The article presents the results of simulation studies on the influence of clearances in the steering and track systems on the directional stability of articulated tracked UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles). The research was conducted using the MSC Adams multi-body system simulation environment. To this end, a model of an articulated UGV was developed, considering both the kinematics of the steering mechanism and the track system along with clearances and friction coefficients in the kinematic joints, as well as the track-ground interaction model. The study involved simulating maneuvers to avoid a selected set of obstacles. For this purpose, reference vehicle motion trajectories and corresponding steering control signals were developed. During the simulation studies, the clearance values of individual pairs of kinematic joints in the steering mechanism were varied, and parameters describing the motion of the UGV were recorded. The obtained results were compared with reference values. Simulation studies have shown that considering the backlash in the system results in significant deviations from the desired motion trajectory, reaching up to 80% of the measurement section for slalom between obstacles, and 18% in the case of an incidental avoidance of a single obstacle. The researched aspect is important, especially in terms of UGV control precision and motion stability. The results of the conducted research can provide guidance useful in the design of articulated tracked UGVs.