GMC Sierra Suspension Problems

Owners have filed 166 complaints about suspension problems with the GMC Sierra — 4% of all Sierra complaints. The worst model years are 1999 (39), 2000 (25) and 2001 (15). Problems typically start around 52,000 miles. No suspension recall has been issued for the Sierra.

166complaints
1999worst year
52ktypical miles
0related recalls
8crashes
1fires

Suspension complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’2024111139251512649621112261231
Suspension complaints per model year, GMC Sierra.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
201816%28,000 miles
201734%39,000 miles
201626%75,000 miles
201511%—
201465%7,000 miles
201225%43,000 miles
201123%44,000 miles
201012%79,000 miles
200912%96,000 miles
200811%73,000 miles
200723%103,000 miles
2006610%40,000 miles
200597%60,000 miles
200442%18,000 miles
200363%35,000 miles
2002125%35,000 miles
2001156%49,000 miles
2000256%99,000 miles
1999397%100,000 miles
1998116%—
1997115%54,000 miles
199642%—
199521%—

Which parts fail

  • Front
    34
  • Rear
    19
  • Front › Wheel bearing
    14
  • Front › Hub
    13
  • Front › Shock absorber
    5
  • Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
    2
  • Front › Control arm
    2
  • Front › Stabilizer bar
    1

Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    2233%
  • 25k–50k
    1624%
  • 50k–75k
    913%
  • 75k–100k
    1218%
  • 100k–150k
    46%
  • 150k+
    46%

What owners report

The vehicle exhibits vibrations that can be rather extreme at times. It seems to be most noticeable in the 70-75 MPH range but can sometimes be felt at other speeds. It feels like the vibration originates from the rear of the vehicle. Two dealerships have replaced multiple parts and have performed numerous alignments and road force balances but can not identify/remedy the problem. There are thousands of complaints on multiple online forums of this same issue for 2014-2015 GM 1500 series pickup truck. So far there has been no fix for them either. GM treats it as an annoyance in the comfort of the ride, however if they can not identify the issue how do they know it is not a safety risk.

2017 Sierra · 5,000 miles · Oct 2018

I live in oregon, my truck that I purchased from a private owner from utah in June of 2019 had 37,300 miles today's date March 1 2020 my truck has 39,100 miles. A couple of days ago I changed to my oregon license plate. While under the truck I noticed a lot of rust on many parts of the brakes, suspension and frame especially when I lowered the spare tire which showed severe rust damage. This truck has an extreme amount of rust for a vehicle built in 2017. I consider this to be a safety hazard especially because drivers use this type of truck to haul or tow heavy loads.

2017 Sierra · 39,000 miles · Feb 2020

Regarding 2014 GMC Sierra 6 cylinder full size pickup. Vehicle vibrates as if running over rumble strips at apx 1500 RPM. Local GM service center and GM corporate representative stated above is normal vehicle operation. Local GM service center correctly suggested that truck be driven faster or slower to prevent vibration or that vehicle be driven in 5th gear rather than overdrive 6th gear to prevent vibration. If vehicle is nor driven faster or slower to get out of vibration range, the truck will vibrate endlessly. 2014 GMC Sierra is an unsafe vehicle. Needing to speed up or slow down to prevent vibration significantly increases risk for mva. Needing to drive in 5th gear rather than 6th gear reduces gas mileage as reported to nhsta. …

2014 Sierra · 5,000 miles · Nov 2015

I purchased new in 2014 a GMC Sierra 4x4 I take very good care of my vehicles I park inside a heated garage an wash once sometimes twice a week, including undercarriage. In January while washing undercarriage I noticed the coating on the frame is completely coming off the frame with just the spray of garden hose. I notified the service department at upstate Chevrolet in attica at my last service March 16 2015. The dealership will also verify how well I maintain my vehicles. I am now waiting for a response! In the mean time I went on line to see if anyone else is having same problem and to no surprise alot of GMC truck owners are complaining of this existing problem as well. Please contact me. My family an I have been dedicated GM owners and I am asking if this falls under the lemon law. Thank you for your concern.

2014 Sierra · 15,000 miles · Jan 2014

Tl contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the brakes were engaged and the vehicle began to shake excessively. A rattling noise was heard in the front end of the vehicle while driving over gravel or rough road surfaces. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for routine maintenance and the technician was unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and the front passenger side wheel hub was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

2006 Sierra · Front › Hub · 40,000 miles · Feb 2010

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra. The contact noticed the right and left front hub assembly was worn. The dealer did not offer any assistance since the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that she would need to replace the entire hub assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 77,465. The approximate failure mileage was 77,365. Updated 9/19/11 the hub assembly was replaced three times. Updated 12/08/11

2006 Sierra · Front › Hub · 77,000 miles · Aug 2011

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 GMC Sierra 2500hd. The contact stated that when attempting to brake at low speeds, the front end would shake and the braking distance would increase. The contact also stated that the vehicle would pull toward the right when the failure occurred. An authorized dealer stated that this was a known failure, but this year, make and model was not recalled. The failure and current mileages were 72,000. Updated 02/09/12 the front wheel bearing assembly and sensor were replaced. Updated 02/13/12

2005 Sierra · 72,000 miles · Nov 2011

The rear upper frame mount for the shock absorber failed due to corrosion. The non-paint rubberized coating placed on the entire frame of this vehicle is flaking off and exposing the bare steel to the elements. The frame of this vehicle has more rust than should be expected on a 50 year-old truck but it is less than eight years old. The truck is well taken care of and the body shows no signs of rust. The failure of the non-paint rubberized frame coating has rendered this 2005 Sierra un-drivable.

2005 Sierra · 106,000 miles · Jun 2013

Frequently asked questions

Which GMC Sierra years have suspension problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (39), 2000 (25), 2001 (15), 2002 (12) and 1997 (11) model years. Suspension complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1999.

Is there a recall for GMC Sierra suspension problems?

No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any GMC Sierra 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 suspension problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 57% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the front (34 mentions), followed by the rear (19).

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.