Traction Control complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 0% | 28,000 miles |
| 2023 | 1 | 0% | 20,000 miles |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% | 87,000 miles |
| 2020 | 7 | 1% | 11,000 miles |
| 2019 | 16 | 2% | 8,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% | 0 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% | 67,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 2% | 59,000 miles |
| 2015 | 13 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 57 | 8% | 69,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% | 80,000 miles |
| 2011 | 7 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 118,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% | 66,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% | 157,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% | 180,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% | 138,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% | 250,000 miles |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% | 82,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (electronic stability control and traction control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH and hauling a trailer in stop-and-go traffic, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle started losing power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, where the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The parking brake was engaging and disengaging independently. After turning off the vehicle and waiting for approximately 15-20 minutes, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact drove to the nearest independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, it was determined that the repair had not resolved the failure. The mechanic then diagnosed the vehicle's cylinder #4 failure. …
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly respond. There were no warning lights illuminated; however, the message ESC was displayed. The contact stated that the brakes, steering, and a message to check the trailer brakes was also displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the brake pedal was depressed several times however, the brakes failed to respond, and the vehicle was difficult to control. The vehicle was towed by AAA and then towed to a dealer however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable, and the control center was destabilized. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate independently, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle safely off the highway. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle first to his residence and then the following day to an independent mechanic and was informed that the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V889000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel was yanked to the left. The contact stated that the "Service ESC and Power Steering" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. On another occasion, the following day while making a right turn, the steering wheel was yanked to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was firm and difficult to turn. The contact stated that a "Service ESC and Power Steering" message was displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V889000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel would jerk in the opposite direction of where the vehicle was driving. Their service stabili-trac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a negative battery cable fault. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired on May 5, 2022.
I was waiting on the oncoming traffic so I could make a left turn. I had plenty of time to make my left turn in front of oncoming traffic, as I proceeded to make my turn all if a sudden my steering wheel locked up, stability trac light came on, my power locks locked and unlocked intermittently and truck engine died. I had to restart engine and it did it again as I was moving attempting to finish my turn. This happens on a regular basis now anytime I have to turn steering wheel it locks up and does this. Sometimes it does everything I stated above but engine doesn't die. This is dangerous. A couple times when it does this my truck doesn't have any power to start but wait 30 seconds to a minute, power will restore and you can then start it up. It almost sounds exactly what is happening that the 2015 GMC 1500 are being recalled. This happens now on a daily basis.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss motive power with the service stabilitrak warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and operated as intended. The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
When driving the truck it shuts off and then it turns back on. The stabilizer light goes on. It has happened many times while driving and also when backing up. I need to know any specific information why is it doing it, I have taken it to the dealership and they never have found the issue.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sierra 1500 years have traction control problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (57), 2019 (16), 2015 (13), 2011 (7) and 2020 (7) model years. Traction Control complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for GMC Sierra 1500 traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for any GMC Sierra 1500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Sierra 1500 traction control problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the control module (1 mentions).
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.