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GMC Sierra 1500 pulling problems

20 of the 9,082 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra 1500 describe pulls to one side, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
1997
typical mileage
59,826
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2022
    2
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    3
  • 2017
    1
  • 2014
    2
  • 2009
    1
  • 2006
    1
  • 2000
    1
  • 1997
    5

What owners say

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · 230,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and pulled to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Steering · IL

This letter serves as a formal notice of concern and demand for accountability regarding the 2009 GMC Sierra LD, VIN [XXX] , owned by [XXX] . There are numerous documented complaints and safety investigations concerning premature tie rod failure in 2009 GMC Sierra models. While the 2009 model year may not have been subject to a sweeping, industry-wide recall specific to tie rods in the 1500 series, it is undeniably and consistently associated with premature steering component failure — including both inner and outer tie rods. The refusal to proactively address this defect, assign a broader recall, or take ownership of the recurring issue reflects a troubling disregard for consumer safety. Documented and Reported Issues Include: • Premature Wear: Tie rods becoming loose or failing between 50,000–100,000 miles, resulting in steering wander and excessive play in the steering wheel. • Clunking/Knocking Noises: Audible front-end knocking at low speeds, a well-known symptom of failing tie rod joints. • Severe Safety Risk: Instances where tie rods have separated or become dangerously compromised, directly affecting steering control. • Uneven Tire Wear: Excessive inner or outer tire edge wear caused by steering instability. • Recall 14V-246000: A related recall acknowledging improper tightening of tie rods where they thread into the steering gear rack — a defect that could cause separation and loss of steering control. The common symptoms — steering vibration, looseness, clunking when turning, and vehicle pulling due to misalignment — are not minor inconveniences. They represent serious safety hazards that endanger drivers, passengers, and the public. It is unacceptable for GMAC and General Motors to minimize or compartmentalize this issue when patterns clearly demonstrate a systemic steering component weakness in this model year. The presence of Recall 14V-246000 further demonstrates that the manufacturer was aware of tie rod-related risks ! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

Filed Jul 16, 2025 · Brakes · NY

I was test driving this 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT and experienced issues while braking. Issues with brakes as the vacuum level drops the brake assist decreases which meant I had to use excessive force to get the vehicle to stop. No warning light, nothing to tell me there is a low pressure brake. This could result in a fatality if a small animal or child walks/runs in front of the truck while truck is moving forward or backwards at low speeds. The dealer doesn’t acknowledge any recall on this vehicle because it isn’t noted as such with GM. I worry that all of the other recalls (4 others) may be an issue too, which include Frontal Airbags not deploying during an accident, faulty wheel sensor causes opposite wheel to engage and cause the vehicle to pull to one side, fuel leak, and child seat anchoring restraint instructions not included in the owners manual.

Filed May 8, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · 17,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started pulling to the left, and the vehicle ended up in the next lane. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer six times because of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 17,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Engine · NM

I had taken my vehicle to the dealership for a front grill assembly recall by the end of the day they called me and said I needed to leave my truck at the dealership because of a coolant control valve and they don't recommend me driving it. They told me they would get me a rental car but we're not able to get me one until 11 days after my vehicle was in the shop. I told them I needed a truck for work but was told they could only offer up to 44 dollars a day and I'd have to take a vehicle that was given to me or pay out of my own pocket to rent my own. I had the case escalated but have yet to hear anything back from GMC if they have even recieved the part or what is going on with this backorder part! From what I've been seeing and reading this is obviously an ongoing thing with GMC they have known about this coolant control valve for years now but instead of producing them so they are no longer on backorder they continue to produce plenty of new vehicles to throw on the sales lot. I am out of thousands of dollars because I don't have a truck and only 2 weeks into this mess with GMC. The vehicle is paid off and I continue to wander when a part or gmc will give me a better option. So I can continue with my business.

Filed Jul 29, 2024 · Steering · 32,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the contact observed a loud sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel then pulled to the right. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was awaiting a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2023 · Tires · NM

In May 2022, I purchased four Cooper Discoverer A/T All-Season 117T 275/55/R20 tires from Walmart.com for my 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT. In May 2023 my vehicle developed a vibration when driving at certain speeds, so I took it to a GMC dealer for a tire rotation and balance. The mechanic discovered that one of the tires had a large bubble on the inner sidewall. He considered it such a safety risk that he insisted on removing the tire and replacing it with the spare before he would let me drive home. The tire was replaced with another of the same kind and tread depth. Yesterday (September 28 2023) I felt that my truck was wandering and swaying. I made an appointment for it to be inspected on Monday, and planned not to drive it until then. Today I observed that the rear passenger tire appeared low. I was shocked to find a split in the inner sidewall approximately one third of the circumference of the tire. I also found a large bubble on the inner sidewall of the driver's side front tire. I am shaken that I could have had three different tires blow out potentially killing myself and other motorists. I will be retaining the tires for inspection, and photographs have been taken. The manufacturer has been contacted. It seems that other model tires have been recalled by Cooper for the same issue, but I have not found a recall for this specific tire.

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 Apr 15, 2020 · Brakes · 8,000 miles · PA · crash

Driving my 2019 sierra on a slightly snow covered road applied brakes and truck pulled to the right and antilock brakes never worked causing me to hit guard rail. Called insurance talked with dealer about what happened they said to contact gm customer service. Had my wrecked truck fixed and when gm got back to me they said there was nothing else they could do because I contacted my insurance instead of dealership???? Now I have received another recall notice telling me my brakes are not responding properly. Guess I need a lawyer I don't know.

Filed Jan 10, 2020 · Brakes · 2,621 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to slow or stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm which required added effort in slowing the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle pulled to the right while being stopped. The vehicle was taken to dave sinclair buick gmc located at 5655 s lindbergh blvd, saint louis, mo 63123, (314)272-4060 to be diagnosed and repaired. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v889000 (service brakes, hydraulic, electronic stability control, service brakes). The vehicle was repaired however, after leaving the dealer and while driving at 65 MPH, the brake failure warning light illuminated and the brake function became reduced. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,621.

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported September 7, 2018 · 1,015,918 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
Risk
If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18289.

Recall number 18V586000 · Recall details

Steering: electric power assist systemReported June 29, 2017 · 690,685 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have a temporary loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist, especially during low-speed turning maneuvers.
Risk
If EPS assist is lost and then returns, the driver might lose temporary control of the steering wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began on August 10, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑432‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 17276.

Recall number 17V414000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Sierra 1500 pulling

Which GMC Sierra 1500 years have pulls to one side problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (5 complaints), 2018 (3 complaints) and 2014 (2 complaints).

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