2016 Silverado 2500HD Steering woes

DannyF · December 1, 2016

^{Vin# is F for ours as well.}

^{Traded a 2015 2500HD Denali for the 2016 3500HD Denali Dually a couple months ago, little over 4000 miles and wife was making a turn, heard a clunk and felt like the steering stuck for a moment. We now have the slack steering and dealership says repair parts are on national backorder. Wife is in Wisconsin with the truck helping our daughter move into her new house. She was planning to come home in Kansas this weekend. Guess that's not going to happen now.}

Edited December 1, 2016 by DannyF

2500denali · December 1, 2016

Welp i have gone to Pick up my 2500 AGAIN dealership claimed truck was fixed and literally 1 minute into my drive home i noticed the truck pulling left AGAIN. If i let go of the wheel it would literally steer you into oncoming traffic. I called dealership and requested manager to ride with me. He was rather defensive at first but after i showed him he quickly said truck is still not right. For the 3 miles i drove even at slow speeds truck would go against the road grade and turn left no matter what. I let the truck almost cross into another car and he quickly said please hold on and get it back. We then took a brand new 16 for a test drive right after mine to verify mine was screwed up. At this point i am advised nothing else can be done all bulletins have been completed and there is nothing to replace. GM field rep who has been continually denying Buyback or replacement is going to dealership tomorrow or next week, Dealership will be notifying field rep that my truck is screwed up and that we verified truck is not right with same exact truck replacement. They are going to push with me for the buyback or replacement. Dealership hopes they dont try trade assist because they would have to sell my truck for retail and with 7 visits on carfax thats impossible so they would eat 7 grand. I am stuck in this deathtrap since There is nothing else they can do. I guess if i get hurt or the truck kills or hurts someone else its not my fault. I notified GM of this aswell. Gm has sole blame for everything at this point so we will see how they act at this point given i have stated that, Unless GM wants another sue against them.

Edited December 1, 2016 by 2500denali

Agriont · December 1, 2016

I took a 16 2500 6l for drive, steering sucked as bad as mine although after today mine is a little better but far from perfect. I also took a 17 1500 out for spin. Tight as a drum, feel was solid on the highway and off. I think GM has the 2500 messed up. At highway speed, steering ought to be very tight, especially when towing. I'm busy just keeping this truck going in a straight line.

meanchevy1 · December 2, 2016

Welp i have gone to Pick up my 2500 AGAIN dealership claimed truck was fixed and literally 1 minute into my drive home i noticed the truck pulling left AGAIN. If i let go of the wheel it would literally steer you into oncoming traffic. I called dealership and requested manager to ride with me. He was rather defensive at first but after i showed him he quickly said truck is still not right. For the 3 miles i drove even at slow speeds truck would go against the road grade and turn left no matter what. I let the truck almost cross into another car and he quickly said please hold on and get it back. We then took a brand new 16 for a test drive right after mine to verify mine was screwed up. At this point i am advised nothing else can be done all bulletins have been completed and there is nothing to replace. GM field rep who has been continually denying Buyback or replacement is going to dealership tomorrow or next week, Dealership will be notifying field rep that my truck is screwed up and that we verified truck is not right with same exact truck replacement. They are going to push with me for the buyback or replacement. Dealership hopes they dont try trade assist because they would have to sell my truck for retail and with 7 visits on carfax thats impossible so they would eat 7 grand. I am stuck in this deathtrap since There is nothing else they can do. I guess if i get hurt or the truck kills or hurts someone else its not my fault. I notified GM of this aswell. Gm has sole blame for everything at this point so we will see how they act at this point given i have stated that, Unless GM wants another sue against them.

Have you contacted your states Bureau of Automotive Repair? I wonder if they could help in these instances?

revrnd · December 2, 2016

And what was this Digital Steering Assist supposed to accomplish?

2500denali · December 2, 2016

Have you contacted your states Bureau of Automotive Repair? I wonder if they could help in these instances?

I have a lemon law case but the BBB case is taking over

UPDATE

I left message on the other agent and supervisors phone yesterday stating if i wreck i am not responsible for any injuries death or damage i stated dealership has performed everything they can and they cant do anything else to fix it Therefor i am stuck driving this deathtrap.

Recieved call from GM Business Resource Senior Adviser Moments ago. Was told this case has been Raised higher and that the field rep is no longer involved. Was told everything will be handled internally at this point. Was asked what kind of vehicle i ordered to replace this one and stated i ordered a 17 hoping to replace this failed truck(same features). After conversation she asked who the lean holder was and then stated we may be doing a Lean Vin Swap from your current vehicle to new. Was told there is a department that handles this.I also re stated if i wreck or cause damage do to the truck being unsafe i am not responsible. No loaner will be given per dealership till GM request it. I assume i will be given a loaner till my new truck gets here but who knows. I will be getting a answer today or early next week now.(Expedited) I will keep you all informed. I am very nervous about the 17 and how it will steer but i am hoping since they know the 16's have issues they fix them for 17.

For those who are having issues Do not hesitate to Lemon law or BBB your vehicle. BBB is what got me in contact with the resource team. Keep pushing and Make GM responsible for our issues. There is NO FIX for our vehicle steering issues. Do not give up.

lmdnmmw · December 8, 2016

I have a lemon law case but the BBB case is taking over

UPDATE

I left message on the other agent and supervisors phone yesterday stating if i wreck i am not responsible for any injuries death or damage i stated dealership has performed everything they can and they cant do anything else to fix it Therefor i am stuck driving this deathtrap.

Recieved call from GM Business Resource Senior Adviser Moments ago. Was told this case has been Raised higher and that the field rep is no longer involved. Was told everything will be handled internally at this point. Was asked what kind of vehicle i ordered to replace this one and stated i ordered a 17 hoping to replace this failed truck(same features). After conversation she asked who the lean holder was and then stated we may be doing a Lean Vin Swap from your current vehicle to new. Was told there is a department that handles this.I also re stated if i wreck or cause damage do to the truck being unsafe i am not responsible. No loaner will be given per dealership till GM request it. I assume i will be given a loaner till my new truck gets here but who knows. I will be getting a answer today or early next week now.(Expedited) I will keep you all informed. I am very nervous about the 17 and how it will steer but i am hoping since they know the 16's have issues they fix them for 17.

For those who are having issues Do not hesitate to Lemon law or BBB your vehicle. BBB is what got me in contact with the resource team. Keep pushing and Make GM responsible for our issues. There is NO FIX for our vehicle steering issues. Do not give up.

Hey Nick,

I was able to file a BBB complaint. At this point I told them that I would like to get it fixed and not a new truck. If this problem can't be rectified do I have no other choice then to take a new truck? I know I'm asking a lot of questions, and maybe you can't answer them but you are much further along in the process then me, and you are also in MD.

I received a call from someone at GM in a new department. I can't remember the department name, but how is your process so far?

Also have you been in contact with the MD Attorney General? I was told by my legal counsel to contact them and make a case. Most cases will be a lemon law case but they will have more of a back bone to go after GM Corporate.

lmdnmmw · December 8, 2016

Also after speaking with MD Attorney General's Office, I was able to clarify that modifications like "leveling kit" and "larger tires" doesn't effect the Lemon Law. Now they didn't say if it was because the dealer that I purchased from did the modification, or if its because in the Lemon Law it doesn't state that your vehicle can't be modified to fall under the Lemon Law.

Agriont · December 8, 2016

Had the repair done a few days ago. It did make a difference in that the play is gone and the dealership was able to center the steering wheel. I find zero difference in the tightness of the steering while driving slowly in a parking lot to being on a highway doing 70 mph. I think that at speed it should be very tight. I also swapped out the SRA tires for Michelins. I find there is significant difference in tracking and steering.

Good luck with getting your trucks fixed or replaced. If the steering on mine fails again, I will take legal action as well. Also, if there are further TSBs out, pls post them so that everyone can have access.

lmdnmmw · December 8, 2016

Had the repair done a few days ago. It did make a difference in that the play is gone and the dealership was able to center the steering wheel. I find zero difference in the tightness of the steering while driving slowly in a parking lot to being on a highway doing 70 mph. I think that at speed it should be very tight. I also swapped out the SRA tires for Michelins. I find there is significant difference in tracking and steering.

Good luck with getting your trucks fixed or replaced. If the steering on mine fails again, I will take legal action as well. Also, if there are further TSBs out, pls post them so that everyone can have access.

What TSB did you have done? From what I have seen, the most up to date is #PIT5501D. If I'm mistaken please let me know.

Agriont · December 8, 2016

I had D done. They replaced the rod etc, not the complete steering box, which should have been done imo as the box would be directly from factory. Sucks that a new truck needed the repair.

Edited December 8, 2016 by Agriont

redwngr · December 8, 2016

And what was this Digital Steering Assist supposed to accomplish?

http://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/trucks/five-advantages-of-2016-sierra-hd-digital-steering-assist-system.html

FIVE ADVANTAGES OF THE 2016 SIERRA HD’S NEW DIGITAL STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RESULTS IN STEERING THAT’S LIGHT AND EASY IN THE PARKING LOT, CONFIDENT ON THE OPEN ROAD, AND EASIER THAN EVER TO USE.

Working hard doesn’t have to feel hard – in fact, the 2016 GMC Sierra HD’s new Digital Steering Assist system makes driving and maneuvering a heavy-duty pickup easier.

The new variable-effort hydraulic power steering system, standard on most Sierra HD double and crew cab models equipped with SLE, SLT, All Terrain, or Denali trim levels, proactively adjusts power steering assist levels in order to increase confidence while on the open road

“Modern electric power steering systems offer a lot of flexibility when it comes to changing the steering weight and effort,” says Christopher Bither, vehicle performance/ dynamics engineer for the 2016 Sierra heavy-duty pickup truck. “Digital Steering Assist is unique as it allows us to offer a similar range of tuning possibilities in the 2016 Sierra HD, yet retain the robust durability of a conventional heavy-duty hydraulic system.”

Here are five advantages you will feel when you take the wheel of a 2016 Sierra HD pickup truck equipped with Digital Steering Assist:

Speed-Adaptive: Power steering assist is often tuned to provide enough assist to make low-speed maneuverability – in parking lots, for example – where resistance is greater. While a light steering weight is great in that situation, it can feel too light once a vehicle is up to speed, and might require constant correction.

Digital Steering Assist delivers the best of both worlds. A controller connected directly to the steering gear actively measures vehicle speed, steering wheel position, and steering gear pressure and can adjust the amount of effort a driver needs to input depending on the situation. At low speeds, steering effort is 20% lighter than a comparable 2015 Sierra HD, while at higher speeds, the steering system provides a heavier feel, which provides better stability and consistency.

Tailored for Tow/Haul: A truck loaded with cargo or pulling a large, heavy trailer handles much differently than an empty truck because of the added weight. A steering wheel that normally feels light and easy to turn may require greater effort once the truck is laden. Sierra’s Digital Steering Assist solves that: When the driver pushes the Tow/Haul switch -- which also adjusts transmission tuning -- Digital Steering Assist responds by increasing low-speed assist and reducing static steering effort another 10%.

Return to Center: Traditional heavy-duty steering systems often required a fair amount of driver input to bring the steering wheel back to center, even with power assist. Because Digital Steering Assist can actively adjust assist levels, it can greatly reduce the amount of effort required to center the steering wheel, which can be beneficial when maneuvering in small parking lots or other tight quarters.

Counteracts Road Pull: Roads with significant crowning can prove tiresome, as even a vehicle with perfectly-aligned suspension will inevitably pull to one side. Instead of forcing the driver to constantly dial in steering to counteract for this pull, Digital Steering Assist can recognize the situation and proactively assist.

“Digital Steering Assist will recognize when the driver is applying a certain amount of pressure offset over an extended period of time and then keep the pressure value there,” says Bither. “Instead of the driver constantly holding the truck in a straight line, the steering gear does it for you.”

Variable Flow Pump: In addition to varying the weight and effort of the steering system, Sierra’s Digital Steering Assist system goes a step further by utilizing a variable-output hydraulic power steering pump. When the system is under a light load – like on a long, straight stretch of highway, for example -- the pump’s output can be scaled back, reducing engine load and improving efficiency.

Digital Steering Assist is one of many new enhancements incorporated into the 2016 Sierra HD pickup truck. New HID projector-beam headlamps, complete with GMC signature LED lighting, is now standard on all Sierra HD models. A remote locking tailgate is available for added convenience. A new gooseneck/ 5th wheel prep package, which adds a frame-mounted hitch platform, a bed-mounted trailer harness, and a spray-in bed liner, will be available on Duramax-equipped models in the first quarter of 2016.

Inside, wireless phone charging is available in Sierra pickup trucks equipped with a fixed center console, while updated IntelliLink infotainment systems offer expanded connectivity, including Apple CarPlay and, on select models, Android Auto.

Edited December 8, 2016 by redwngr

lmdnmmw · December 8, 2016

I had D done. They replaced the rod etc, not the complete steering box, which should have been done imo as the box would be directly from factory. Sucks that a new truck needed the repair.

Let me give you a little back story on my truck.

I have been working with GM Corp. for the past month with no resolve. During that time I have been told that the lift has changed the way my truck is stock and it will be unwarranted. As you know I had this work done by the GMC dealership I purchased the truck from (Anderson GMC).

So far I have had 3 of the TSB's done "UNDER WARRANTY" on the steering issue "#PIT5501", "#PIT5501B", "#PIT5501C". None have fixed the issue and I am still having it. From what I know from other people having this issue they now have 5 TSB's out for the steering issue to include the last one "#PIT5501D".

So to conclude this I have brought by truck to a new dealer to preform the last TSB (#PIT5501D) which they said NO.... since in the notes it says unwarranted due to lift. So that being said I can't even get them to finish any TSB's with the notes GM Corp put in.

I have contacted the BBB and filed a complaint on GM Corp. to get this resolved. Because from day one they have been playing the blame game with other dealerships. Also to add to the negligence of the case I was just told today by GM Corp that my vehicle was "Sold" and not mine anymore as of August.

Also to note, I had the leveling kit and larger tires with install in the purchase order from Anderson GMC. I brought it back to Anderson a week after I purchased it for the steering issue before the leveling kit and tires installed. They installed it 2 weeks after I purchased the truck since they said the steering was in spec and they didn't have a TSB out yet.

Edited December 8, 2016 by lmdnmmw

lmdnmmw · December 8, 2016

So, does anyone know if or how we can get access or a copy of the notes that are on our trucks? From what I was told by a local dealer they only put the very basic information on https://my.gmc.com . I would like to see the notes that they really did preform all or the 3 TSB's on my truck.

Aviatrr · December 8, 2016

I took my truck in to my local dealer on Monday, 12/5. They told me the previous week that the part was there but they didn't have any service appointments, so Monday it was.

I picked it up Monday afternoon. The steering is back to the way it was originally, except for a slight pull to the right. I'm going to have them do an alignment again to fix that. I only drove the truck 50 miles before I had to leave on Tuesday for a 2 week work trip, so the truck will sit until then.

They replaced the steering box(with a "newly redesigned" box I was told) and the pitman arm. Hopefully I won't have any further issues, but I'm not confident. Time will tell.

One of the service managers at the dealership told me he had never heard of this problem. I mentioned this site and the numerous people that have had the issue, and he exclaimed "don't believe all the lies you read on the internet". When I asked him why there would be 5 TSBs for this issue if it's all made up he responded with "that doesn't mean there's a widespread problem"... Luckily the service manager I was working with was not a dismissive jackass like this guy and actually listened and researched it a bit.