Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| 070232001 | 03/01/2007 | 10021450 | Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor). *kb | 04/27/2007 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 01/16/2006 | 170000 | 15 | 09/29/1999 |
| Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle pulls to the right intermittently. the pulling occurs suddenly and last for only a second. the contact had the vehicle inspected for the problem by an independent repair shop in 2000. the repair shop was unable able to determine the cause of the pulling. the problem continued and the contact called the local dealer yesterday. the dealer was able to determine a possible cause by phone and suggested repairing the steering sensor. *nm updated 03/17/06. *jb | |||
| 03/15/1998 | 30000 | ||
| 02/03/2004 | 1 | ||
| The consumer complained about power steering problems. some times when driving and making either a right or left turn it felt as if power steering shut off. the consumer stated that he was told by dealer that there was a device built into the vehicle for protection. *ak the evo (exhaust valve opening) was replaced. *sc *jb | |||
| 01/02/2004 | 169000 | 1 | |
| While driving, the steering wheel jerk to the left and right. *jb | |||
| 01/02/2004 | 1 | ||
| When making left turns at 45 mph steering felt loose, especially when steering wheel was turned to the 8 o'clock position. *ak | |||
| 12/01/1999 | 1 | 04/28/1998 | |
| 1997 chevrolet silverado ext. cab. 1500 series, at low speed i am experencing intermittent loss in my power steering on left turns. *ak | |||
| 02/14/2000 | 300 | ||
| When driving at any speed the steering wheel gets loose. if i'm on a road with a curve and i have pressure on the steering wheel to the right let's say or left the steering wheel would suddenly loosen up and quickly turn in the direction of the pressure i'm applying. as if opening a jar. it gets that loose. i almost hit a couple of parked cars because of this. the only reason we found out about what the problem was is we overheard a chevy owner showing someone the part he had to change. this was after we had the front end done to no avail. this guy had thousands of dollars worth of front end work done at three different chevy dealers to no avail. our part cost $50 and the labor was $100. i've talked to tahoe owners and rode in their vehicles and they all have the same problem as i did. we had to tell them what the fix was. pretty lame seeing the dealers don't even know. if chevy would at least tell their mechanics if they won't recall. by the way the part is a evo sensor and it raps around the steering column inside the vehicle right above the brake pedal. we would have changed it ourselves but you have to fool with the airbag, so we paid someone to do it. also, this problem occurred hundreds of times before we fixed it. there wasn't just one incident date as you made me fill out on your form. thank-you. *la | |||
| While traveling around a curve steering wheel would jerk, causing vehicle to travel into other lane. dealer was contacted, and stated that the eov sensor needed to be replaced. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| While making a turn by turning steering wheel vehicle traveled like ice was on road, soon after returning to normal travel. manufacturer has been notified . please provide further infnormation.*ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Steering locks while making a turn and while braking. nlm | |||
| 1 | 04/01/1999 | ||
| Erratic steering. dealer has inspected vehicle several times. manufacturer has been notified.*ak speed dependent steering electronic variable device system failed causing the power steering erratic. *yh | |||
| 02/16/1998 | 10 | 08/06/1997 | |
| Steering sensor goes out mainly at high speed. steering gets real tight. faster consumer goes. when vehicle slows down steering is so loose, it's like being on ice. problem is intermittent. it's been repaired 10 times for the same problem there is no remedy.*ak the sensor had been replaced five times but the problem still not solved. *yh | |||
| 08/15/1998 | 2 | 09/07/1997 | |
| Faulty steering sensor; replaced one sensor at 16,000 miles or less, the second sensor failed at 31000 miles and replaced. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 1 | 02/01/1997 | ||
| The vehicle pulls to the right while driving due to steering wheel sensor failure. yh | |||
| 01/01/1997 | 15 | 09/01/1996 | |
| While driving steering system malfunctioned, causing loss of control which may result in a crash. *ak *ml | |||
| 04/01/2000 | 0 | 10/25/1999 | |
| While driving on highway steering gets very loose, and wheel feels as though it is going to come off. took vehicle to dealer while it was still under warranty for repairs, but they could not find anything wrong. later, after the warranty had expired, the owner found the cause of the problem on the internet, the steering position sensor. dealer not willing to make repairs under warranty even though the problem was detected before the warranty expired. manufacturer aware of the problem, and has designed a modified sensor to correct the problem. *ak | |||
| 02/07/2000 | |||
| When making a slight turn vehicle will jerk. also, dealer has replaced the electronic steering sensor. *ak | |||
| The power steering wheel would lose tension. would jerk before this happens. speed is not a factor. not noticeable at low speed, but at higher speeds. been to dealer 8 times for problem. mechanic informed owner it's 4-wheel front steering sensor & repaired it. problem still exists. *ak | |||
| 1 | 04/01/1997 | ||
| While driving at any rate of speed vehicle severely pulls to the right. cause unknown. *ak consumer was informed that a wheel speed sensor was needed.*adj | |||
| 03/01/1997 | |||
| The steering has too much play in it which causes steering difficulty. while driving vehicle will go to the right which may cause crash. dealer cannot determine the problem. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1998 | |||
| While driving at high speed the steering system malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to sway into other lanes. dealer replaced steering sensors. dealer cannot determine the problem. *ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| Auto theft. *ak | |||
| STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 32000 | |||
| Vehicle has speed sensitive steering which causes the vehicle to change lanes without notice. owner had the speed sensor disconnected. *mr | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 1 | 01/01/2001 | ||
| While turning steering wheel left or right steering wheel would jerk, causing consumer to lose control. dealer has been contacted. *ak consumer stated the steering box was the problem. *yh | |||
| 10/01/1997 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| Steering gear box leaking. mjs | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR | |||
| Evo valve that controls power steering sector has failed, causing oversteering when turning corners, or turning steering over 3 inches. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID | |||
| 07/29/2003 | 54000 | 3 | |
| While driving at any speed, and a left turn was made, the power steering went out. *jb *mr | |||
| 07/15/1999 | |||
| Vehicle experiencing ongoing problem with vehicle wandering to the left when speed reaches 65-70 mph; also problem appears at 30-35 mph on wet pavement. dealer notified and informed consumer that nothing could be found. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 06/06/2000 | |||
| While driving out of a parking lot was not able to steer the vehicle. power steering shaft pump broke internally. contacted the dealer. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 02/01/1997 | ||
| Vehicle wanders while driving at 40 mph or more. vehicle was inspected by dealer, but nothing could be found. can nhtsa provide additional information regarding this matter. * power steering moved irrationally causing the driver to move into other lane. *ak | |||
| 09/25/1998 | 2 | 04/01/1998 | |
| The air-conditioner was cooling fine one day then the next it wouldn't blow cool air at all. so i take it to the chevrolet mechanic he said the compressor was shot and it would cost about $700 to fix it. one evening i went to crank my truck and it wouldn't do anything but click well guess what it was the starter not cheap another $60. one day i was driving down the road the cop stops me and tells me that i have no brake lights on the right side luckily he warned me but a new harness cost like $50.also my power sterring pump that has went out twice in less than a year costing about $80 each time.the only thing i have to say is that this may be the last chevy that i ever own and that is saying a lot because i myself has owned four my family three that is seven if i can add, so that could be alot of vehicles that could go to another make all together. this is not a threat jus want my air-conditioner fixed, but they say that there is a nationwide backorder just my luck. *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 05/27/2002 | 60000 | 1 | 05/10/2000 |
| Below is a copy of the e-mail i have sent to the dealership here in auburn al. i did not get an e-mail back so called a few days late. i was told that the replacement part would be $240 . i think that this is something that has occurred in many cases and should be recalled. i know of 4 gm trucks within 1997-1998 range that have had the same problem. this problem is very dangerous! at this time nothing has been done to fix the problem and i hope that an accident is not caused because of it. dyas, i have a 97 silverado ext cab 2wd 1500 with a 350 vortex. dyas has done recall work for me in the past (wipers). i have another problem that will come and go every few weeks this has been going on now for about two years. it has to do with the steering. difficult to explain, but i will do my best. it will seem to surge in turning power while turning in either direction, causing you to have to steer in the opposite direction while in a curve to adjust course. it can be very nerve-racking for me and for someone that is unaware of the problem i can see where it could easily lead to an accident. my father was actually unaware and has insisted that i have it fixed because of safety concerns. it becomes even more dangerous at higher speeds. i have heard that there was a recall on some type of control module that is associated with the power steering on these trucks..? which has led me to inquire now about a recall / repair for the problem. being a college student a costly repair may not be an option, but i would like to know what needs to be done to fix the problem regardless of cost.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2000 | 50000 | 100 | 05/18/1999 |
| In january 2004 the news reported a recall on chevrolet cars with the exact probblem i have been having since 2000. the power steering will over-assist causing the steering wheel to jerk and hence the vehicle to suddenly steer right or left. it feels like the steering has a mind of its own. this will happen when on a curve or when driving in a straight line. this problem is unpredictable and has caused some near misses and scary moments, particularly when driving on slippery snow covered streets. the failure occurs frequently and lasts for a day or a week at a time then goes away for an undeterminable period. before i purchased this vehicle i had the same problem while test driving other 1997 pickups. since there is currently a recall for this problem on chevrolet cars i feel it should be extended to the c/k, silverado pickups as well. it is only a matter of time before an accident will occur.*ak | |||
| 3 | 02/01/1997 | ||
| I have two gm trucks one a 1997 chevrolet silverado and one a 1997 gmc sierra k-2500 this will be the third replacment of this steering part, it is a danger becuse when you turn the vehicle over steers like you just hit ice. its a similar feeling to hiting the brakes and the wheel being jerked out of your hand. this would be very hazardest on ice covered roads. both trucks have only about 42k mi. and have had this problem since about 15k mi. i have replaced three now. the dealers say it is a very common park to replace.*ak | |||
| 04/01/2001 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| The steering wheel position sensor (swp, mounted on the steering column above the brake pedal) sends an input to the power steering control module (pscm) which in turn then controls power steering pump fluid flow based on vehicle speed and steering wheel position. this electrical steering control system is causing a very serious intermittant steering problem only during a right hand turn. this has twice almost caused an accident as the natural reaction to this failure (which manifests itself as a loss of steering control) is to jerk the steering wheel further to the right to regain steering control. in both near accident situations there was a car on my right side which i came close to hitting. the problem is worse the faster you go and at low speed not much of a concern but at highway speed it is serious. this malfunction occurs at all speeds. dealer, which has been courteous and helpfull, tells me they have had two trucks in the last two weeks in for the same trouble (swp sensor) and a co-worker also has the same trouble, so this is a common failure affecting other gm vehicles including suburban, tahoe, yukon and sierra. i have not had it repaired at this time but plan to replace the swp sensor myself quite soon as the dealer says my warranty expired at 36,000 miles. estimated dealer repair cost is 160.00. i feel this is a serious safety concern and is the first time in some 30 years of driving i have encountered a malfunction of this type, when it happens at freeway speed it gets your attention very fast! and has the potential to cause roll over as well should the driver jerk on the wheel to hard to correct it. i feel chevrolet is aware of this trouble and should do something to fix this regardless of warranty coverage as law suites as a result of an accident/s will cost them much much more.*ak | |||
| 03/01/1999 | 2 | 11/01/1998 | |
| Streeing on vehicle jerks from one side or other , sometimes it pulls real hard to one side, and sometimes not hard at all. contacted dealer, and they have tried to fix problem twice already, and problem still occurs.*ak installing a new sensor solved the problem. drive belt and tensioner replaced because the steering is hard to turn *yh | |||
| 06/02/2000 | 1 | 05/01/2000 | |
| Several times during long sweeping turns the power steering suddenly became more effective and a quick correction was needed to remain in my lane. as it was, the truck becomes slightly unbalanced due to the quick changes and this could be a real problem . *ak | |||
| 09/12/1996 | |||
| Driver must apply brakes harder than normal. the anti-lock brakes system activates & the erratic power steering experience failure which results in extended stopping distance. dealer cannot duplicate defect. *ak *yc | |||
| 08/01/1997 | |||
| No summary | |||
| 08/01/1997 | |||
| While driving down the road the steering wheel did not seem to want to turn but then it would suddnely and violently jerk to which ever direction the turn was in. this was a very serious problem because you never knew when it would jerk and when it would not. it finally became so bad that it did it all the time! this was a very upsetting problem because if you were not carefull you could easily loose control and in oneida tenn. there are some very curvy roads with steep embankment, and there are not guardrails on a lot of there roads. it was very distressing especially because the problem actually started just several miles before the warranty expried i just had not figured out what the problem was since i had never expericenced a problem like this!! | |||
| 09/10/1999 | 10 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Power steering erratic, switches from firm to super loose without notice. most frequently at around 35 mph in gentle sweeping curve, causing quick pull in direction of turn. you gotta be alert. | |||
| 10/09/1999 | 2 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Steering was known to lock up several times when truck was owned for less then six months. was in shop for steering six times. four wheel drive then went out. immediately followed by the transmission. no reverse and only had 1st and 2nd. repairs have been extremely costly. my dream is now a nightmare. the steering could be fatal to any driver i just got lucky and wasn't driving fast when it locked up. | |||
| 07/19/1999 | 2 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Ever since i bought this truck it has been nothing but a problem. from tires ,electric mirrors ,electric windows,clanking/banging drive shaft noise and other little quirks. the only thing that i feel that will last (longer than my payments) is the motor. the dealer of this auto wasn't much better; they just said that it was agood thing that i purchased the extended warranty!!! | |||
| 10/01/1997 | |||
| Truck pulls to right at any speed. even more when you apply the brakes. dealer wants me to pay 150.00 dollars for allignment. dealer said knock outs have to be taken out that is why it is so much. i am willing to pay for allignment not for knock outs to be removed. ithink that should have been done at the factory. | |||
| 1 | 12/01/1996 | ||
| Vehicle has intermitten power assist steering boost and causes the driver to loose control temperarily | |||
| 05/15/1999 | 2 | 01/01/1997 | |
| I am glad to discover that i am not crazy, and that someone else has reported this problem. shortly after purchasing this truck, the gap in steering developed, and after carrying back to dealer several times, part # 26064468 was replaced on 3/12/98, 38158 miles(had reported prior to 36,000 mile warranty running out). this stopped the problem for some time, and now it again is doing this same thing. i have been told part is very expensive, and have not paid to have fixed, not knowing how long it will last. *ak | |||
| 03/15/1999 | |||
| Reoccurring / intermittent problem with power steering sensor failing to operate properly. dealer / manufacturer notified and refused to correct problem because vehicle was out of warranty and repairs would be at consumer's cost. seeking help or provide addtional information. *ak | |||
| 10/31/1997 | |||
| In left turns the vehicle's power steering malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to lock up and loss of vehicle control can occur. dealer cannot determine problem. *ak | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 11/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| Chevrolet silverado 1997, steering pinion gear separation. *bf the consumer stated his vehicle pulled to left or right real hard and there should be a recall on the vehicle just like the chevrolet malibu he had which had a recall on the rack and pinion, which never exhibited a problem. *jb | |||
| 02/18/2004 | 1 | 10/11/2000 | |
| While driving and making left or right turns at any speed steering wheel locked. consumer lost the control of vehicle. dealer indicated determined that rack and pinion failed. *ak consumer called chevrolet customer assistance, and was told to fix the vehicle at own expense. if vehicle was recalled, consumer would be reimbursed at a later time. *la | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 11/02/2000 | 69000 | 1 | 03/01/2000 |
| When making a left or right turn, the steering wheel gives and causes temporary steering loss. ts the vehicle also sustained the following failures, the pcv valve malfunctioned causing the #2 and #3 heat shields in the transmission to crack. this malfunction was repaired and now the 4 low gear is inoperable. also, the fuel pump, oxygen sensor, air conditioner compressor and pump malfunctioned. noticeably after purchase, the driver side seat gives when braking. *jg | |||
| 1 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| When making a left turn steering wheel slips. dealer has inspected vehicle.*ak | |||
| 03/01/1999 | 1 | 07/01/1998 | |
| While driving down the road on a right hand curve the steering wheel seems to try to turn right by itself. you have to hold it steady to keep it from going off the road. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Steering wheel failed because the shaft in steering clolumn was not bolted to the shaft going to power steering pump. yh | |||
| 10/01/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1998 | |
| This vehicle has been a nightmare. the brakes have failed, the steering column has gone out, i had to replace all the tires and get a front end alignment, the alternater went out, and the transmission has never worked correctly. it clanks loudly when shifting gears, doesn't idle correctly, and shuts off. i have had it rebuilt on three separate occasions. on one occasion it even caught on fire. the transmission is back in the shop now. *ak( dot number: tire size: 16 inch ) | |||
| 10/15/1999 | |||
| Vehicle experiencing problem with steering wheel locking up whenever the brakes are applied, more so when brakes are applied in an emergency situation. vehicle been in four different shops, and inspected seven times. but problem still reoccurring. *ak | |||
| While consumer was driving and attempting to make a right turn, steering wheel turned on its on. *ak | |||
| 07/02/1998 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| While driving and making a turn, the steering wheel locked up at the turn and consumer had to wiggle it to come out of turn. after he straightened out the steering became free, turning. *ak consumer states since the day the vehicle was bought, the wheel would catch when the tilt was used, the dealer made repairs, however it still would not work correctly, the dealership told the consumer not to use the wheel to pull themselves into the vehicle, once the wheel was replaced there were lots of shaved broken metal parts inside the column where the wheel mounts, consumer traded vehicle in. *slc | |||
| 09/19/1997 | 2 | ||
| When applying brakes (abs) have to use both hands to control steering wheel; steering locks up when foot on brakes; w/foot off brakes, able to steer or turn. took to dealer & informed it's the new steering system in place. told manufacturer nothing was wrong. *ak | |||