The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle started hesitating, and there was a loss of power that became worse over time. Additionally, the “Service Engine” and “Power Train” warning lights were illuminated. The messages “Loss of Steering Assist - Be Alert” and “Service Parking Brake” were displayed. The following day, the vehicle was driven in LIMP Mode to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that there was an ongoing the federal safety agency investigation associated with the 6.2L engines. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500: loss of power steering
7 of the 603 complaints about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 0
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
While towing a trailer on 6/26/26, the 6.2L L87 engine suffered a sudden drop in oil pressure, began knocking, and completely lost motive power on the roadway. Because the engine seized instantly, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power steering and power braking while managing the extreme weight of a trailer. This combination created a severe and immediate safety hazard, forcing me to maneuver a heavy, unpowered truck and trailer combination through active traffic to the shoulder without full steering or brake control, putting my life, my passengers' lives, and the safety of surrounding motorists at extreme risk. My dad read the codes before we took it to my mechanics and the only code I can remember is P0016. I took it and dropped it off at my local mechanics on 6/28/26. This is what my mechanic said: No Start-Truck came in not running. Had timing codes. I believe the crank bearing failed causing the engine to lose oil pressure. With the sudden loss of oil pressure, the timing chain tensioner slacked and caused the cam/crank to go out of time. Drained engine oil and found bearing material. We also cut oil filter open and found more bearing material. The timing cover was removed and verified the cam timing was off. In conclusion the engine has failed and will need full replacement. This is the exact failure mechanism under active the federal safety agency Investigation EA26005.
Vehicle: 2021 GMC Sierra SLT | VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Carl Black GMC Roswell, GA (11225 Alpharetta Hwy, 30076) | Invoice #[XXX] | Service Date: [XXX] Paragraph 1 – Suspension Hazard: Dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed Rough Country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height Sierra SLT. These arms are designed for lifted suspension and alter factory caster/camber geometry, placing extreme stress on ball joints. This can cause sudden ball joint separation, wheel collapse, and total loss of steering control at speed. The dealership admitted on the invoice they "could not find branding" on original parts and chose non-OEM lift components without my consent or any safety disclosure. Paragraph 2 – Brake Failure & No Safety Warning: The same service included a full front/rear brake job (pads + resurfaced rotors) using their certified technicians and parts. After pickup, the brakes failed to operate properly. When I returned, the service manager refused to correct their own workmanship and instead quoted $1,900 to repair the very brakes they just serviced. Most critically, at vehicle pickup they issued no written or verbal safety warning—no "do not drive" instruction—despite the brakes being knowingly compromised, endangering me and the public. Paragraph 3 – Requested Action: The service manager was unprofessional, condescending, and refused accountability. I request an immediate the federal safety agency investigation into Carl Black GMC's unauthorized use of lift-kit suspension parts on stock vehicles, failure to warranty their own brake service, and reckless omission of safety warnings at delivery. This dealership pattern poses an imminent public risk. Please escalate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving down road and had total loss of power steering and yes it is available for inspection. Almost drove it off the road due to loss of steering Yes, it happened to be a failed main grounding strap that created the issue. The dealership made the repair. No, it was inspected and repaired by the dealership Yes, started with loss of power steering, then truck died and these codes popped up: Low fuel code, but tank was full; trailer brake system code; side detection code and esc traction control code.
Loss of steering, erratic steering control. Steering locks up
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle remained running. A message was displayed to shift to park(P). The contact stated that the lights, radio, and other functions remained operational. On another occasion, the vehicle jerked, and the steering was difficult to turn. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle had not been taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact also stated that the trunk failed to fully close. The message that the trunk was open was displayed. The contact attempted to close the trunk and message on the displayed was turned off; however, the trunk remained slightly open. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,315.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. Additionally, the brake pedal was depressed several times but failed to respond. The parking brake, traction control, brake, engine, and headlights warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the warning message "Limited Power" was displayed. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with his two feet from a standing position and the vehicle decelerated and he pulled into a driveway. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the vehicle software needed to be updated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Steering
- This informational bulletin provides information on the turn signal stalk not cancelling and/or mis...
- This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be...
- This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the...
- Steering
- This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with...
- Steering
- Steering
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
7 of 603 owner complaints about the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500?
There are 0 recalls and 11 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Engine failure 115Check engine light 111Loss of power 65Knocking 56Misfire 25Oil consumption 21Stalling 21Shudder 19Won't shift 19Jerking 18Won't start 17Hesitation 15Transmission failure 15Harsh shifting 13Overheating 11Warning lights 11Fire or smoke 10Grinding brakes 9Slipping 8Adaptive cruise 7Steering lock-up 7Headlights 6Screen failure 6Ball joint 5Fuel pump 5
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