT MORING I STARTED THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING WAS OKAY INCLUDING THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, BUT STILL HAD THE "CHECK ENGINE ON", THE DEALERSHIP KEPT IT (2) DAYS, INVOLVED GMC ENGINEERS, COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS,INCLUDING LOSS OF "STEERING ASSIST". THEY DROVE IT OVER 50 MILES ON TWO TRIPS,COULD NOT DUPLICATE WHAT HAPPENED. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS SOME KIND OF COMPUTER PROBLEM, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE, THEY RESET EVERYTHING AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11221668

Incident

Jun 18, 2019

Mileage

6,000 mi

THE TRUCK WAS BEING TURNED ON TO RESUME DRIVING AFTER BRIEF STOP. THE VEHICLE ENGINE TURNED ON BUT VEHICLE STEERING LOCKED, FRONT AND REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT. AFTER TRUCK TURNED OFF FOR 20 MINUTES. THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED BACK ON. I CALLED GMC ROADSIDE SERVICES-!THEY RECOMMENDED TOWING VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID

11157331

Incident

Dec 8, 2018