Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
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.
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. …
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. …
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Steering complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the steering of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 10% of the model year's 305 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.