Check a VIN

GMC Sierra pulling problems

33 of the 3,904 owner complaints about the GMC Sierra describe pulls to one side, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
33
worst model year
1997
typical mileage
12,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2005
    2
  • 2003
    2
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    3
  • 1999
    4
  • 1998
    4
  • 1997
    8
  • 1996
    3
  • 1995
    4
  • 1994
    2

What owners say

Filed Mar 20, 2015 · Brakes · 105,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra. The contact stated that while attempting to stop, the ABS failed and the vehicle started to pull to the right. The contact determined that the cause of the failure was a defective wheel speed sensor. The VIN was not affected by the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000. ...updated 06-11-15 *bf updated 11/23/2015

Filed Mar 31, 2014 · Engine · 175,000 miles · TX

I have a 2001 gmc sierra that has been losing coolant for about 2 years now. I was told it was a common problem with these trucks just wandering why nothing has been done.

Filed Feb 15, 2006 · Body, Engine · 6 miles · AZ

2005 gmc sierra slt VIN [xxx] I drove the truck 237 miles home and noticed it was not operating properly. I called gmc to resolve the problems. The truck has binding in the front axles, brakes, or differential. This causes the truck to understeer heavily as the truck works to turn the front wheels over the road surface. This also makes the truck difficult to steer, u turns are especially a problem, the truck has sluggish acceleration and stays longer in the lower gears. The rear tires are prone to lose traction due to the increased rolling resistance from the front wheels, braking performance is compromised, the truck will sway back and forth at highway speeds as the rolling resistance of the front wheels varies from side to side. The truck tends to pull to the left, and the suspension is always preloaded from the additional stress. The engine labors to maintain speed on level ground with the vehicle unloaded. On occasion the front wheels will hop off the pavement as it is easier for them to compress the suspension/torsion bars than be turned over the road. It is difficult to maintain a straight line with the truck since the front wheels tend to follow the contours of the road. The front wheel assemblies make a low frequency sound when driving. The transmission, engine, and drivetrain components are always loaded and driving on snow or ice would be treacherous since the front wheels would stop turning on the low friction surface. Driving in the rain is bad enough and the rear wheels tend to break loose. The transmission has behaved strangely, stuttering on occasion as it tried to find the proper gear, it has slipped or freewheeled as I went to accelerate from a stop. The wrong oil filter was installed, the air cleaner is loose and rattles in the engine compartment. The power steering provides little or no assist and requires more effort than I have ever experienced from a vehicle that is supposed to have power steering. *nm updated 07/17/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of

Filed Oct 18, 2005 · Brakes · 6,500 miles · AK

Dt: the contact owns a 2005 gmc sierra. While driving, the vehicle would pull to the left or right under light and severe braking.. Talked to the dealership, and they said that this was normal. The contact did not feel that this was normal, it was a safety hazard.*ak updated 11/16/05.

Filed Jun 3, 2005 · Brakes · NY

1998 gmc sierra experiencing problems with the front ABS sensors. *mr red grease was inside of the sensor area. The brakes would pulsate just below 15 MPH. The vehicle would shake and pull to the left each time the brakes were applied below 15 MPH. The brake pedal would bounce up and down creating an uneasy feeling to everyone in the vehicle. The ABS would activate prematurely. The consumer felt that he should not be charged for a faulty brake system. *sc

Filed Oct 8, 2004 · Transmission · 19,000 miles · 00

I drive a 2003 gmc sierra and there is a transmission problem it makes the driving very dangerous especially at highway. Speed. The vehicle cannot stay strait it either pulls to the left or to the right. The feel of the vehicle isn't right like if its dog tracking. There are clonking and ticking sounds coming from the transmission just from shifting from drive to reverse,reverse to drive...park. While driving when engaging the passing gear sometimes you hear that clonking sound like if there was a slack in the transmission. I had this vehicle since july 2004 and since then I've been to the dealership a number of times everytime they said that everything was ok and showed me paperwork stating from gm canada that clonking, ticking etc. Etc. Were normal operation of the transmission. It cant be cause I had a 2001 gmc truck which I traded for, that drove like a truck this one I have now drives like a tank. Every hole or crack in the road I can feel when I hit a small hole or a dip in the pave the vehicle wants to dog track most of the time the truck pulls to the left, when it does there is a slight vibration you can feel from the accelerator or the brake. This vehicle I find is a accident waiting to happen. Its a big vehicle and to swerve side to side scares other vehicles on the highway, which puts everybody at risk everytime I'm on the road. From all these complaints I did to gm still today they tell me and show me paperwork from gm tech line. Stating that everything is normal and no work from there part should be done on this truck. It's like if gm has people working on these statements just to cover themselves from having to repair or change parts in order to save money in which I wouldn't dought. If you can help me please. Let me know cause this is a very serious matter which I would like to fix before I get into an accident. I believe there is a controversy into all of this.

Filed Jan 28, 2004 · Steering · 12,000 miles · MN

While driving steering would pull to the right.

Filed Jul 1, 2003 · Brakes · 3,066 miles · FL

Brake failure at low speed stop, brake pedal became soft, went to floor, loud noise in front end, vehicle pulled to the right. Did not stop until pedal was pumped again. Works normaly now.

Filed Oct 17, 2002 · Steering · CA

While traveling on the highway without prior warning the vehicle steering wheel will jerk and wander. The dealership is aware of the problem. Ts

Filed Aug 16, 2002 · Brakes · CT

While traveling 60-75 MPH and when depressing brakes vehicle would pull to the right. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information.

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported November 10, 2014 · 679 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.
Risk
An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14743.

Recall number 14V719000 · Recall details

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported May 14, 2014 · 477 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles manufactured May 23, 2013, through March 25, 2014, 2014 GMC Sierra vehicles manufactured May 25, 2013, through March 31, 2014, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 27, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the tie rod threaded attachment may not be properly tightened to the steering gear rack.
Risk
An improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
GM notified all owners, and dealers will inspect the inner tie rods to make sure that they are correctly tightened, replacing the steering gear, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14204. NOTE: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired. Owners should contact GM to have their vehicles towed to the dealership.

Recall number 14V246000 · Recall details

Steering: linkagesReported June 28, 2011 · 739 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and gmc sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
Risk
This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Gm dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 13, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 11V339000 · Recall details

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported October 5, 2005 · 123,592 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
Risk
If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, or hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.

Recall number 05V455000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box: shaft sectorReported January 21, 2005 · 3,344 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks, the bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may not meet specification. The bolt may fracture resulting in the loss of steering.
Risk
If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft bolt free of charge. The recall began on january 24, 2005. Owners may contact gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438.

Recall number 05V018000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Reported October 6, 1998 · 8,367 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: extended cab 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. The bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move. This loosening can result in some unresponsive steering feel and some noise to the driver.
Risk
If this condition is ignored, the steering gear to frame can wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the point of breakage or the bolts backing out. If all the bolts break or back out, the steering gear would separate from the frame resulting in a loss of steering control.
Remedy
Dealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.

Recall number 98V242000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Sierra pulling

Which GMC Sierra years have pulls to one side problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (8 complaints), 1995 (4 complaints) and 1998 (4 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used GMC Sierra?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history