general problems of the 2003 GMC Sierra

Bought the truck recently from vince whibbs GMC pensacola FL. Had some front end work done but also there is a loose steering shaft that is a common defect with this year and model truck. While cornering the truck at low speeds and going over bumps there is a loose feeling felt in the steering.

First incident was a brake line bursting in my driveway. I had it repaired at my local garage. At that time he told me that all of the brake lines were in bad shape. Second incident, while I was driving up the road at approx 55 mph with my 19' boat in tow I realized I had no steering or brakes. I was able to coast to a stop and pull the vehicle off the road to a safe location. The failure was attributed to a rotted line to the power steering cooler. Lastly, I am not able to get a safety inspection sticker because my brake lines in such bad condition. Estimated cost to repair $800-$1500 dollars. I will add that the truck looks like new, spends most of it's time in the garage and is used primarily to go to the local dump, plow my driveway only and occasionally tow my boat to the lake! mileage reflects this. Dates may not be totally accurate but the best of my recollection.

I have 2 gm products, a 1996 chevy impalla & a 2003 GMC truck. Both have the same problem. At various times and without notice the power steering will lock up and won't turn for a brief time. After a few seconds it will go back to normal. Also if you are standing still and try to turn to the left the wheel is very hard to turn or won't turn at all. Fortunately this has not caused an accident or injury, but I could see a situation where under the wright conditions this could be life threatening.

: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the steering wheel felt loose. The problem was more obvious while turning or driving at lower speeds. This also caused the front end to make a clunking noise. The dealership replaced the intermediate steering shaft once and lubed the component three times. The problem returns after 10,000 miles.

2003 Sierra steering mechanism makes a noise. The consumer was told when the part in the steering was replaced under warranty, someone placed it on too tight and now the part was out of shape. The mechanic also stated that the part would have to be lubricated often because there were no grease fittings on it. Updated. 07/21/06.

Transmission: been fixed 3 times and finally replaced a/c: repaired once front end-steering: repaired 3 times and still not fixed.

I bought the 2003 Sierra new in 2003. After a short period of time a clunking occurred when going around gradual curves and over small bumps. When it got worse I brought it into the dealer and they said the steering shaft was low on lubricant. They filled it up no charge under warranty and the steering felt like new again. Not too long afterwards, the same problem happened, gradually at first then worsening. I brought it back to the dealer and they were going to replace the part this time instead of refilling it. That was covered under warranty and the steering felt good again. Now its October 25, 2005 and I am going to have to bring it in again for the same part problem. This time I am over the 36,000 mile warranty and have to pay for it. At this rate I will have to do this every year.

The contact stated the rear passenger brake was out of control. The vehicle was taken to the dealership , and they determined there was a problem with the rear tires. There have been no repairs made to the vehicle. Updated 1/4/2006 - the steering intermediate shaft was knocking and had to be replaced.

I have experienced significant vibration when I steer my 2003 GMC Sierra pick up truck. The vibration is distracting and I was worried that there may be a serious problem so I took it into the GMC dealer to be looked at. They told me that it was a problem with the intermediate steering shaft and that it is not a safety issue. However, I feel that any problems with the intermediate steering shaft is a safety concern because if it was to fail while I was driving the results could be catastrophic. The vibration also creates unnecessary distraction, which is also a safety concern. The dealer and GMC customer service have informed me that there are 200,000 intermediate steering shafts on back order - so there is obviously a widespread problem. They told me it could be 3 months before I could get this replaced. My truck is only 1 1/2 years old with 52,000 miles. There currently is no recall. I have filed a complaint with GMC (service request # 1-304994219), but I do not think there response was adequate. They basically told me that I would have to wait until the shafts were ready and that they are currently not performing this work under a recall. There lack of concern was troubling and I do not want to trust my families safety to a customer service agent, which has been directed on what to say. I have not had an accident or incident resulting from this problem yet, but I do not feel comfortable driving the vehicle in this condition.

When turning in either direction a rattling noise was produced from the steering wheel. The dealer replaced the steering shaft which had malfunctioned. Please provide additional information.

When the abs brakes were pressed hard the steering locked and made it difficult to control the steering wheel. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, and informed consumer that it was the characteristic of vehicle. The dealership mechanic will not repair vehicle based on information from manufacturer. The anti-lock brakes experienced extended stopping distance and caused the vehicle minor damage as the consumer attempted to avoid an accident. The dealer suggested that there was no problem. The edges of the seat were worn.

While driving driver can feel knocking in the steering wheel. Dealer had to replace a part in the lower steering unit, but did not inform the consumer of the parts name.