While attempting to park my 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 at less than 5 mph, the steering wheel suddenly jerked on its own, the StabiliTrak warning light turned on, the dashboard flickered, and the entire electrical system briefly shut off. The anti-theft light also came on during this incident. After restarting the vehicle, it temporarily returned to normal, but this kind of malfunction is extremely dangerous — especially if it were to happen while driving. It’s very upsetting that GM has not included the 2016 model year in the recall for this exact issue, even though many owners are clearly experiencing the same symptoms as the 2014 and 2015 trucks that were recalled. This needs to be addressed for safety and fairness.
2016 GMC Sierra 1500: jerking or lurching
32 of the 344 complaints about the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 describe jerking or lurching.
- owner complaints
- 32
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- typical mileage
- 49,800
- recalls
- 0
Jerking or lurching by model year
What owners say
While attempting to park my 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 at less than 5 mph, the steering wheel suddenly jerked on its own, the StabiliTrak warning light turned on, the dashboard flickered, and the entire electrical system briefly shut off. The anti-theft light also came on during this incident. After restarting the vehicle, it temporarily returned to normal, but this kind of malfunction is extremely dangerous — especially if it were to happen while driving. It’s very upsetting that GM has not included the 2016 model year in the recall for this exact issue, even though many owners are clearly experiencing the same symptoms as the 2014 and 2015 trucks that were recalled. This needs to be addressed for safety and fairness.
My transmission jerks randomly. It's done it since it's been brand new. When it does it, it is usually when it deaccellerates. I don't know if it's dangerous but I was hoping they had a fix for it by now.
While driving and making a turn at slower speeds, such as parking lots or intersections, the entire dash cluster including the radio screen will go black. The steering will completely lock up and jerk back to the opposite direction. At the same time the Park assist, stability control keeps flashing on and off. Sometimes the truck will shut off and then tell you to roll down the driver window and roll it back up. It is random and you never know when it is going to do it. The only fix I have found is to stop in the middle of the road and restart the truck. You can not drive off the road to do this because you cannot control the steering. I almost drove into oncoming traffic when it did this during a turn at an intersection. I have taken it to the dealership and they say then cannot duplicate it therefore don't know what the fix is. I have read multiple complaints on this on line. I have video but it is too big to send in this email.
I have a 2016 GMC 1500 Sierra Denali and experiencing a very scary problem that has suddenly developed with this vehicle. As I am parking or in a slow turn, the vehicle completely looses all power [engine, electronics, brakes, etc..] and the steering wheel jerks out of my hands and then a second or 2 later it comes back on and then repeated 2 more times as I was attempting to park. I had this happen while turning into a parking spot at the store. Then the next day it did it a again as I was turning into a different parking lot. I loose complete control of the vehicle. I have been lucky not to hit another vehicle, more specifically a person. I decided to park the vehicle at home and not drive it until I get GMC service to diagnose. I have an appointment at a dealership to diagnose the problem on 08-15-204 at "Chevrolet Buck GMC of Puyallup Inc.". I did some research on the internet and found a site where others have experienced the same problem. I looked for recalls yet none are concerning my vehicle, however I did find a recall# N202325410 that fits the entire issue for some earlier vehicles. Same exact problem. Something to do with the steering column electrical harness. Please advise what recourse I have?
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle, after which the steering wheel jerked to center independently. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 61,000.
When trying to turn, the wheel will lock and jerk in the opposite direction, at the same time my dash will say service stabilitrack and my radio screen turns black and the air conditioner/heater turns off. The car looses all power and the ability to turn the wheel in any direction
Electronics flash on and off then steering wheel jerks hard back and forth. Total loss of everything.
The transmission is almost banging into gear vibrating at high speeds the shifts can jerk the vehicle and cause an accident
The torque converter jerks the truck and causes vibration. This does jerk the vehicle unsafely at times of stop lights. As I know this was a lawsuit at one point with GMC itself. It does nothing but get worse with pulling and jumping the truck going down the road.
For over a year now multiple times while I'm driving. My vehicle's power steering will jerk/shake very abruptly, dash lights, radio, a/c & heater flicker on & off, service stabilitrak, trailer brakes etc, will pop up. then once stopped and shut off the engine the battery will act like it is dead and I will have no power to the vehicle at all. I have read the recall report & over 1 million SUV/Pickup GM vehicles (Chevy/Cadillac) manufactured through October 2015 are affected with the same issues. My 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 manufacture date on the vehicle is October 2015. I was told my VIN # was not included with the recall therefore they can't do anything to help. Even though my vehicle is experiencing exactly the same problems as the vehicles that were recalled and fixed with no out of pocket expense I am basically screwed. I also have a video of my steering wheel jerking back & forth, dash lights flickering & the engine stalling. (All in the same video)
Was in a parking lot, moving just 2mph and had to literally mash down on the brake pedal - both forward and backward. Also, I put my truck in drive and has been making a noise in the transmission it seems and is a loud + lurches forward a bit. Additionally, I was traveling on vacation to Rockport, TX. I've made a appointment with the dealership here at 10:00 A.M. on 9 Dec 22, it's the earliest I can get my truck in. There was previously a brake issue covered under warranty & should be again!
Service bulletins that may apply
- Power train
- This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage...
- Power train
- This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
- Power train
- Power train
- Power train
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 jerking
Is jerking or lurching a common problem on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
32 of 344 owner complaints about the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 (9%) mention jerking or lurching. The model year with the most reports is 2016.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?
There are 0 recalls and 120 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Check engine light 20Harsh shifting 18Brake failure 16Shudder 14Fire or smoke 13Loss of power 13Hesitation 12Stalling 11Engine failure 9Power steering loss 9ABS 7Misfire 7Transmission failure 7Knocking 6Spongy pedal 5
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