GMC Sierra 3500 power steering loss problems

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Steering · TN

While operating my 2024 GMC Sierra EV Edition 1 at approximately 21,000 miles, a "Service Power Steering" warning appeared. Steering effort initially increased and then rapidly progressed to a near-complete loss of power steering assist. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, making anything more than a gradual sweeping turn nearly impossible. I was able to safely exit the roadway into a parking lot. After shutting down and restarting the vehicle, steering assist returned to normal. No crash or injury occurred, but I believe this represents a significant safety risk because loss of steering assist at highway speed could result in loss of vehicle control.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Steering, Wheels · PA

The control arm bearing appears to have failed without warning causing loss of steering control. This occurred at low speed on a street in [XXX] last night near a gas station, so the driver was able to drive to a safe location easily without risk to life. Had the failure happened at speed a possibly fatal collision would have been likely. The vehicle has been used for the past 8 months to drive to work and has not been subject to any stress. It has not been modified. The tow truck driver said he has seen a number of other control arm failures recently, not necessarily in the same vehicle type. It may be due to bad pot holes this year in [XXX] , they are bigger and deeper than normal. This information is based on assessment by tow truck driver last night. Vehicle is at Jim Shorkey in Murrysville for repairs INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 28, 2021 · Brakes, Electrical · 9,470 miles · TX

Driving to work. Power steering went out and braking system seem to be ineffective. Instrument panel service light came on with the battery indicator displaying "battery charging system" fault.

Filed May 20, 2020 · Steering · 33,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 gmc sierra 3500. The contact stated her husband was driving at 20-30 MPH and hauling a trailer, the driver entered the highway, made a right turn and the vehicle loss of power steering assist and became difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to cavender buick gmc west (7400 tx-1604 loop, san antonio, tx 78254) to be diagnosed. The driver was informed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the failure to (the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v719000 (steering) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000.

Filed Nov 20, 2019 · Brakes, Steering · 58,000 miles · OR

I was driving up hill the truck lost power died/shutdown so I had no power steering no power brakes we live on a country rural road. Had the truck towed to kendall chevrolet in eugene oregon where it has been since november 2 with electrical issues that they are trying to pinpoint.

Filed May 23, 2019 · Brakes, Fuel system · 103,000 miles · TX

I was traveling on a busy roadway at 40 MPH when fuel filter warning light came on suddenly and vehicle lost all power - including the loss of power steering and power braking. Thankfully I had not yet entered the highway and was able to slow vehicle down but with great difficulty and not injure anyone around and that day was not towing a load. Vehicle would not restart. I had it towed to nearest dealership who then informed me that the "bosch cp4 fuel pump" had exploded sending metal shrapnel throughout the entire engines fuel system. The only fix was the entire replacement of the fuel system at a cost of over $11k. I had just purchased the truck 3 months prior. Upon hearing this, I see this has been a frequent safety problem affecting a whole line of 2011 - current gm, ford, dodge, and jeep diesel vehicles equipped with the cp4 pumps. There are numerous lawsuits underway for this failure including one of a major accident while towing (what these trucks are made for) because of loss of power steering and braking upon engine stall after fuel pump explosion. The gm technical service bulletin for reference is #16-na-102. In addition, the federal safety agency has received two manufacturer technical service bulletins on this very safety issue. This is very much a recall worthy safety issue. Losing engine power and loss to all power steering and power braking in these vehicles is beyond dangerous. In addition, when it is happening to vehicles designed to tow weights in excess of 30k pounds trailer load behind the affected vehicle the danger is amplified that much greater. Please issue a recall immediately. People's lives are very much at stake for gm's failure to remedy a known safety issue. Gm lists it as only a "hard start or no start". They do not recognize in writing the danger of full power loss at highway speeds which is most often how it presents itself.

Filed Feb 1, 2017 · Brakes, Steering · 16,000 miles · VA

-all started with loud pop, metal failure sound. -at a stop, with brakes applied, the power steering turns the wheel to the right. I have to pull to the left to keep the wheel centered. (not moving) this pressure issue will finally stop and the wheel will center on it's own. -steering has slop, feels loose, dead center -while at speed applying the brakes the steering wheel was torn from my hand 3 times. The power steering causes truck to change directions when braking. 99% of the time the truck turns right. The hyroboost system is turning the steering system to the right which changes the direction of the truck. -while driving the power steering assist appears to turn off and on. As if there is a power loss or too much power was applied than it returned to normal. The truck has been at the dealer 3 different times. First dealer visit the tech deemed the truck unsafe to drive. This was determined by just driving the truck from the service lane to the garage. Tech identified a gm tsb (pit5501d) to investigate the issue and contact gm. Gm outlined a repair however the repairs did not resolve the issue. I was told by the dealer to take it to another dealer for a second opinion. This was after returning to the dealer for the second time and stating the steering system is now leaking and the issue still remains with some improvement. 3rd visit at the 2nd dealer: second dealer drove the truck with me and it was difficult to control. The dealer tech was driving and I was sitting in the passenger seat. They deemed it unsafe to drive and put me in a loaner. 2nd dealer identified metal in the steering fluid and parts that contain fluid must be replace. Personal thoughts are the steering boxes are factory defective and causing them to fail over time. This then introduces metal into the hydroboost system which results in brake and steering failure.

Filed Aug 26, 2016 · Steering · 72,000 miles · TX

Power steering failed while driving, brakes immediately less effective.

Filed Apr 17, 2014 · Steering · 32,232 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 gmc sierra 3500. The contact stated that while reversing at various speeds, the vehicle failed to respond to deceleration attempts as the power steering assist failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 32,232. Updated 06/10/14

Filed Feb 15, 2008 · Engine · 300 miles · NM · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 gmc sierra 3500. While driving 10-75 MPH, the engine stalled. There was a loss of power steering and brakes. The vehicle would restart by itself after drifting for 50 yards. There were no warning indicator lights prior to the failure. The contact noticed thick, black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe occasionally. The dealer replaced the exhaust and installed a new programmer; however, the failures continued. The failure mileage was 300 and current mileage was 36,439.