2020 GMC Sierra 1500: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Suspension · OK

My 2020 GMC Sierra Denali diesel with approximately 90,000 miles experienced two separate front suspension failures within a short period of time. The driver side tie rod and wheel hub failed first and required repair. Shortly after, the passenger side front suspension failed in a similar way and the vehicle had to be towed. These failures caused the front wheels to become unstable and created a serious safety concern while driving. Suspension components such as tie rods and hubs should not fail at this mileage under normal driving conditions.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Suspension · ME

I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction regarding a significant safety and reliability issue with my 2020 GMC Denali. Specifically, the vehicle is experiencing premature wear and imminent failure of the front ball joints. I expect the suspension components of a premium Denali-trim vehicle to last significantly longer than the 37,061 miles currently on my odometer. Industry standards typically place the lifespan of these components between 70,000 and 150,000 miles. Technical Details of the Failure: The vehicle is currently exhibiting the following symptoms of accelerated ball joint degradation: •Excessive Vertical and Lateral Play: Inspection reveals play in the right lower ball joint that exceeds the manufacturer’s maximum allowable wear specifications. The left lower Ball Joint is starting to have a small amount of play, according to the technician

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Suspension · 41,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the front passenger’s side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the upper control arm ball joint had fractured and that the front upper control arm needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V718000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 41,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · TX

The truck has developed a shake that can be felt in the floor boards, seat, and steering wheel at highway speeds. It’s has spent several months at dealerships without being fixed. I have replaced tires, wheels, shocks, upper control arms, and the transfer case without success.

Filed Nov 11, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · MN

Drivers side upper control arm failure. Threw truck into oncoming traffic. Dealership has inspected multiple times stating everything was good to go. Been complaining about a loud clunk to dealership for months

Filed Oct 20, 2022 · Suspension · UT

I was taking my truck to have an oil change and tire rotation at the dealership. I have just traveled approximately 15 miles on the freeway, exited, and entered the parking lot of the dealership. I went over a speed bump at about 5-7mph and felt a clunk, with a grinding sound and the car pulled to the right. I got out of the truck and found the front passenger wheel was hanging off with only the lower connections attaching it to the frame. (Control arm maybe?). The service department worker was right there when it happened. He told me they have been having issues with the leveling kits on 2020 GMC sierras causing this issue, especially on the right side. He said that this was not the first that he had seen. Two other people at the dealership mentioned the same thing. I was never notified of the potential failure and possible catastrophic consequences. I contacted GMC who's "Product Allegation" department told me they could not investigate because the truck was repaired at the dealership. They didn't even review the photos I had sent them.

Filed Aug 6, 2022 · Suspension · WA

With out any warning my right wheel had broken when I tried to drive from my dive way to work. Looks like Excessive wear to the front-upper control arm ball joints resulted in ball joint failure and wheel separation. Reported to a dealer. Waiting for the appointment to do full investigation. Separation of a front wheel while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of a crash. I drive in city and highway roads, nothing rough. Very high risk for lots of lives!!!!!! People can die!!! Need immediate attention!!!! Please see https://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/fox-factory-recalls-gmc-sierra-1500s-and-chevrolet-silverado-1500s-101321.html Concern DATED and published on 10/13/2021 Why nothing has been done to warn the owners? I smell lots of lawsuits.

Filed Jan 31, 2022 · Suspension · TX

A vehicle with 45,000 Miles had ball joint shear from the upper control arm of front left suspension resulting in wheel separation from the ball joint. Similar situations happening with similar 2020 GMC Sierra's (Note: the federal safety agency Recall Notice, No. 21V718). Could have resulted in a vehicular crash if speed had been increased prior to separation.

Filed Sep 3, 2021 · Suspension · MI

I was driving my 2020 GMC Sierra AT4 at about 15mph on a 2 way city street slowing for a traffic light when my vehicle started to shake violently...at first thinking it was a flat, but the shaking was much different. As I was slowing in anticipation of the light, now at about 5mph, my truck suddenly dropped and stopped. This would have been catastrophic at freeway speeds! I immediately thought maybe someone had tried to steal the wheel overnight as I knew now it was not simply a flat, but knew I had wheels locks and thought that unlikely....this was while I was exiting my now parked truck. I knew the problem was on the front passenger side, and was shocked as I rounded the vehicle from the front only to find the entire front wheel assembly folded flat under my truck. The entire brake assembly was still intact, but the front drive shaft was pulled out, as well as the upper and lower ball joints. The brake hose became severed in this incident.