Suspension Problems of GMC Sierra 1500 - part 1

On oct 11,2026, at approximately 105,106 miles, I was driving my 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 under 20 mph while entering a short designated turning lane at [location]. I felt a sudden, unexpected bump or jolt. The truck slid slightly and abruptly came to a complete stop, as though something had mechanically locked up. Immediately afterward, the dashboard displayed a “braking system failure” warning. A front wheel appeared collapsed underneath the truck, with substantial visible damage to the front suspension and surrounding components. The specific component that failed first and the initiating cause are unknown. I did not knowingly strike a curb, pothole, road debris, another vehicle, or another object before the incident. The truck has no aftermarket lift or leveling kit. I purchased it less than two weeks before this occurred. The wheel collapse, sliding, and sudden stop compromised my ability to safely control the truck and created a risk of collision with surrounding traffic. A similar event at higher speeds could have caused a serious crash. The truck is being towed to the selling dealership, which is covering the towing cost. I am seeking an independent GMC inspection and requesting preservation of damaged components and diagnostic data. Inspection availability can be coordinated with me and the dealership. At the time of this report, I have not received a confirmed mechanical diagnosis. Inspection by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or other parties: [state who has inspected it, or unknown]. The braking warning appeared immediately after the sudden stop. Earlier warning lights, messages, or symptoms: [describe any, state none if accurate, or unknown]. Photographs are available. I can provide inspection findings when available.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The front left frame that the wheel and suspension bolt onto is in advanced rust stages. It is being considered unsafe to drive although the right side is still considered safe. Common issue from what I have heard. Took car in to replace the starter and shop doesnwant to work on it. We cannot afford a new vehicle because of a knkwn weakness in the frame work.

See all problems of the 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Several months ago while having my truck serviced, I asked the repair shop to inspect the ball joints on the passenger side because they would make a popping noise when turning the wheel. The shop inspected them and said that was a normal sound due tot he factory lift. Recently I was driving home and about to turn into my lane when the front passenger wheel assembly collapsed under the truck due to the a upper ball joint failure separating the brake line and loss of steering. At the time, I was only going about 25mph and the truck slid to a stop on its own. The truck has 65,000 miles on it and if this had happen at highway speeds personal injury to myself and others would have been likely. The repair cost were $7,500. Fortunately I purchased an extended warranty which covered all but $1,700 of the repair.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Both of my upper ball joints wore out and one broke as I was driving down the road at 65 miles an hour pulling me into the on coming lane of traffic, there was no warning of this. I had both upper and lower ball joint replace. If there had been another vehicle coming in the on coming lane we would have had a head on collision. At an earlier date the motor in this same truck had a fallen lifter which cause my motor to loss power, I was able to take it to the local gm dealer and they fixed it, there was no warning this was happening either. I am worried I will have a catastrophic engine failure and gm will not cover this. I have looked up my.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Vehicle: 2021 GMC sierra slt | VIN: [xxx] dealership: carl black GMC roswell, GA (11225 alpharetta hwy, 30076) | invoice #[xxx] | service date: [xxx] paragraph 1 – suspension hazard: dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed rough country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height sierra slt. These arms are designed for lifted suspension and alter factory caster/camber geometry, placing extreme stress on ball joints. This can cause sudden ball joint separation, wheel collapse, and total loss of steering control at speed. The dealership admitted on the invoice they "could not find branding" on original parts and chose non-oem lift components without my consent or any safety disclosure. Paragraph 2 – brake failure & no safety warning: the same service included a full front/rear brake job (pads + resurfaced rotors) using their certified technicians and parts. After pickup, the brakes failed to operate properly. When I returned, the service manager refused to correct their own workmanship and instead quoted $1,900 to repair the very brakes they just serviced. Most critically, at vehicle pickup they issued no written or verbal safety warning—no "do not drive" instruction—despite the brakes being knowingly compromised, endangering me and the public. Paragraph 3 – requested action: the service manager was unprofessional, condescending, and refused accountability. I request an immediate NHTSA investigation into carl black GMC's unauthorized use of lift-kit suspension parts on stock vehicles, failure to warranty their own brake service, and reckless omission of safety warnings at delivery. This dealership pattern poses an imminent public risk. Please escalate. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My truck transmission beed jerking off and on for over a year. One time it lose power when I was driving and could have caused an accident. I took it to the dealership and they said I new a new transmission for $12000. Something just doesn’t seem right about this! I brought a brand new truck thats unsafe and its no recall for my model but other models with the same issue had a recall. I would just like some answers. I feel like I brought a lemon. Thanks for listening.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The truck when put in parking it still roll forward a little bit. Back up camera can’t not see during night time. Dealership stated they will not solve that problem and tell us to do manually by turn around look back. The suspension really bouncy but the tech stated that is normal. Spoke to other 3rd party tech they said that not normal at all.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

They should be responsible for repairs or replacement of the cheap made frames that rust away so fast so u ain’t gotta worry about your truck fallling apart going down the rd and the lower control arms made of cast that rust from inside out and you don’t know until breaks while driving along with camber adjustments where they can throw alignment out with a single bump. Mostly the frame replacement is major always having to plate frame or check to make sure it will be able travel long trips or haul stuff in bed or a trailer with breaking or falling off truck causing wreck frame repair is major and time consuming if you don’t have proper stuff and definitely expensive and lower control arms that’ll make a wheel come real fast and it’s time consuming and expensive too but very dangerous and breaks and causes damage right then and there at high or low speed on highways or interstates.

See all problems of the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 55 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The driver attempted to use the parking brake to slow the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The message “braking system failure” was displayed. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the passenger’s side front wheel detached and started leaning to the right before the vehicle came to a stop. The driver exited to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the front passenger’s side wheel was lying on the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the passenger’s side upper and lower control arms, ball joints, rack and pinion, brake rotor and pads, hub, outer tie rod, brake line, speed wheel sensor, wheel and tire, and suspension parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Vehicle safety hazard summary: this complaint concerns an incomplete, non-compliant post-collision structural repair on a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 (VIN: [xxx]). It has resulted in immediate vehicle tracking failure, dangerous steering drift, and a compromised cabin safety cage following a passenger-side side-impact collision. 1. Severe suspension and tracking misalignment • electronic alignment failure: the post-repair electronic wheel alignment documents a rear thrust angle of 0. 17°. General motors oem specifications require a maximum allowable thrust angle of 0. 10° or less for this 4wd crew cab chassis. The system printed a critical warning: "one or more values are not within specification. Tire wear, handling and safety problems may result. " • physical wheelbase displacement: physical cross-measurements confirm a 1. 25-inch tracking variance between the rear wheel wells. This proves the solid rear axle has shifted along the leaf springs due to a sheared centering pin or a bent axle/spindle assembly. • road hazard handling: the truck exhibits a severe right-hand steering drift. The driver must hold the steering wheel significantly off-center to prevent the vehicle from pulling off the road. This creates an immediate risk of control loss during highway driving, sudden avoidance maneuvers, or wet weather. 2. Compromised cabin structure and latch failure • structural binding: the facility performed an outer b-pillar sectioning repair. Upon delivery, the b-pillar door check bracket was left un-torqued. When this structural hardware is torqued to factory specifications, the passenger door binds severely against the cab shell and will not latch or close without being violently slammed. This mechanical binding confirms the underlying inner high-strength steel pillars remain deformed, compromising side-impact and rollover crashworthiness. The vehicle is mechanically out of safe operating specifications, and the repair facility refuses to perform further corrections information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information.

Truck started to make loud clunking noise when driving taken it to two shops and wrong parts were installed as stated below. Bought from a used car dealership and they sold it as is now with the wrong parts.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

My 2020 GMC sierra denali diesel with approximately 90,000 miles experienced two separate front suspension failures within a short period of time. The driver side tie rod and wheel hub failed first and required repair. Shortly after, the passenger side front suspension failed in a similar way and the vehicle had to be towed. These failures caused the front wheels to become unstable and created a serious safety concern while driving. Suspension components such as tie rods and hubs should not fail at this mileage under normal driving conditions.

1. Electronic power steering modular issue. My 2018 GMC seirra 1500 crew cab just lost all power steering. Then when I park it. Assist notifications come on, abs notices, brake light stays on, trailer/tow notifications, trailer assist, parking brake, etc suddenly a loud thump & feels like the whole truck just drops like 5” inches, settling. I cannot afford an inspection (id theft in 2025, compromised all accts & all credit cards) but. It is available as long as cost is covered by you !! 2. Lucky it happened in a grocery store parking lot. However not expecting power steering to go out, almost hit a pedestrian. 3. No it has not ben inspected yet I can’t afford the bill 4. No it has not been reported what for I didn’t hit anybody and the cops in this area they could give her rats ass they don’t make a report the question you like you’re like a criminal. 5. No warnings or anything until it happened that day leaving the grocery store. There is absolutely no notification it was gonna happen. It ran fine when I parked it to grocery shop come back out & I could barely back out to leave. I can lift up my had fatboy if needed so I’m sure turning a steering wheel…. Lol thnx a lot if I could figure out what part needs to be changed out or you could cover the parts needed. I do work in cars or have in the past, I don’t like the new ones, but this seems simple enough if I knew exactly what part I needed to pull out change out or I see that there’s recalls on previous vehicles and GMC after2020- 24 but I don’t see 2018 didn’t happen so I like to say whoever created that electronic steering can take that module along with the harness and they know exactly where they can put it don’t they I’m just saying as a used to be not sure now a GMC supporter, but I’m starting to think twice now if I.

Transmission shuttering which was confirmed from from GMC dealership , but refused to do any repairs after confirmation or diagnostic and test driving. Demanded a 220$ fee be paid before releasing my vehicle back. Also gave GMC bulliten # 25-na-148 which states the same issues I'm currently having.

While driving 13-15mph down the road the front right upper control arm ball bearing sheared off causing the tire to lean in rubbing the wheel well, forcing my truck to veer to the left across the other lane of traffic. Luckily there wasn't any car next to me.

I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction regarding a significant safety and reliability issue with my 2020 GMC denali. Specifically, the vehicle is experiencing premature wear and imminent failure of the front ball joints. I expect the suspension components of a premium denali-trim vehicle to last significantly longer than the 37,061 miles currently on my odometer. Industry standards typically place the lifespan of these components between 70,000 and 150,000 miles. Technical details of the failure: the vehicle is currently exhibiting the following symptoms of accelerated ball joint degradation: •excessive vertical and lateral play: inspection reveals play in the right lower ball joint that exceeds the manufacturer’s maximum allowable wear specifications. The left lower ball joint is starting to have a small amount of play, according to the technician.

Failure of frame on left side of vehicle between frame rail and fuel tank. For a approx 10 year old vehicle that is garaged and does not drive in inclement weather this should not be happening.

See all problems of the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Hard shifting transmission and fluid smells burnt, shifts hard in the lower gears and reverse.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

I have 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 6. 2l engine I have maintain my service on this vehicle and now facing a complete engine failure due to the poor design of the engine by GMC. I have spoken with alot people and dealer mechnics and they all agree GMC and chvrolet know that this is a bad design but refuse to acept responsiblity for it. There are tousands of people with this same issue we cant fight this on our own we need your help please.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle drove over a slight bump in the road. The contact stated that the vehicle bounced, and then there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact recently had work completed on the exhaust system. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic who had performed the exhaust repair. The mechanic raised the vehicle on the lift and became aware that the rear passenger’s and driver's side cross members, supports for the shock absorbers, and the rear sub frame had extensive corrosion. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the banging sound was coming from the shock absorbers striking the bed of the truck while driving over the bump in the roadway. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,569.

The mount for the rear shock absorber has completely rusted away on the driver side. The tube is gone now that it was attached to. This is a way to new of a truck for that kind of rust to happen I have been around 40 year old trucks that this never happened to.

The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle rolled over a bump in the highway, and the message to "slow down" was displayed on the instrument cluster. The contact heard an abnormal metal-on-metal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the supports for the differential and the rear axles had been improperly attached and had become loose. The contact had asked the dealer if the repair could be covered under warranty, and was advised that the repairs were not covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Within the first week of buying my 2014 GMC 1500 sierra, the transmission fluid was black in griddy. I have had it flushed, then filter changed and new fluid put in within 2 week time frame. A week later had to put a new transmission in it. It barely would drive. So a purchase at 2,999 then to a transmission 4,800 and new control arm with ball joint with new axels. They were busted. Another 2,000. Its sicking. Advice.

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 NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 17,000.

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was veering to the right or to the left and was moving upwards and downwards. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was veering excessively to the left or to the right while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front brakes were replaced, and the contact was informed that the sway bar end links were fractured due to rust. The contact stated that upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the lower parts of the links had detached, and one of the links was flapping. The contact purchased new parts from the dealer, and the mechanic replaced the links. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing hard shifts while driving from a complete stop and while coming to a stop. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear suspension. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear suspension. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 4,000 miles later. The contact stated that while reversing, the contact heard an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear suspension. The contact also stated that there was also a strong antifreeze odor permeating the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but not yet diagnose. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 38,000.

I purchased a 2025 GMC siera denali ultimate in December 2024. Approximately 2 weeks after purchasing the vehicle, I was driving down the road I received a message that said, "service suspension". I was able to call onstar for diagnostic and the truck was throwing code c2a0a. I took the truck into the dealership to see what the issue was. The dealership said that I apparently ran something over and it must have flown up and broke a plastic sensor cover on the lower rear left shock. I never hit anything but have no way to prove. So, I had to pay $526 for a new shock. Even if I did run over something if that area of the shock is that sensitive it should be better protected especially if it's not covered under warranty.

The contact owned a 2024 GMC sierra . The contact stated while his wife was driving at 50mph, the front passenger side tire detached from the vehicle and the passenger side was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. His wife sustained injuries to the neck and shoulder which required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed from the scene and deemed total loss by the insurance company. The contact stated that the ball joint, hub bearing, and 4x4 drive shaft was damaged. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Front upper control arm ball joint separated from socket.

Cross member holding file tank rusted through causing the fule tank to not be supported and shock mounts no longer support the shocks to frame causing shocks to bounce around with possibility to puncher fule tank or lines also rear cross member that holders electrical components rusts off excessive rust on top of fule tank causing a inability to make repairs without replacing fule tank in entirety.

Vehicle has approximately 45k miles, we were 2. 5 hours away from home on a paved highway driving 55mph and the front passenger side ball joint failed and upper control arm separated also instantly no brakes causing an accident . This is very dangerous and is going to kill people , we are lucky we didn't roll . I'm now afraid this will happen to the other side? chevy will not take the responsibility to fix it , our extended warranty only covered the upper control arm and not any of the other parts that had damage due to the ball joint . It was a 2. 5 hour tow as well . Also the tow truck driver said within a week this was the 4th chevy truck with the same issue 2 of them rolled . Side note , as I looked into this I haver found other of this same model vehicle to have the same problem , one that it happened at around 40k miles he fixed it then it happened again on the other side at around 50k miles on the same vehicle . There needs to be a recall , chevy has other models that have had this recall but no recall for my vehicle? links to related proof there is a big problem [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 mph, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and the front driver's side wheel detached. The vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the upper control arm had disconnected from the steering wheel ball joint, and it was determined that the upper control joint, steering wheel column, and front driver's and passenger's side wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had received an alignment twenty days prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 80 mph, the vehicle skidded approximately 100 yards; however, there was no impact to the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the front driver's side upper control arm and ball joint had fractured, causing the front driver's side wheel to become wedged beneath the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer advised the contact to contact the insurance company to have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

I hit a bump and both rear shock mounts blew off the rear cross member because the frame is rusted out despite having rust protection. It is available for inspection. The truck then began bouncing wildly. Meanwhile the underside of the bed isn't rusted at all, not one speck. It just seems weird to me, reminds me of the Toyota frame problems from a while back. It has not been inspected by a mechanic or insurance, my insurance company didn't seem to care in the slightest. I have had traction control and abs warnings on for a while but my mechanic said that was a faulty tire sensor.