Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||||
| SB-10-02-33-001 | 06/01/2010 | 10036545 | Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/oldsmobile and hummer: information on pitman arm shaft seal service kit. do not replace entire steering gear for pitman seal leak. technicians have been replacing entire steering gears due to not being able to | 03/28/2011 | |
| 040234001 | 10/01/2004 | 10012736 | Vehicle pulls on breaking acceleration and wanders. *eh | 03/11/2005 | |
| 030236002 | 08/01/2003 | 10012577 | Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure. *eh | 03/07/2005 | |
| 000235003 | 02/01/2007 | 000235003M | 10012089 | Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. *eh updated *eh updated. *kb | 02/11/2005 |
| 000235003E | 08/01/2004 | 000235003F | 10011223 | Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. this bulletin replaces previous bulletin 00-02-35-003e. *tt | 01/11/2005 |
| 3243 | 3118J | 10010873 | Pop/clunk/click noise on right or left turns. *eh | 12/15/2004 | |
| 01634A | 01/01/2004 | 10007276 | Supplement to 00-02-35-003d - clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel. *tt | 06/09/2004 | |
| 01634 | 01/01/2004 | 10007231 | Intermediate steering shaft service kit. service vme. *tt | 06/04/2004 | |
| 030235006 | 12/01/2004 | 10005165 | Revised steering wheel replacement procedure. *tt | 02/10/2004 | |
| 000235003C | 04/01/2004 | 000235003D | 10004716 | Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel. *tt | 01/02/2004 |
| 000235003B | 01/01/2003 | 000235003A | 10000950 | Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel. *tt | 04/04/2003 |
| 010232007 | 09/01/2001 | 623883 | Some customer may comment on a whining-type noise that is audible inthe vehicle's passenger compartment. *tt | 10/31/2001 | |
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||||
| 000235003N | 04/01/2008 | 10025148 | Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel and/or steering column (replace upper intermediate steering shaft [i-shaft] assembly). *pe | 07/14/2008 | |
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN | |||||
| SB-10-02-33-001 | 06/01/2010 | 10036545 | Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/oldsmobile and hummer: information on pitman arm shaft seal service kit. do not replace entire steering gear for pitman seal leak. technicians have been replacing entire steering gears due to not being able to | 03/28/2011 | |
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||||
| 3386 | 3386C | 10013533 | Lack of steering assist or shudder during parking lot type maneuvers. *tt | 04/21/2005 | |
| STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT | |||||
| 3499 | 3499A | 10014899 | Steering idler arm inspection procedure. *tt | 05/11/2005 | |
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 030234001A | 10/01/2003 | 030234001 | 10004766 | Inner tie rod released for service. *tt | 01/06/2004 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 01/01/2011 | 50000 | ||
| 2002 chevy tahoe lt 4wd, current mileage is 85k. for the last 25k miles this vehicle has experienced a noisy shuddering sound with a slight vibration felt through the steering wheel when turning left or right. ball joints, tie rods and alignment check out ok. problem can be temporarily (for several days) resolved by dealer when front axle assembly is lubed during general service. had front axle seals replaced at 80k, noisy vibration was temporarily suppressed, returned a week later. | |||
| 06/14/2011 | 90000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet tahoe. the contact stated the steering locks when turning. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the failure and stated it was the intermediate steering shaft and the gear box that needs to be replace. the contact stated this happens on more than one occasion. the vehicle was also taken to the dealer who will inspect the failure and give her a call back. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 90,000...mw | |||
| 06/01/2009 | 74237 | ||
| Steering turns to left fine,but can not turn to right at idle or low speed.when trying to make right turn at slow speed you may have to back up and try again.very hard to park in parking space,vehicle will not turn to right.it is as is the engine is turned off.i have read hundreds of reports about same problem on internet sites.seems to be a problem with steering gear box,but gm has done nothing to fix this problem since vehiles are out of warrinty. | |||
| 02/11/2009 | 50000 | 1 | |
| I own a 2002 chevy tahoe, the power steering has progressively gotten worse. at all times and instances you can not turn the steering wheel to the right, at any time you can turn the steering to the left, try parking, or turning right and it is not a task a large man can do easily, and i am a woman, there is no power steering turning to the right. the vehicle has been babied from day one, no excessive use or wear, the car is a 2002 and only has 53,000 miles on it, so i would gather the car is not abused. the vehicle has only been driven on paved roads. i took the vehicle to nimnicht chevrolet in jacksonville florida to have them diagnose the vehicle, and the steering gear is bad at 53,000 miles and of course the upper intermediate shaft is rattling,and the parking brake wont hold the vehicle. i contacted chevy customer service and they told me it was normal wear and tear and since i was the second owner and the vehicle was outside of warranty they would not cover the repairs. mind you this vehicle only has 53,000 miles. i have owned several vehicles and driven them to well over 100,000 miles and in every vehicle i have owned, nissan, datsun, 2 volkswagens, never has the steering gone bad. even with over 100,000 miles. this is a safety issue and is common for chevy, records indicate chevy has been having problems since 1999 with numerous components on all of their vehicles, especially steering and brakes for this vehicle alone their are over 190 service bulletins pertaining to defects in this vehicle alone, same vehicle 2003 has over 300 service related repair bulletins. i am scared to death to drive the vehicle this is my only transportation. i would hate to have an accident because of defects chevy is aware of and is relying on a bean counter for repair recall this is not normal for a vehicle to be broken at 53,000 miles. brakes, tires, battery, belts that is normal wear and tear. the manufacturer should repair these defects free of charge. *tr | |||
| 07/28/2007 | 90000 | 1 | |
| Steering gear box failure. failure of this component makes it difficult to turn the steering wheel to the right when backing out of parking spaces. i have checked the internet and this is a fairly common occurrence with these vehicles and chevrolet accepts no responsibility for the failures of these parts. *tr | |||
| 12/14/2007 | 68000 | 1 | |
| 2002 chevy tahoe with noise in steering column for months..60,000 miles....then while driving some cable broke and steering was almost impossible to turn wheel faster than 2 miles and hour. thank goodness my husband was driving. still has noise after replacing cable. crappy issue should be recall. *tr | |||
| 03/01/2003 | 7000 | 1 | |
| Tahoe steering shaft faulty. making all sorts of noise for years. should be a recall. have seen hundreds complaining of same issue on chevy tahoes! *tr | |||
| 05/20/2008 | 44620 | 1 | |
| 2002 chevy tahoe lt: intermediate drive shaft needs to be replaced; however, the dealer has yet to make a recall. it appears to be very common in this vehicle as well as my other gm vehicle(pontiac grand prix which was under recall). clunking, looseness in steering wheel column when driving, mostly heard while driving over bumps. just purchased, waiting to see if dealer will replace at no cost. *tr | |||
| 01/13/2007 | 500 | 1 | 11/16/2002 |
| I own a 2002 tahoe that i bought new. with in 6 months it developed a knocking in the front end. it sounded as if the front end was about to fall out. part of the steering shaft was replaced and it stopped. it is now doing it again. is there a steering danger that could possible cause an accident? *nm | |||
| 04/21/2006 | 35000 | 1 | 01/01/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving at slow speeds making a sharp left turn the steering wheel locked and it was unable to be maneuvered to its original position. the vehicle was taken to the dealership where it was determined the power steering pump fractured. previously before this failure the vehicle was taken to the dealership because the steering was shaking however, the contact is unaware of what parts were replaced. the dealership states both failures are not related. | |||
| 07/20/2005 | 2 | ||
| I have had to have the steering column in my 2002 chev. tahoe replaced twice and fixed another. the vehicle starts making a noise when it is turned. after a period of time, the steering gets loose and it sounds and feels like worn ball joints. according to the mechanics at the dealership, this is a very common problem and occurs with the other similar gm vehicles (yukon and escalade). i had my steering column replaced in july and it is already making the noise again. they claim it is not a safety issue but i don't see how it couldn't be. my extended warranty will run out soon and the next time i replace it will be out of my own pocket. i am very concerned that this may be an issue that would cause me to loose control of the vehicle. *nm | |||
| 09/13/2003 | 36000 | 2 | 08/12/2002 |
| Popping noise in steering column. returned to dealer as it was still under warranty. they concluded that it would be a one time repair to re-lube the steering column.i was led to believe they had a special lube that would cure the problem. vehicle did fine for about 15000 miles and the noise has returned. have had the front end aligned since the original tires (firestone) wore out prematurely. can't seem to keep it aligned. | |||
| 01/09/2004 | 26000 | 1 | 05/17/2002 |
| Transmission shifting hard,only 26,000 miles. ttook to dealership and was told second and third gear was gone. they rebuilt those gears. pick tahoe up and within a hr it was doing the same thing. return to dealership next day, was told it was pump sticking. replace that. pick back up and within a hr did the same thing. return vehicle and they decided to replace for new transmission. a week later it has now starting to have a problem with the power sterring. there appears to be a leak in the lines. this 2002 tahoe has had problems starting within months of purchase. sterring colum making clunking nose, required lube twice. headlights filling with water. nose in the front drivers side around shock area. they had different repairs such as replacing shocks, greasing. after over a year the dealership added bushings to the shocks, so far ok. have replace firestone tires at 25,000 miles for wearing on inside of tire.*ak | |||
| 11/06/2002 | 377 | 05/08/2002 | |
| Popping noise heard in steering since three weeks of purchase. dealer originally advised it was normal on new vehicles and needed to work out the kinks. taken in for repairs. first repair attempt, dealer found excessive play in lower ball joints and replaced both. picked u vehicle and immediately heard popping noise again. dealer then performed second repair attempt by finding center cross member and ride height bushings in need of lubing. popping noise recurred within month of picking up vehicle after second repair attempt. service mgr took test drive and heard popping noise. now states he cannot recreate and knows something is wrong but not sure what. *nlm | |||
| 10/09/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that while driving and no warning the steering wheel will pull to the right and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. dealer notified. mr | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 4 | 11/07/2001 | |
| Vehicle steering column keeps failing and needs lubricating. this is ridiculous. im going on the 5th time since june of 03 that this has happened. why isn't there a recall on this! what a crappy way to treat a good chevy gm customer! 2002 tahoe lt need a recall for everyone affected and there are many many many affected by what i see on the net! *tr | |||
| 01/02/2004 | 30000 | 5 | 11/15/2003 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet tahoe. the steering column rattles when driving various speeds over a bump. the dealer greased and injected the column with a special grease at the cost of $100; however, the failure was not corrected. when making sharp turns to the left or right, the steering fails. the current mileage was 97,000 and failure mileage was 30,000. | |||
| 08/16/2003 | 12000 | 1 | 07/17/2003 |
| I have a bumping noise in my steering column. i have a 2002 chevrolet tahoe with around 70,000 miles. the noise was evident when i purchased the vehicle with 12,000 miles. i do not know if it is a safety problem they are not any recalls listed. i have 3 friends with the same issue with the similar vehicle. *nm | |||
| 09/28/2006 | 70000 | 1 | 01/01/2006 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the steering wheel vibrated without warning. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the steering column needed lubrication. the manufacturer was not contacted. | |||
| 04/10/2002 | 1 | 12/20/2001 | |
| I've taken my chevy tahoe in a number of timse for a knocking noise coming from the steering column area. they would lube it up and send me on my way. i think it's wrong and something should be done about it they are aware that there is a problem with this but they except know responsibility. when is there going to be a recall on this ,when someone get killed! this is the date about when i first took it in 04/10/02 only a few months after i bought the truck cash. *jb | |||
| 04/19/2006 | 83000 | 1 | 08/19/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle is driven at any speed there is a cracking noise that can be heard from the steering. this started with only the noise now it is very hard to turn the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to the dealer; upon inspection grease was added to the steering column. the problem has now reoccurred and the dealer must re grease the steering column. the manufacturer has been alerted. | |||
| 11/01/2004 | 18113 | 3 | 07/16/2003 |
| Dt: the consumer experienced thumping and torsion within the steering wheel. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who remedied this condition by lubrication. the problem soon returned, and the dealer replaced the steering column. however the problem recurred and the dealer replaced the entire steering column. he contacted the manufacturer, and they stated they would not accept any financial responsibility now or in the future. there have been no further repairs at this time. *ak updated 11/16/05. *jb | |||
| 12/22/2004 | 19990 | 2 | 09/20/2002 |
| I recently took my 2002 chevy tahoe in to the dealer for a long over due repair. after describing my problem to the service technician (a clunk sound and feel through the steering wheel which i had first noticed at about 20k miles), he told me the problem was a common occurrence in the year/model and that it was due to poor lubrication/design with the intermediate shaft of the steering column. he shaft would cost $140 plus one hour labor.... however; it is on a long back order. seems strange that an item, which is a common occurrence and the item is back ordered (must be a lot of replacing going on) would not be subject to a recall for a free replacement. i paid top dollar for this vehicle and for such a standard piece of equipment to be needed to be replace at this low of mileage seems a bit out of the normal wear and tear. after reviewing many sites on the internet, it seems this occurance is common enough that it should be a recall. walter goodall. *ak | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 27000 | 2 | ||
| While driving steering wheel locked up, causing consumer to lose control of the vehicle, and it rolled over. upon inspection of the vehicle by the consumer noticed that lower control arm snapped in two. *ak | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR | |||
| 08/26/2005 | 1 | 05/09/2002 | |
| Dt: the contact states steering shaft has been replaced, packed and lubricated over 5-6 times in the past 2 years. it vibrated and made a knocking noise. could feel the vibration in the steering wheel, but there was nothing they could do about it. the contact felt the car was unsafe and unstable. gm said there was no way they would trade back or buy back the vehicle. this happened on any type of road condition, and all of the time. it was getting progressively worse. gm told the contact it was not life threatening. *ak | |||
| 04/04/2005 | 2 | ||
| Vehicle was taken to the dealer for a clicking noise coming from the front when making turns. results showed that the cross member that holds the engine from frame to frame need to be replaced. also, there was a problem with the intermediate steering shaft, which was making the steering loose, and unable to control the vehicle.*ak | |||
| 12/01/2004 | 50000 | 3 | 12/20/2001 |
| When making turns from 5 mph or more vehicle experienced severe vibration, and it caused the vehicle to jerk and thump intermittently. vehicle was taken to two separate dealers. first dealer was unable to locate the problem, and the second dealer determined that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced.*ak the consumer stated that the shaft has not been replaced because it is on back order. *tc | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 04/21/2006 | 35000 | 1 | 01/01/2002 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while driving at slow speeds making a sharp left turn the steering wheel locked and it was unable to be maneuvered to its original position. the vehicle was taken to the dealership where it was determined the power steering pump fractured. previously before this failure the vehicle was taken to the dealership because the steering was shaking however, the contact is unaware of what parts were replaced. the dealership states both failures are not related. | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| 11/01/2005 | 35385 | 4 | |
| 2002 tahoe engine stalled when pulling into a parking space. *ts the vehicle was towed to the nearest chevrolet dealership. the consumer was told that the shaft to the power steering had broken and needed to be replaced as well as the motor to the power steering. *nm | |||
| 06/05/2002 | 06/01/2002 | ||
| At 60+ mph, the power steering feels unstable. this may be a failure in the variable assist system although dealer was confused if tahow still had this system. it may be front suspension instability. vehicle handles very well at lower speeds but over 60, it wanders and the steering feels like it will overcompensate or oversteer. unknown if the tahoe still has a variable power assist steering. i would like to speak to a chevrolet representative that can provide this information and assistance.*ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 12/22/2004 | 19990 | 2 | 09/20/2002 |
| I recently took my 2002 chevy tahoe in to the dealer for a long over due repair. after describing my problem to the service technician (a clunk sound and feel through the steering wheel which i had first noticed at about 20k miles), he told me the problem was a common occurrence in the year/model and that it was due to poor lubrication/design with the intermediate shaft of the steering column. he shaft would cost $140 plus one hour labor.... however; it is on a long back order. seems strange that an item, which is a common occurrence and the item is back ordered (must be a lot of replacing going on) would not be subject to a recall for a free replacement. i paid top dollar for this vehicle and for such a standard piece of equipment to be needed to be replace at this low of mileage seems a bit out of the normal wear and tear. after reviewing many sites on the internet, it seems this occurance is common enough that it should be a recall. walter goodall. *ak | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 06/10/2002 | |||
| Steering column is not centered properly within vehicle, air bag deployment may cause severe injury. dealer contacted. feel free to provide any further information.*ak | |||
| 06/20/2002 | 3 | 05/30/2002 | |
| Vehicle would wander across the road while driving at multiple speeds and got more severe at higher speed. vehicle been to the dealer on two occasions, problem reoccurring. *ak consumer states that the steering wheel is not centered, this is causing tires to feather, dealership has aligned the front end on two occasions, however the problem still exists. *slc | |||