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 2003 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2003 GMC Sierra crewcab 4x4 long bed 8.0lt. (1) I have a problem with the power steering system that when I am at idle, stopped or sitting with my foot off the breaks I can hardly turn the wheel. Only when I move the vehicle some can I then turn the wheel and still it can be difficult. (2) the dealer has replaced the hydroboost system in an effort to remedy the problem. I have brought it back to the dealer twice for the same problem and both times when I picked it up it still had the same problem sitting right there in the dealership. (3) this problem I believe is in the power steering pump not having sufficient flow to handle the friction the tires create at stopped or slow movement. Maybe a higher flow upgrade pump is in order here but the dealership told me not to bring it back anymore for this as there is a remedy coming out soon. …
First incident was a brake line bursting in my driveway. I had it repaired at my local garage. At that time he told me that all of the brake lines were in bad shape. Second incident, while I was driving up the road at approx 55 MPH with my 19' boat in tow I realized I had no steering or brakes. I was able to coast to a stop and pull the vehicle off the road to a safe location. The failure was attributed to a rotted line to the power steering cooler. Lastly, I am not able to get a safety inspection sticker because my brake lines in such bad condition. Estimated cost to repair $800-$1500 dollars. I will add that the truck looks like new, spends most of it's time in the garage and is used primarily to go to the local dump, plow my driveway only and occasionally tow my boat to the lake! Mileage reflects this.dates May not be totally accurate but the best of my recollection.
I bought the 2003 Sierra new in 2003. After a short period of time a clunking occurred when going around gradual curves and over small bumps. When it got worse I brought it into the dealer and they said the steering shaft was low on lubricant. They filled it up no charge under warranty and the steering felt like new again. Not too long afterwards, the same problem happened, gradually at first then worsening. I brought it back to the dealer and they were going to replace the part this time instead of refilling it. That was covered under warranty and the steering felt good again. Now its October 25, 2005 and I am going to have to bring it in again for the same part problem. This time I am over the 36,000 mile warranty and have to pay for it. At this rate I will have to do this every year.
I own (2) 2003 GMC trucks and they both started this "clunking" noise in the steering. I have taken both of them back to the dealer to repair under warranty. The first time they just re-lubed the intermediate shaft in the steering. This worked for awhile, but the noise soon returned. I took them back again and this time they replaced the shaft. Again, the clunking noise has returned and it is getting louder. I am in the process of taking the trucks back in to have them look at them again. However, my warranties are about to expire. If this occurs out of warranty and it is not repaired again I feel that my steering is in jeopardy. The longer it goes the louder it gets. Something is causing this shaft to wear out.
Dt: the contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 hd/diesel. The contact complained about a steering problem.. The steering vibrated when making lower speed turns. This happened when moving or sitting still. It has been fixed approximately 4 times, and it recurred after about 3,000 miles. At 10,000 miles when applying the brakes the steering locked. Also, when applying the brakes the contact lost the brake pedal, it got soft and spongy. They did not pulsate. Also, this affected the steering, the vibration in the steering, and the brakes, which were separate issues. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. He said there was a service bulletin concerning this issue, but the contact's vehicle VIN was not included.
At about 20,000 miles I started hearing a slight knocking noise in the steering while slightly turning to the right, and while hitting minor bumps in the road. Now at about 22,500 miles it continues to get worse. Being a former mechanic I checked it out and found the upper steering shaft u-joint, by the firewall, to be the cause. I called the dealer and talked to the parts deparment. The parts guy said it is a common problem and you have to replace the complete shaft and u-joints. "there are about 400,000 on back order." it will take months to get it in. The service manager said there is no recall on the problem at this time. Why not nhts, with this many needing to be replaced.
The steering column experienced a cracking noise while driving 1-25 MPH, and while making turns. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who repacked the steering column with grease. After 22,000 miles the problem recurred. Vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer informed consumer that the steering shaft was too short, and they needed to order a new shaft. Consumer was waiting for the part......consumer claimed that if this short shaft is working up and down, connected to steering box, then to tie rods, means everything is moving. Consumer wa sconcerned that this was a safety issue.
When the ABS brakes were pressed hard the steering locked and made it difficult to control the steering wheel. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, and informed consumer that it was the characteristic of vehicle. The dealership mechanic will not repair vehicle based on information from manufacturer. The anti-lock brakes experienced extended stopping distance and caused the vehicle minor damage as the consumer attempted to avoid an accident. The dealer suggested that there was no problem. The edges of the seat were worn.
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the steering wheel felt loose. The problem was more obvious while turning or driving at lower speeds. This also caused the front end to make a clunking noise. The dealership replaced the intermediate steering shaft once and lubed the component three times. The problem returns after 10,000 miles.
On 08/10/04 rattle or clunk can be felt in steering. GMC service department verified concern and lubed the steering shaft. On 09/09/04 clunk in steering column came back. GMC service department replace intermediate steering shaft, reference to bulletin 00-02-35-003f. This is a safety concern when so many vehicles are involved.
Steering complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the steering of the 2003 GMC Sierra, 13% of the model year's 206 complaints. The component named most often is column (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 GMC Sierra steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2003 GMC Sierra, though it has 6 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 2003 GMC Sierra steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 53% before 25,000 miles.
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.