Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 05/01/2010 | |||
| I can hear a thumping coming from the steering column when i hit a bump or turn to the left. i can also feel it in the steering wheel. the dealer said this is a defective intermediate steering shaft and a known issue by gm. | |||
| 07/01/2009 | 70000 | ||
| Power steering locks up in right turns and backing. electrical,ie. speedometer, heateer blower fan switch, four wheel drive selector changes from 2 wheel high to automatic four wheel drive by it selft | |||
| 03/15/2006 | 12000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. while driving approximately 5 mph making a right turn he heard a loud clunking noise coming from the steering shaft. the failure only happens when making turns. the failure had been on going since 2006. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the failure. he was advised by the dealer that they had several complaints about the failure but it was not a safety issue. he stated over time the failure had worsen. the vehicle had not been repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 12,000 and the current mileage was 36,472. vwb | |||
| 06/15/2009 | 48560 | ||
| I have a 2004 silverado z71 which has a clunking noise which also can be felt in the steering.. i took it to the dealership where i purchased the truck from to ask if they could fix the problem. i was told this is a known, by general motors, problem with this vehicle, but they would not fix it, because i was not a loyal customer. when questioned, the service manager said because i did not bring my vehicle to them for lube/oil changes (which cost more for them to perform than other places) i was considered not to be loyal to wheeler chevrolet!! truck had less than 50k on the oddometer. | |||
| 02/18/2008 | 52000 | ||
| I own a 2004 chevy silverado z71 4 wheel drive extended cab pickup. the steering shaft makes a rubbing, grinding sound when turning the wheel left or right. i took the truck to the dealer and they said they thought it was nothing to worry about but probably a bearing on the shaft. the truck was out of warranty and they would not cover it. i feel this is a safety issue as the steering shaft could fail while driving. the internet is full of people with the same complaint and fears. there seems to be no concern from general motors. i feel they should be forced to make good on this widespread defect | |||
| 09/11/2009 | 34000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado. the contact stated that in september 2009, he noticed a whining noise when making a left turn. the failure progressed and became a rattling noise. in january 2010, the contact noticed that there was no power steering at all when making left turns. the vehicle had not been taken to an authorized dealership. the failure mileage was approximately 34,000. the current mileage was 40,016. | |||
| 07/15/2007 | 36000 | 1 | |
| Started hearing clunking noise coming from steering column just about time ran out of warranty 36k miles dealerships said it was normal,didn't drive truck often is 2004 silverado but since it has increased can feel in steering wheel,checked online for any recalls(none) for this problem with truck but lots of complaints about the same,dealers do a quick fix pack with grease and send you on,doesn't fix problem. *tr | |||
| 06/07/2008 | 48000 | 1 | |
| I have a 2004 chevrolet silverado with steering noise problem. from reading many forums and advice from many mechanics they say this is a huge issue with chevy trucks but they wont provide a fix. when driving my steering wheel makes loud noises heard from inside and outside the truck. i believe it is a steering shaft issue. it is just a matter of time that the shaft itself gives out and causes a major accident. chevrolet should do something about this problem since it is widely shown that this is an issue. my family doesn't want to be in the truck because they feel it is unsafe. any help with this would be great as i truly believe that if not fixed overtime it will cause fatal steering problems. thanks. *tr | |||
| 01/01/2008 | 50000 | 1 | |
| Loss of power steering (in one direction only) at low speeds. affects ability to park vehicle in tight spots and to make slow turns. have managed to avoid a accident. this has been an issue for over a year and over the last 15,000 miles. three different mechanics gave various possible reasons but no one, including the gm service line, could give a definite cure. was told could try power steering pump, steering box, etc. all were costly solutions with no guarantee of cure. *tr | |||
| 02/20/2010 | 75000 | 1 | |
| 2004 chevrolet silverado extended cab, poor braking. replaced brakes and rotors and still have poor braking. have to bear down on pedal to stop. speedometer reading goes up and down on it's own. had a speed sensor replaced but didn't correct the problem had the dealership replace steering coupling in steering column because of clunking in the steering. the clunking, loose feeling has started again. *tr | |||
| 03/28/2004 | 1 | ||
| 2004 chevrolet silverado steering arm knocking loud. *tr | |||
| 11/09/2009 | 60000 | 1 | |
| At 30,000 miles the steering started clunking real bad. i took it to the dealer and they knew just what the problem was. they packed the steering with grease and it was fine for about 20,000 more miles. the clunking returned but i ignored it because the dealer said it wasn't a problem. i continued to drive the truck and the steering started shimmying and shaking. so i took it to the dealer and now they said the steering shaft was worn out. i have two friends with 2004 silverado's with the same problem. *tr | |||
| 11/09/2009 | 66000 | 1 | |
| Unable to make left hand turns at parking lot speeds. the truck required replacement of the steering box at 65,000 miles. this condition started out as an increase in steering effort and progressively worsened until i was no longer able to make left hand turns. *tr | |||
| 04/01/2007 | 36000 | 1 | |
| Steering vibration/looseness felt in steering system 2004 chevrolet silverado complained to gm they are aware of it fixed it by lubing and now it's back..... feels dangerous! happened at about 28-29-thousand miles came back after 3 thousand miles out of warranty due to 3yr limit......many others have same to very similar complaints just that each persons description and wording is different but we are all complaining about the same thing! *tr | |||
| 10/05/2009 | 85000 | 1 | |
| Without warning of any sort my 2004 z71's speedometer has quit working. it stays below the 0 mph mark and if it decides to come alive while i'm driving it is completely off. i can be driving 20 and it will say i'm going 50 mph. this is my primary vehicle....i have 3 little girls and this is our main source of transportation. why won't gm recall this? i'm also hearing the clunking sound that so many other people have reported it is accompanied by a wobbling sensation in the steering column. i can't afford to keep having these issues serviced just for them to stop working again. recall or lemon law. *tr | |||
| 10/01/2009 | 38500 | 1 | |
| Steering failure. power steering gear box is leaking fluid and has a thumping in steering column. steering got hard to turn when low on fluid. according to the internet alot of other people are having the same problems. my mechanic told me the steering gear box needs replaced. if someone weaker than me is driving when this happens it could cause an accident because the steering gets hard to turn the steering wheel. *tr | |||
| 09/01/2009 | 1 | ||
| My 2004 chevy silverado has a front end clucking noise, they all have it, at low speeds. they repacked the steering column once already and the problem is back again. *tr | |||
| 08/31/2009 | 44000 | 1 | |
| Steering column is faulty in two of my 2004 chevrolet silverados. had it repaired by gm but it keeps messing up and causing vibrations, clunking and altering the steering . also both of my trucks the speedometer has completely quit working at 40,000 miles. how safe is this????? please please do a recall on these two items. *tr | |||
| 07/11/2009 | 45000 | 1 | |
| I bought a new 2004 chevrolet silverado crew cab. since buying this truck, i have had nothing but trouble with the steering locking up. it is nearly impossible to turn left under 15 mph. i have taken the truck to different dealers and gotten different answers every time. the only thing the mechanics agree on is that chevy knows about the problem but is unsure how to fix it. my primary concern is the steering is locking up every time you turn left. currently, it is only happening at low speeds, but i'm worried it will begin to happen at faster speeds. i use this truck as my primary vehicle plus i have three young children who are always with me. this truck is also used to haul our boat. *tr | |||
| 06/30/2009 | 14200 | 1 | |
| Steering shaft noise and vibration on 2004 chevy silverado there is a clunking and vibration in the steering when turning at lower speeds. all front end components were verified to be in good condition with no play. clunking is believed to be coming from the steering column. steering feels as though it may fail, resulting in significant safety issue. *tr | |||
| 02/06/2008 | 70000 | 1 | |
| I have a large clunking noise and can feel it in the steering wheel of my 2004 chevrolet z71 4x4. it was determined to be the intermediate steering shaft and under warranty the first time at 30k miles. it started again approx. 10k miles ago at 70k. i will be contacting my chevy. dealer on monday to see if gm will fix at their expense, but not real confident that will happen. *tr | |||
| 03/23/2007 | 38000 | 1 | |
| Steering knuckle issue. *tr | |||
| 04/23/2009 | 63000 | 1 | |
| Power steering gear went out in 2007. 20,000 miles later 2009 after repair at wesloh chevy power steering went out again. gm will not take responsibility for part because out of warranty. in process of getting repaired. came close to getting into accident while waiting at intersection light turned green proceeded to left turn when power steering went out. *tr | |||
| 04/05/2009 | 20000 | 1 | |
| Purchased truck brand new. after 20,000 miles the intermediate steering shaft knocks . was fixed under warranty by dealer. 40,000 miles problem comes back. pay dealer 250.00 to diagnose and repair. 65,000 miles problem has returned. must pay dealer again to get fixed, even though they say the problem is normal . *tr | |||
| 04/15/2009 | 1 | ||
| Bad clunk in steering shaft, when turning or over bumps at slower speeds. feel clunk and vibration in steering wheel, column and firewall. feels like its going to come apart. i feel gm should have a recall. i have herd this complaint all over internet, and gm will not fix under warranty if it exceeds 36000 miles. i just bought this truck used. *tr | |||
| 04/01/2008 | 1 | ||
| Rattling and popping noise in the steering shaft especially worse when turning. *tr | |||
| 09/01/2008 | 48000 | 1 | |
| 2004 chevy silverado: steering column began clunking sound around 48,000 miles upon inspection determined pitman shaft bearing loose/worn continues to get worse now 52,000 miles on vehicle. upon researching problem on internet found many vehicles with the same issue no repair ye,t shaft/bearing will need replaced soon. *tr | |||
| 03/19/2009 | 70000 | 1 | |
| 2004 chevy silverado ( steering shaft ), bumps, clicks , shakes, thumps when turning to left or over bumps. many complaints from numerous people that own this truck no recall from gm and dealers mechanics says there is no problem and will not fix it..very noisy and annoying check website for complaints---carcomplaints.com..something needs to be done before someone gets hurt..enforce a recall from gm....!!!!!! *tr | |||
| 03/10/2004 | |||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. while driving over bumps or making turns at 10 mph, the contact heard a loud rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. the dealer stated that the failure resulted from the intermediate steering shaft, but it was not replaced because it was not a safety hazard. the manufacturer stated that the failure was insignificant. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 60,000. updated 03-27-09 *bf | |||
| 09/12/2007 | 28000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. the contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn to the left and right. he also heard a popping noise on several occasions coming from the steering column. the issue has occurred ever since the vehicle was purchased. the dealer stated that due to the age of the vehicle and the lack of a warranty, they would not make any repairs. the contact feels that this is a huge safety issue that must be repaired. the vehicle has not yet been repaired. the failure mileage was 28,000 and current mileage was 37,816. | |||
| 12/20/2008 | 20000 | 1 | |
| Popping noise in steering when truck rolls over bump. had repaired under warranty 7000 miles ago. same problem now, warranty has expired. i think the repair that was done was only to repack the intermediate steering shaft with grease. dealer refuses to make repairs now that warranty has expired. 27,300 actual miles on 2004 silverado 1/2 ton ex. cab. *tr | |||
| 08/30/2005 | 1 | ||
| After purchasing a 2004 chevrolet silverado z71 in november 2004, my 1st complaints were in november 2004 for a rear clunking. after several trips to the dealer the driveshaft was replaced, along with recalled tailgate support cables, rear bumper (rust), spare tire guide retainer, license plate lamp lens, and transfer covers, and, except for my time, all were covered under warranty. in february 2005 i complained of a grinding noise in 4 wd. 4wd transfer case fluid was drained & refilled. in june 2005 i complained that the 4wd switch went into neutral; 4wd software was replaced. in august 2005 i complained of clicking in steering wheel, burned out light bulb, and clunk in driveline; steering shaft was lubricated, bulb was replaced, and driveline splenes lubricated. driveline splenes again lubricated in september 2005. transfer case fluid changed. complained that 4wd high inoperable when i couldn't pull my boat out of a lake, but dealer found no problem. in january 2006, both outside heated mirror glass assemblies and left side heated mirror assembly were replaced; the ignition lock cylinder was lubricated due to key getting stuck; 4wd transfer case fluid drained & refilled; transmission column shifter assembly replaced. in may 2006, flasher module assembly was replaced due to flashers going on when signaling; tow haul mode switch assembly was replaced due to indicator staying on. purchased a 24-month warranty. in october 2006, the blower motor resistor assembly was replaced as fan only worked on setting 5 (i was charged $40.26 for a resistor). remotes were programmed for lights to flash with keyless. in march 2008, left front hub assembly was replaced due to a grinding noise; due to clunking noise, both inner tie rods were replaced; steering wheel noise was still there. in april 2008, heater control head assembly replaced. the steering wheel still clunks and vibrates when turning. i feel it is a serious safety issue. *tr | |||
| 12/16/2008 | 15000 | 1 | |
| I own a 2004 chevrolet silverado and feel that the steering system in these automobiles is a disaster waiting to happen. the steering wheel makes a clunking noise when turning. the noise seems to be most prevalent when driving on bumpy roads at low speeds. do to the seriousness of a steering failure i feel that this should be recalled and fixed by gm immediately. apparently this is a very common issue that gm is certainly aware of: http://www.carcomplaints.com/chevrolet/silverado/2004/steering/clunking_from_steering_shaft.shtml please consider making the manufacturer do the right thing and fix this before someone gets killed. thanks. jeff brewster *tr | |||
| 06/10/2007 | 55000 | 1 | |
| I own a 2004 chevrolet silverado. i bought the truck in 2007 used and ever since i have owned the truck i have notice a popping noise in the steering shaft. i have done may searches online to find the source of the problem and it seems that everyone who owns this type of truck has the same problem. i contacted the dealership and they told me there was no recall yet but that they fix them all the time and all they can do right now is grease the steering column. you hear the popping noise everytime you turn the wheel and everytime you go over a bump. *tr | |||
| 09/25/2008 | 34000 | 1 | |
| I am trying to avoid injuries before they happen by contacting you about a steering defect in a 2004 chevy silverado pickup with only 34 thousand miles that i purchased on sept. 25, 2008 and noticed that there was something loose in the steering . i did a search on the internet to see if there were other people having the same problem and found out that there were almost 100 people just on this one site ( www.carcomplaints.com ) having the same problems with trucks built from 2002 and 2006. this seems to be a very dangerous situation and gm refuses to do a recall to correct the problem and there is no way to permanently fix these trucks without doing a recall and changing the steering boxes. there are probably thousands or more of these trucks out there on the highways. i just paid $11,000. for my truck and probably won't even be able to get it state inspected when it comes due. if you look at some of the complaints on the website that i gave you will be able to see how upset people are with gm, and rightly so when you pay so much for a vehicle and are afraid to put your family in it with concern for their safety. do we have any recourse through the lemon laws if they continue to refuse to recall these vehicles ? i would appreciate any help on this matter. thank you *tr | |||
| 09/27/2008 | 13500 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. the contact stated that whenever he makes a right or left turn, the steering wheel makes a loud clunking noise; however, it continues to turn the vehicle properly. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with intermediate shaft failure. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 14,000 and failure mileage was 13,500. | |||
| 03/01/2008 | 33000 | 1 | |
| There is a clunking noise that comes from the right front side of the truck and you can feel it in the steering wheel. *tr | |||
| 05/01/2008 | 42000 | 1 | |
| 1. rattling, clunking in steering column - recalled on the 2005 silverado 2. abs sensors corroded causing false activations, potentially will cause low speed crash(es) - also recalled on 1999-2002 silverado both items occur numerous times in any short trip. taking vehicle to chevy dealership in town, want ridiculous amount of money to correct, why? when there are recalls of similar problems of different year trucks. *tr | |||
| 01/10/2007 | 15000 | 1 | |
| When driving at low speeds there is a loud knock coming from the steering. this noise (knock) can also be felt in the steering wheel. *tr | |||
| 09/13/2005 | 27000 | 1 | |
| Steering makes loud clicking noise it was repaired at 27,000 miles under warranty and needs done again at 72,000 miles. *tr | |||
| 07/18/2005 | 18000 | 1 | |
| My 2004 chevy silverado has had a knock in the steering column it started at 18k. i had it fixed by gm at 30k. it came back at 37k. i did research and found out it is a very common problem that people keep paying to get fixed and it brakes soon after. i as many others are driving around with the problem. we cannot keep paying to get this fixed with defective parts. please help by investigating this issue. thank you *tr | |||
| 05/22/2008 | 55000 | 1 | |
| Felt rattling and bumping movements in steering wheel and steering column. was told by the dealer that it was something on the steering shaft. dealer fixed because it was still under warranty. now have the same problem going on. dealer says it is the same thing - steering shaft. now it is no longer under warranty. dealer says it has to be replaced, because it is not something they can just tighten down. dealer also said it is not a safety issue. seems to me that if you lose your steering it is a safety issue! what is being done about this? i have read several other complaints about this very same issue. why does it take a crash, or fire, or injury or death before something can be done? *tr | |||
| 06/01/2004 | 20000 | 1 | |
| Chevrolet silverado trucks have a steering defect that the manufacturer knows about and will not fix. they tell me that the problem is not a safety issue, but how safe can a banging/dry steering shaft be? eventually, someone will wear it out and it will break and something awful will happen. the noise scares people into paying for a temporary fix over and over, but if let go...it is more dangerous than they want to take responsibility for. curious, does someone have to die before recalls happen? thanks. :) *tr | |||
| 10/03/2005 | 1 | ||
| Noticed rattle in steering column, took to dealer for diagnosis. was asked if i felt it in the steering wheel i replied yes. was told the steering shaft was the problem and it was replaced. since 2004 it has been replaced no less than 3 times. was told by dealer this has been a problem since r2000. also was told they have replaced 200 steering shafts in vehicles. i feel when the steering shaft starts to get sloppy it affects the control of the vehicle and it feels like the vehicle flutters especially on rough or uneven road conditions. *tr | |||
| 04/10/2008 | 25351 | 1 | 02/25/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. while driving 25-30 mph, the rear passenger side tire blew out. when the contact retrieved the spare tire, it was rusted to the cable hoist and could not be removed. she was informed by a mechanic that the cables must be cut to remove the rusted spare tire. the manufacturer advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer from where it was purchased and have them diagnose the failure. the contact filed complaint number 71-620509185 with general motors. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 25,371 and failure mileage was 25,351. updated 05/05/08. *lj the intermediate shaft was replaced, due to a noise being heard in the front of the vehicle. updated 05/05/08. *jb | |||
| 07/01/2006 | 38000 | 1 | 07/24/2004 |
| Steering wheel and shaft makes a clunking noise when i turn left and when i go over bumps. i can feel the clunking in the steering wheel. *tr | |||
| 10/01/2007 | 29300 | 2 | 12/14/2003 |
| Steering. 2nd time shaft is loose and feels as if it is not connected. *jb | |||
| 04/10/2005 | 20000 | 3 | 11/12/2003 |
| There is a rattle in the front, the dealer's mechanic said it is the steering shaft. this is the third time it has happened. the first time it was under warranty, this time the service manager said it would cost 150-200 dallars to repair or grease. he also said chevrolet had corrected the problem, but would not replace mine. *tr | |||
| 12/04/2006 | 24000 | 1 | 07/08/2005 |
| Steering has been making knocking noises. dealer has performed several fixes, put a sleeve over intermediate shaft, replaced body mounts,now it is very difficult to turn to the right almost impossible at a stop. dealer says no fix at this time. the dealership gave me gm customer service #, who in turn gave me the bbb auto line. it will not pass mo. vehicle inspection. they told me to put one foot one brake and one on the gas to turn to the right. not only do i put my family at risk every time i make a right hand turn, but also yours!. *jb | |||
| 12/11/2006 | 20000 | 5 | 12/31/2005 |
| I have had my truck 1 year and use it for work. (drive 25k a year) since i have purchased it i have had it in the shop 5 times. every time they say its the intermittent steering shaft. it feels like my front end is coming apart at times and feels very unsafe. gm will not replace these parts and are only packing it with grease. this cant be right. i am sick of spending money on the problem. *jb | |||
| 06/07/2006 | 16050 | 1 | 01/02/2004 |
| Dt*: the contact stated that the steering was loose and had a lot of play in it, since the vehicle was purchased. the looseness became progressively worse until there was a safety issue. the vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where it was determined that the steering column knot needed re-packing. the consumer stated even when the vehicle was in park, the play is still there. updated 07/28/06. *jb | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 02/09/2010 | 48500 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. whenever the contact would turn the steering wheel to the right he noticed a growling sound coming from the steering column especially when switching lanes. he took the vehicle to the dealership and the dealer informed the contact that the gear box needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the current mileage was approximately 49,300 and the failure mileage was approximately 48,500. | |||
| 09/01/2007 | 32145 | 8 | 05/14/2007 |
| I bought my 2004 chevy silverado in may of 2007 when i test drove the vehicle all seemed to be in good operating condition. later that winter i started to notice a clunking sound in the dash area around the steering column and on a few occasions the steering seemed to get stiff or hard to turn mostly at low speeds such as in a parking lot. i took it to the dealer since the vehicle was under warranty and explained the problem, but to my surprise when i picked up the truck they said there was nothing wrong. my son now works for the same dealership and has told me about problems with the steering shaft but my dealer refuses to admit any defects. *tr | |||
| 10/10/2007 | 1 | 11/20/2004 | |
| After 29,000 miles, i started hearing a clunking noise coming from the steering shaft during low speed maneuvers (mainly turning to the left). at 32,000 miles i took it into the dealer while the truck was still under warranty. the dealer shop manager knew exactly what the problem was and that at the time there was no recall, but he expected one soon. i was told that the grease in the steering shaft would run out due to its proximity to the engine block and the heat coming from it. his fix was to inject grease back in via a syringe. solved the problem in about 45 minutes, but now after 23,000 miles since the last repair, the problem star again. *tr | |||
| 02/15/2005 | 22 | 16 | 06/25/2004 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado 1500. the contact stated that the windshield molding had to be replaced on the front of the vehicle. the speedometer failed, the steering column was loose, and the rear axle seal was replaced. the dashboard lights failed to illuminate and were replaced as well. the vehicle has undergone numerous electrical failures which were still occurring. the vehicle had sixteen failures, and had been taken to the dealer on nine occasions. the current mileage is 31,000, and failure mileage was 22.*ak | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR | |||
| 11/07/2006 | 1 | ||
| Purchased a used vehicle and found out it has a problem that is very common and the manufacturer is aware of the problem but has done nothing to correct the defect. *nm | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 11/30/2007 | 22000 | 1 | 10/09/2004 |
| Steering column clanks. *tr | |||
| 06/26/2006 | 22000 | 1 | 09/09/2004 |
| Dt*:the contact stated while driving on an interstate highway at 70mph, there was stinging/burning sensation to the contact's foot. when the foot was removed from the gas pedal, a steaming liquid was observed on the foot and on the floor around the pedals. the liquid was spewing from an area under dashboard above the gas, break and clutch pedals. steam/vapor also appeared to be coming out of the defroster vents on the dashboard. | |||