Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
98V242000GENERAL MOTORS CORP.from 04/01/1998 to 08/31/1998V (Vehicle)836710/06/1998MFRGENERAL MOTORS CORP.10/06/199810/07/1998
Defect SummaryVehicle description: extended cab 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. the bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move. this loosening can result in some unresponsive steering feel and some noise to the driver.
Consequence SummaryIf this condition is ignored, the steering gear to frame can wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the point of breakage or the bolts backing out. if all the bolts break or back out, the steering gear would separate from the frame resulting in a loss of steering control.
Corrective SummaryDealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.
NotesOwner notification began during october 1998.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contactchevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
07023200103/01/200710021450Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor). *kb04/27/2007
03023600208/01/200310012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure. *eh03/07/2005
00023500302/01/2007000235003M10012089Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. *eh updated *eh updated. *kb02/11/2005
000235003E08/01/2004000235003F10011223Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. this bulletin replaces previous bulletin 00-02-35-003e. *tt01/11/2005
01634A01/01/200410007276Supplement to 00-02-35-003d - clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel. *tt06/09/2004
0163401/01/200410007231Intermediate steering shaft service kit. service vme. *tt06/04/2004
000235003C04/01/2004000235003D10004716Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel. *tt01/02/2004
000235003B01/01/2003000235003A10000950Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel. *tt04/04/2003
20120112/20/2001629649Subject regarding steering clunk noise. *tt04/05/2002
17120112/17/2001629629Subject regarding steering shaft clunk condition. *tt04/04/2002
000235003G04/01/2005000235003H628884Concerns that clunk noise can be heard coming from under the hood also felt in the steering wheel. *tt updated *eh gm administrative message. *tt03/21/2002
21090009/21/2000619055Subject regarding power steering system noise that requires replacement of the rack and pinion assembly on two-wheel drive models. *tt05/11/2001
9806210/01/1998615113Product recall campaign to torque the steering gear to frame bolts to the proper specification. *tt12/28/2000
9806210/01/1998602764Various information on steering gear to frame bolt torque. *yc01/11/1999
STEERING - COLUMN
000235003N04/01/200810025148Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel and/or steering column (replace upper intermediate steering shaft [i-shaft] assembly). *pe07/14/2008
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
33863386C10013533Lack of steering assist or shudder during parking lot type maneuvers. *tt04/21/2005
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
030234001A10/01/200303023400110004766Inner tie rod released for service. *tt01/06/2004

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
RQ99005GENERAL MOTORS CORP.05/11/199911/27/2001STEERING GEAR/GRAME ATTACHING BOLTS98V242000
 These vehicles may have lower than specified torque on the three steering gear to frame attachment bolts.these bolts may loosen causing unresponsive steering and eventually the bolts may back out or fracture, resulting in loss of steering control

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
03/02/20052
 Steering wheel and brakes failed while driving. driver drove vehicle home. then, driver contacted a mechanic for an appointment. *ak
10/01/2004700002501/14/1999
 The steering is hard at times when at an idle and slower speeds. feels like the power assist stops working and is a hazard by not being able to steer.*ak
09/30/200411500030
 There was a rattling noise in the steering column. the noise occurred while driving or turning. the consumer was informed by another chevrolet owner that they were experiencing the same problem and it was due to a defect in the intermediate steering shaft and brushing. the dealership will be contacted. *jb
12/12/20021
 The steering wheel failed to turn when the vehicle was in idle. *jb
05/10/2002108/24/1999
 While at dealership for repair work mechanic determined that rear rotors were crumbling and needed to be replaced, drums and lining as well.*ak the emergency brake was not working. the rear brakes were corroded and worn out. the rear brake pads and both rear rotors were replaced. the brake shoes on both sides were replaced. there was a squeaking noise in the front end when the vehicle goes over bumps. the driver door panel failed and was reinstalled, also the arm rest for the bucket seat pops off constantly, seat belts lock up after being replaced twice under recall, the steering joint was repaired, also when consumer steps on the gas, the truck does not move for a few seconds, the rear window was replaced, due to leaking, and the engine hesitates. *yh
08/16/2000306/07/1999
 When applying brakes at any speed brake pedal goes down more than it should, it feels spongy, and braking distance is extended. dealer has replaced front and rear rotors 3 times. once due to rust, other times dealer did not know what else to do. front and rear pads were replaced twice.*ak consumer states there is a noise in the steering, also seat belt was hanging up, the underhood lamp was inoperative, an horn acting erractically.*jb
01/15/200106/01/1999
 The components on this truck ranging from the engine and drivetrain, windows, streering gear and shafts, e-brake lines, fuel pedal linkage and now the fuel gae itself has been a constant source of problems for me since the turch wes only a few months old ( 8,000 miles). chevrolet has admitted that they knwon of most of the major problems but has indicated that they are working on a fix. yet i have to contiune to drive the vehicle. i need some help.onsta
08/08/20000
 Pe00 020; consumer took vehicle to dealership because he was having problem with steering. mechanic told him that front driver's tire tread had separated from wheel. tires were firestone wilderness #at p26575r16/114s/m/s. dealership replaced the tire. *ak firestone wilderness at p265/75/r16 *mw
106/23/1999
 Steering wheel will not return to the center / straight after making a turn. possible alignment failure. however, dealer cannot determine the problem. *yc
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
103/19/1999
 Alarm disarmed itself. *slc
STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
490001
 When vehicle was first started there was severe vibration. when vehicle warmed up vibrations decreased. steering gear box would then catch after making a turn. took vehicle to dealer, and informed consumer that gear box needed to have its oil changed. *ak
09/01/2001
 Consume rwas pulling inside of driveway, and without prior warning, steering wheel was hard to steer. dealership was aware of problem.*ak
03/15/2000201/01/2099
 At approximately 24,000 miles the steering column developed a rattle that was louder when turning or driving on bumpy road. dealership replaced the intermediate steering module at approximately 26,000 miles. the same behavior began occuring at approximately 50,000 miles. mechanic indicates that the intermediate steering module has excessive play. manufacturer does not acknowledge a problem, and i have stopped doing business with the dealership because of shody service.*ak
02/18/19991212/23/1998
 Consistantly had a problem in the steering column, replaced three intermediate shafts and a steering box. still a friction/vibration noise in the steering when moving at a slower speed, causing a loud squealing noise.
08/01/2001
 Unresponsive steering/ noise/ manufacturer date 12/1998. *ak
03/01/2000
 Intermediate shaft on steering had to be replaced twic. . it caused vibration of steering column and noise while turning and during slowdown of vehicle. at this time part has to be replaced a third time. *ak
05/01/200102/01/1999
 When at a stop consumer cannot turn steering wheel to right unless there is momentum. this started happening approximately 2 weeks ago. dealership could not reproduce this problem. also, consumer was informed that this vehicle was not included in recall 98v242000 related to steering. *ak *slc
07/31/1999503/01/1999
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak( dot number: tire size: at )
101/01/1999
 Steering gear box failure. steering action very loose in left/right turns with excessive steering column vibration. dealership stated that this is a common problem with 1999 silverados. dealer replaced gear box. steering is now very tight...almost too tight. *ak
 Steering gear box came loose while driving. would make noises & wobble around. gear box was not secured to frame. taken vehicle twice to dealership for repairs. would hold for a few days & come loose. problem not solved. recall #98v242000 was issued on that make/model. but not this vehicle was not included due to vin. *ak
11/10/1999303/01/1999
 The passenger seat has been fixed 3 times, and still becomes loose...the seat belt is connected to the seat back.....the steering wheel/box has been in for repairs 4 times, and only thing found is loose bolts, the exaust system was replaced 2 times, and found to be out of alignment on the 4th time in
02/01/1999402/01/1999
 Intermittently while applying the brakes power steering becomes inoperative which may result in loss of vehicle control. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. dealer has tried 4 times to repair this problem, but of no avail. meanwhile dealer replaced gear steering box/power steering pump, and the cooling coil and hoses. *ak
306/01/1999
 Vehicle has been aligned 3 times and still pulls to the right. also has required service on steering box.
511/01/1998
 No summary
01/17/1999310/01/1998
 Date of purchase: 10/14/1998. check engine light appeared first day of pick up. kightlinger motors put new part on the next week. december 28, 1998: took to dealer stating something wrong with front diff. said nothing wrong. 1/17/99: front differential snapped, gear box broke. would not warranty! paid 3700 to fix. next week, knocking noise. took in said nothing wrong. took to different dealer. one bolt holding gear box , front diff. in. 6/21/99 brakes metal to metal. took to kight. said stone caught. took to different dealer, replaced brakes and rotors. front end needs replacing 7/3/99: no brakes-fluid leaks. *ak( dot number: 0000 tire size: 265r7516 )
02/11/1999
 Recall 98v242000.98062. while driving between 30-35 mph the steering will vibrate quite a bit. dealer was contacted and cannot remedy the problem. problem still exists. provide further information. *ak
02/18/19993
 (1) steering: vibrates when going over bumpy roads or bad roads. happens when slowing down or going around corners. would move & make clattering noises. dealer said vehicle is not under recall even though experiencing the same problem (98v242000). (2) driver's power seat track brackets would move or shift & make clunking noises when getting in or out of seat. seat would rock back & forth. dealership will not repair the tract or brackets on power seats. owner wants vehicle inspected for vibration problem but not by dealership. *ak
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR
01/13/200409/16/2003
 Nhtsa campaign id number:98v2420000 involves problems with the steering box and according to the dealer my vin number of 1gcek19t3xe152712 is not one of the ones involved in it.even though i keep getting a knocking noise occurring right in front of me and the steering shaft has been replaced for some reason.can you check into this?also i have had the brake work done but it seems sometimes i'll be pressing on the brakes to stop and its like they give away and i have to press the petal down farthers to get them to stop.can you also check this out?
11/15/2001
 Steering column pops out of shaft which makes vehicle wobbly when driving due to malfunction of intermediate steering column shaft, and gear box coming out of vehicle. dealer contacted.*ak
11/01/1999210/01/1999
 Consumer exprienced a loud rattlling from steering column. intermediate shaft had to be replaced. it was the second time to be replaced & no reason why it had occurred. dealer said they have replaced 12 in the last year & they have started to keep some in stock.*ak
 Vehicle drifts to the right when driving at highway speeds. dealer has replaced intermediate shaft, and done 2 alignment jobs at 9,000 miles and 16,000 miles. however defect still occurs. *ak *ml
12/22/1999
 Onsumer is not satisfied with this vehicle. dealership had vehicle for thirty days over two month period. consumer heard a grinding noise underneath the hood . front four wheel drive differential was replaced. also, steering wheel had a lot of play, and was replaced with upper and lower shaft/ transmission wouldn't shift into second and third gears. dealership reprogramed pcm, and the transmission still doesn't operate at all. the back window flew open from the third door. *ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
06/23/20053002508/09/1999
 I bought this truck in ohio for my wife cheryl, she reported that the abs brake would simply not work on accasion and the pedal would go straight to the floor .we took the vehicle in to the dealer but he could not find the problem . at lows speeds i was able to reproduce the problem. dealers down here say the sensor is bad. we pulled the fuse to disable the brakes when the vehicle was new becuase a delphi engineer told me that would at least keep the brakes working . i have 58000 miles on my truck and we have replaced the calipers the rotors and even some of the brake lines have rusted rupturing and causing a loss of brakes. the power steering hose line rusted at the cooler radiator. . yesterday the chevy dealer in gainseville called me to the shop to see how the frame is being eaten away , i believe the vehicle either wasn't proberly prepared when built or the protective paints and coating were deffective. the records at jim douglas chevolet evidence the expenses we have incuured to keep the truck operational. the abs module and the loss of break lines seem to relflect extemely poor metal coorosion resistance , even both my tailgate cable rusted and broke .each time i have taken in to the chevy dealer for repair they are amazed at the corrosion problems. even the tire jack in the passenger compartment was rusted and it was never used. the screws inside the center console were rusted. i spent between 2500.00 and 3000.00 in just the brake problem and that is without trying to fix the defective sensor module. i assure absent a forced recall i suspect gm will not fix this problem. gm conumer relatios suggested i get a recall number and maybe they could be of further assistance. thus i am send you my complaint. sincerely david and cheryl king . our vin is 1gcek19t2xz211614 our model is ck15753 the car was assembled at fort wayne. june 6,1999. note i selected 25 failures as an estimated of failed componets in the unrecarrage including the brakes and the abs module.
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
08/07/200322952107/29/1999
 Power steering pump shaft broke in half. *ak
04/01/2001110/01/1999
 Truck will not turn very easily to the left. power steering pump is gone, possibly the steering gear as well, which may cause loss of steering control.*ak
02/01/1999402/01/1999
 Intermittently while applying the brakes power steering becomes inoperative which may result in loss of vehicle control. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. dealer has tried 4 times to repair this problem, but of no avail. meanwhile dealer replaced gear steering box/power steering pump, and the cooling coil and hoses. *ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
07/03/2005106/28/2005
 Dt: on july 3 2005 while driving the vehicle lost power steering and driver had a hard time steering. had to use two hands to steer. there was no warning from the vehicle that a problem would occur. vehicle was taken to the dealership, and owner was informed that it would cost $700 to replace steering pump.*ak
05/11/2004113000100011/24/2003
 My 1999 chevy z71 loses the power steering when turning left there was a recall on some cars in jan 04 but my truck was not included my daughter had a minor accident that could have been very bad chevy first said my truck would be included but now they say it will not be fixed and i can not get them send me any info on how to fix the prblem my dealer says they dont even know how to correct the problem
04/10/200030003502/15/2000
 The vehicle power steering sometimes locks up or becomes very difficult to turn the steering wheel especially when making a left hand turn when your foot is braking the vehicle. at times it seems as if the power steering looses power. the local dealer has looked at the vehicle numurous times and has always stated they could not find anything wrong with with the power steering even after the service manager (at the time) had the power steering lock up while he was testing the truck.
06/01/2000102/01/1999
 Steering and the braking systems on these vehicles should not go out with under 35000 miles on them.*ak
09/01/2000108/01/1999
 Steering was pulling to right after tire rotation with gradual progression and after 4 alignments and 3 front tire swaps it still pulls to right not as severely but noticeably different than before rotation. also seems to have more play in the steering with about a 1/4 to 1/2 radius of no tire movement even though i am moving the wheel. dealer kept the vehicle 2 days and said their machine was off but i had the job done the first two times and 1 front tire swap at another place and they also checked to see if the machine was off and it wasn't. any suggestions. if i let go of the steering wheel i will almost immediately divert to the right. what is the standard for a vehicle after it is aligned-how far should you be able to travel in a straight line assuming the road is level?
 Firestone wilderness/at tires had a bubble in it due to tread separation which caused a steering problem. dealer has been contacted.*ak
02/01/1999402/01/1999
 Intermittently while applying the brakes power steering becomes inoperative which may result in loss of vehicle control. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. dealer has tried 4 times to repair this problem, but of no avail. meanwhile dealer replaced gear steering box/power steering pump, and the cooling coil and hoses. *ak
04/01/199903/01/1999
 I feel this vehicle is unsafe to drive unless this problem is repaired. it dangerously pulls to the right all the time. on secondary roads if you let go of the steering wheel the truck will jump hard to the right. it has been back four times for repair with little results. the last time kahty steel at midway chevy (410-957-2222) told me that this problem cannot be corrected, it was in the design of the vehicle and nothing could be done, all the silverado's will perform the same way. i am seeking legal help to get gm to repurchase the vehicle.( dot number: 2314 tire size: p265/75r16 )
05/01/1999
 ? power steering makes a loud noise turning wheel to left and quitens down turning to the right , while accelerating . not sure if power steering is the problem . dealer says other trucks make the same noise and want investagate until chevrolet issues a tsb.
07/21/1999
 While driving 40 mph , lost control. vehicle went into a ditch. upon impact, driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy which did not protect the occupant in this crash. please provide further information and vin#. *ak
STEERING - LINKAGES
06/01/1999
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM
09/30/2000312/01/1999
 Service department for wheeler chevrolet cannot find the cause for the failures, they said they hoped the problems was fixed, however the right wheelbearing had to be replaced again and the brakes failed because of the rotor locking to the spindle when the bearing wore out after less then 30 miles and i have retained a private company to correct the defect and to see why wheelers could not sole this problem, they told me at one point that i shouldn't worry about the grinding noise the bearing prior to this one was making and to drive as normal as you can see by the low milage i dont drive it and until the saftey issue is resolved i will not allow my family to either.*ak
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
01/01/2001
 There is a rattling noise coming from steering while the consumer is driving. contacted dealer ,and dealer replaced a part, but that did not remedy the problem. *ak
07/14/200111
 Right front tie rod separated from the steering control arm, resulting in loss of control of truck
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
700001
 Vehicle lost power steering upon making a left turn. recall 03v527000 was issued on the steering gear bearing, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin and model year. *ak
 This vehicle is included in recall 98v342000/ steering gar bolts failure. parts that are needed are not available. dealer was notified about the recall in september 2000.*ak
06/16/1999806/01/1999
 Steering wheel shakes at 64 mph and now since they so called repaired it : it shakes also at 70mph. chevrolet has not yet been able to repair the problem after truck has been in shop 8 times. now they are avoiding us regarding the problems. *ak
03/13/19992003/01/1999
 After sitting over night you take vehicle on highway it will begin shimming lightly and then build up until the wheel shakes violently. if you try to brake it gets worse. when you pull it off road and start up the shimmy usually goes away. it is lucky we haven't been killed. i have been told by the dealer that other trucks have had the same problem. one driver recorded this on tape. another dealer in the area is also having this problem the dealer and company cannot find out what is wrong. the last time the dealer had the truck for 2 weeks. they have been playing with it since march. gen motors has been no help. their tac has no answer, yet i am stuck with this problem. what does it take? my wife and i to be killed? she will not drive it .
01/01/199901/01/1999
 The vehicle vibrates at and after 65 mph, the steering wheel shimmies and shakes. have taken to dealer on two seperate dates for repair. was told cause unknown. tires have been rotated and balances 4 time in 6 months. tire dealer blames wheels or other mechanical problems. brake pedal will go to floorboard with slight pressure. have not had to make panic stop. vehicle vibrates under slight pull at low speeds as if pulling heavy load.
11/01/19986010/01/1998
 The 1999 chev. silverado with rack and pinion has many problems and g-m is trying to sweep it under the rug. for verification of the problem contact gene scott at hudiburg chevrolet at 817.498.2400 as general motors has bought back 4 of these vehicles from their customers and know that they have the problem. i have problems with mine but they are giving me the run around.
STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
10/01/2002104/01/2002
 Vibration/clunking felt in steering column and steering wheel at low speeds. dt
111/24/1998
 Steering column makes a loud noise and vibrates. steering column feels as though it is falling off. dealer contacted. *ak *yh
04/18/2002104/01/1999
 Abs light came on at 40 mph. when shutting off engine abs pump kept running. dealer determined abs pump needed to be replaced.*ak consumer feels chevrolet should pay for the service of their failed component. also the steering clunks when going over bumps. *jg
212/30/1998
 The steering column was replaced twice due to poor steering and control. nlm
01/01/20011
 Steering wheel fails to turn, resulting in loss of steering control at typically lower speeds. dealership does not know reason for defect. *ak
03/01/1999
 Abs module continues to run, abs & brake light on in dash. many others like this. chevy has started installing a different unit, but has not recalled the older units that have failed.*ak
06/03/1999
 A piece of metal fell out of steering column. also, front end needed alignment due to drifting/pulling right/ 4-wd light keeps coming on. when shifting into gear, rear end would pop, and abs brakes went out when applied. when vehicle is turned off it would still be running. would restart it and it turned off.*ak
1
 There is a rattle in the steering column. *slc
05/01/20000
 Steering shaft connected to steering column was loose. dealership replaced it. also, when consumer was traveling at a high speed anti-lock brakes were not operable, and when he applied brakes vehicle vibrated. *ak
12/01/1998
 I am planning on turning this vehicle in on the lemon law. no safety defect listed witin summary. *ak
05/01/1999
 Bearing in steering column kept breaking. dealer found problem because mechanic experienced the same. in a matter of months, it came loose again & dealer ordered new bearing. dealer really could not seem to remedy problem. consumer called manufacturer. service manager stated vehicle was fixed & paper work showed no proof. *ak
06/02/1999111/25/1998
 Severe rattle in the steering wheel/column, dealer is unable to correct problem. *mjs
11/04/19992
 Steering column center shaft loose causing it to vibrate. nlm
12/28/199812/01/1998
 Steering wheel begins shaking at 60mph. shaking increases with speed.