# GMC Sierra power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 212
- **Most complaints:** 2015 (48)
- **Related recalls:** 2
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 212 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the GMC Sierra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (48). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop.

## GMC Sierra power steering warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 48 | 818 | 6% |
| 2017 | 11 | 431 | 3% |
| 2018 | 18 | 305 | 6% |
| 2019 | 47 | 658 | 7% |
| 2020 | 38 | 484 | 8% |
| 2021 | 19 | 599 | 3% |
| 2022 | 7 | 603 | 1% |
| 2023 | 12 | 506 | 2% |
| 2024 | 9 | 380 | 2% |
| 2025 | 2 | 126 | 2% |
| 2026 | 1 | 81 | 1% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## GMC Sierra recalls related to the power steering warning light

**[18V586000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V586000)** (2015 models, reported 2018-09-07): 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.

**[14V719000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V719000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-11-10): 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.

Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What GMC Sierra owners report

- "The power steering went out and then I was unable to pull off the road completely as the engine would not start back up. This truck is a 2026 with 9,000 miles, 6.2L motor. After being towed to a GM Service facility it was determined that the motor had blown up on the truck. A vehicle shutting off while driving down..." -- owner of a 2026 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026
- "The dealership provided a diagnostic trouble code report showing active codes: C2A07 Engine Control Module Indicated Torque Signal Malfunction; U0101 Lost Communication with Transmission Control Module; U0131 Lost Communication with Power Steering Control Module; U0140 Lost Communication with Body Control Module;..." -- owner of a 2025 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026
- "My vehicle has experienced repeated and unresolved electrical system failures and unexpected loss of power steering assist. The problem involves multiple warning lights, module communication faults, drivability issues, and simultaneous malfunctions affecting systems including power steering, traction control,..." -- owner of a 2024 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the power steering warning light means

The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common)
2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common)
3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common)
4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the GMC Sierra power steering light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (18V586000, 14V719000) covering 2015 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which GMC Sierra years have the most power steering light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2019 and 2020 Sierra model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 48 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a GMC Sierra with the power steering light on?

Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash.

### How do I check if my GMC Sierra has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any GMC dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other GMC Sierra warning lights

- [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/gmc-sierra): 37 complaints
- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/gmc-sierra): 18 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints
- [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/gmc-sierra): 540 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/gmc-sierra): 58 complaints
- [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/gmc-sierra): 57 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints

## Power steering warning light on other models

- [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints
- [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints
- [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints
- [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints
- [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints
- [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints
- [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints

## GMC Sierra

- [GMC Sierra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/gmc-sierra)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/gmc-sierra
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
