Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
After driving through 12 inces of snow for aprox. 100 feet, a thumping noise started in the front left wheel area. Two mechanics checked it and said it was nothing. After 2 months the front drive shaft failed, was replaced and the sound stopped. Shortly after we started having trouble stopping at slow speeds, the ABS would kick the pedal up, and the stopping distance at 10 MPH became 50 -100 ft. Wheel sensor bearing was replaced at a cost of over $800. The drivers side rear window leaks air, the door weatherstriping on both sides fall off on a regular basis.the gas guage sometimes reads empty when the tank is just filled, and sometimes bounces from place to place. The drivers side pwr window regulator failed and pulled the glass out of the track. Pwr mirror switch failed cannot adjust mirrors except to the left and up. Daytime running lights blow bulbs constantly. …
Took the truck into a local Goodyear store to have a whining noise diagnosed. The technician could not hear the noise and turned the wheel in one direction. When he tried to turn it back, it would not turn. He proceeded to replace the power steering pump and advised us that the shaft on the power steering pump had just snapped or broken. The power steering pump was replaced, and we retained the old power steering pump. I had heard about a recall for a similar issue and called a GM dealership to inquire into the recall. I was advised that GM had issued a recall for the year, make, and model of our truck for the exact problem we had experienced, but that our particular truck (when it was looked up by VIN number) was not included in the recall. It sounds like the recall needs to be expanded to include additional trucks.
Brakes seem to sputter when depressed heavy/light @ any speed. This problem still continues. General tire brand-rear right tire blew out the side wall on freeway @ 75mph-ran over nothing. Right rear tire was replace @ no cost, due to failure. Problem has not accured yet. Steering wheel always feels loose-has been checked and service claimed "there is no problem". Also mother-in-law has a 2000 4dr ext. Cab with the same brake problems among a few others including ac vents smelling ect. Service has checked and replaced few brake parts(2 times) and problem still accures. All of these problems presist and are a major safety problem to my family and I. We would really like to see these problems fixed before any injuries accure!!!!!
When driving 10 MPH consumer turned the steering wheel towards the right and it locked up. The brakes were also difficult to depress. The driver was able to control the vehicle. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership for inspection. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where they determined that the shaft in the power steering pump broke. The dealer also indicated that there were metal pieces in the ABS fluid which probably caused the system to fail.
While coming down a hill put foot on brakes, and it felt like pushing on a brick wall. Consumer proceeded through a stop sign. Consumer has to press brake down twick before vehicle will stop. The brakes failed twice. The steering column makes a grinding noise when turning. Horn failed. Keyless entery failed. Door locks failed. Interior lights failed. The fan in the front end is very loud. The speedometer is inaccurate. The power steering pump shaft broke.
Dt: the consumer states that the power steering rod broke on h 2000 GMC Sierra. The consumer did have this repaired. The dealership was not contacted. The consumer did contact GM. The information they gave him was that he was not included in the recall on the same issue. The consumer was driving when this happened. The speed was about 20 MPH. There were no injuries.
Consumer states based on the description in the owners manual, even if properly armed by following the instructions, the content theft - deterrent alarm system will only sound if the vehicle door is opened from within the vehicle after the manual lock has been utilized from the inside. Consumer feels that access has already been gained to the interior and therefore it is not necessary to unlock the manual lock, or open the door to steal the contents, thereby bypassing the alarm system altogether.
I went into a slide on ice ,spinning 180 degrees, I came to a stop without hitting anything. After I got control I had no power steering or brakes. I drove the truck home and investigated the problem with the help of friends and a specific repair manual. The problem is the power steering shaft completely severed.
Consumer started vehicle up and turned wheels to go, and the wheels would not turn. Also, brakes went out. Brake was pressed down, and steering was very hard to steer. Power steering pump and serpentine belt were replaced. Shaft broke internally.
It greatly concerns me that a failure in the power steering shaft occurs especially when it's happening to other people with the same truck. I have also had the steering shaft replaced 3 times. Are they just waiting for someone to get killed?
Steering complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2000 GMC Sierra, 6% of the model year's 443 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 GMC Sierra steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 GMC Sierra, though it has 8 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 2000 GMC Sierra steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 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.