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2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 56, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Sep 4, 2011 · Steering · 25,000 miles · CA

There is a rubbing and thumping noise coming from the steering column. It only does it at low speeds of 5 to 25 MPH, or when I travel over a rough road, or in or out of a driveway. It's been doing this for several years. Chevy or gm won't repair it without me forking up the money first. It is my understanding that this is an ongoing problem with 1999 through about 2007 chevy and gm trucks. Gm should take the responsibly for this and figure out a way to permanently fix the problem at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Filed Jul 1, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 22,889 miles · CT

Steering clunks on turns. Dealer replaced intermediate steering shaft under warranty per tsb. Problem resurfaced on 09/29/2006 at 44,045 miles. Dealer repaired under extended warranty . Problem showed up again on 06/17/2007 at 54, 451 miles. Dealer wanted $280 for the job. Have not repaired. The problem is now worse at 84,618 miles. Problem # 2 stop light sockets heat up and loose contact to the bulb. Dealer wants around $75 for each of the two sockets required. Problem #3 received notice from gmac stating there may be an instrument cluster problem. Don't come to the dealer unless you are experiencing the problem. Gm extended the warranty to 7 years or 70,000 miles. Naturally, my gauges failed at 79,000 and 7 years and 10 months. Dealer wants over $400 for parts alone. Updated 07/05/11 *bf updated 02/03/12

Filed Dec 9, 2010 · Steering · 85,000 miles · NE

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. While driving approximately 3-4 MPH, the power steering failed; the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who referred him to the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000 and the current mileage was 86,190.

Filed Nov 30, 2010 · Steering · 65,000 miles · MS

I own a 2003 chevrolet silverado 4x4 and have had to replace the steering rod once already at about 65,000 miles due to a loud clunking noise and looseness in the steering. This set me back about $300.00 parts and labor. The mechanic told me they have a lot of trouble with this part. I am still having trouble with this as it seems like you are "wandering" when traveling down the road. I now have 108,000 miles on the truck and plan on keeping it for while longer but this is a safety concern of mine.

Filed Jun 7, 2010 · Steering · GA

2003 chevy silverado 1500 series. Steering problems every year or two since we have had it. I think almost the whole steering system has been worked on or replaced since we have had this truck, but never a recall on it for this problem. Dates of work: 9-23-04,10-18-04, 9-29-06,10-23-0811-10-08 and also sometime around august of 2009. I am already have more problems with the same thing again. Why hasn't there been any recall on this matter.

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Steering · 48,000 miles · MN

Power assist to the steering when turning left cuts out intermittently. This started occurring when the vehicle was almost new and still under warranty, but didn't happen very often and the dealer could not find anything wrong when brought in for warranty repairs. Now that the warranty has expired, it has gotten much worse. At lower speeds, especially under 25 MPH, there is often little or no power assist to the steering. This makes it especially difficult to go around corners and maneuver in parking lots. Internet search shows that this is a common problem with 2000-2006 silverado and sierra pickups, as well as tahoes, suburbans and yukons. This is a serious safety defect in that the power assist can suddenly cut out when going around a curve or corner, making it very difficult to keep the vehicle on course and avoiding striking stationary objects or pedestrians. As the warranty has expired, the dealer said it would cost about $1000 to replace the power steering rack to correct this problem. Truck is parked and not being used now, as it is unsafe to operate until this issue is resolved.

Filed Aug 20, 2009 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 78,000 miles · TN

2003 chevy silverado - poor steering- I have replaced the gearing box w/front end alignment due to having 4 estimates and advised that the gear box was defected. 6 months later - I have been advised by several certified mechanics that the gear box that was put in is also defected. Poor steering control, truck pulls all over the road which could result in a crash. If the steering boxes for this year/make vehicles are defected, why not compensate the owners for all the expenses. It is obvious that these parts for this year vehicle is in fact defected. How many complaints/accidents/injuries does it take before these issues are acknowledged? I have spent over $1,500.00 just in the braking and steering repairs and yet faced again with more cost or either get rid of my truck that I had for 1 year.

Filed Jul 17, 2009 · Steering · 101,000 miles · TX

2003 chevy 1500hd truck, this truck is equipped with 4 wheel steering. The truck began to steer incorrectly. It was taken to gm dealer. Work was done to fix problem only to find out later that the rear wheels were now turned to the left making the truck go down the roadsome what sideways about 6 to10 inches..this means the front end in your lane and the back end in someone else's. This could not be stopped by turning the system offa safety feature. Gm would not fix or admit it had a problem, so I had the truck repaired again at my cost. This a safety hazard and should be fix immediately before some one die.

Filed Jul 11, 2009 · Steering · 41,000 miles · VA

Steering box went out in my 2003 chevy 1500 silverado all of a sudden and I couldn't turn to the left while pulling out or at slow speeds. Didn't notice any problems in steering up to it going out. Johnson chevy garage had to replace steering box to fix. The truck has only 41,000 miles on it and they also said gm know there is a problem and had a tbs out on it but it wasn't covered under a recall. I bought a box from advance auto for 350.00 and paid johnson chevy garage 157.00 for labor.

Filed May 19, 2009 · Steering · 101,000 miles · MN

Steering gear box fails to work at slow speeds/low RPM.

Filed Mar 5, 2009 · Steering · 18,000 miles · NY

4 times in 58,000 mile the front steering shaft has needed attention. Twice under warranty, twice not. Paid for correction, 4th time refused to pay as feel it is gm problem since all 2003 chevy. Silverados suffer from this. Gm has designed a new part but refuse to install unless consumer pays for it. They admitted it is a problem. Settled once, they said installed a new part , found out they did not . Have referred it to ny state attorney generals office for action, they are presently trying to mediate. Since all silverados suffer from steer shaft failure seems to be a major safety problem and should all be recalled to fix.

Filed Feb 14, 2009 · Steering · 27,500 miles · CA

There is a thunking sound that originates somewhere in the steering mechanism. I took it to the dealer while the vehicle was still under warranty and was told that it was not a safety issue and that the steering box just needed to be repacked with grease. It feels as if it is a safety issue. It feels as if the whole steering mechanism is going to come apart. I originally noticed the problem at 25000 miles and took it to the dealer. The noise came back in about 12-15000 miles. It appears from the message boards and to people that I have talked to that own the same or similar vehicle have the same problems.

Filed Feb 2, 2009 · Brakes, Steering · 97,535 miles · OH

I am writing in regards to my anti lock baking system (ABS) and my steering column. I was nearly involved in an auto accident on dry pavement when my ABS system engaged and then dis-engaged at a speed of less than 10 MPH. When steering to the right to avoid the accident, my steering column had a strange vibration/loud humming noise. My antilock brakes engaged while I was slowing to swerve to miss the oncoming vehicle and then my ABS stopped working and my ABS warning light along with my parking brake (p) warning light came on. Now, since that day (2 days ago), my steering column still makes noises when I turn to the right and my ABS system continues to engage at slow speeds when stopping even on dry pavement. I have been told by a gm dealership that the two issues that I am experiencing are not on a recall list but are common problems with my vehicle. They further advised that since my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I would have to pay for these malfunctions. I was told by an independent mechanic that the above issues are safety issues and gm is aware of the problems. With the above being said, I feel that my issues with the ABS system and the steering column are safety issues and gm should be addressing these issues before someone is seriously injured or killed. I need to get these issues corrected on my vehicle, however, I do not feel that I should be liable for these repairs when gm is aware of the issues and nothing has been done to remedy the problem.

Filed Feb 2, 2009 · Brakes, Steering · 97,535 miles · OH

I am writing in regards to my anti lock baking system (ABS) and my steering column. I was nearly involved in an auto accident on dry pavement when my ABS system engaged and then dis-engaged at a speed of less than 10 MPH. When steering to the right to avoid the accident, my steering column had a strange vibration/loud humming noise. My antilock brakes engaged while I was slowing to swerve to miss the oncoming vehicle and then my ABS stopped working and my ABS warning light along with my parking brake (p) warning light came on. Now, since that day (2 days ago), my steering column still makes noises when I turn to the right and my ABS system continues to engage at slow speeds when stopping even on dry pavement. I have been told by a gm dealership that the two issues that I am experiencing are not on a recall list but are common problems with my vehicle. They further advised that since my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I would have to pay for these malfunctions. I was told by an independent mechanic that the above issues are safety issues and gm is aware of the problems. With the above being said, I feel that my issues with the ABS system and the steering column are safety issues and gm should be addressing these issues before someone is seriously injured or killed. I need to get these issues corrected on my vehicle, however, I do not feel that I should be liable for these repairs when gm is aware of the issues and nothing has been done to remedy the problem.

Filed Oct 28, 2008 · Steering · NC

2003 chevy tahoe and silverado excessive vibration, rattling and pulling in steering. Dealer lubes the shaft which only temporarily fixes the problem as the problem always comes back.

Filed Oct 18, 2008 · Steering · 40,000 miles · NY

Intermediate steering shaft clunking while driving. This has been replaced before and the clunking stopped for a while, but it needs to be replaced again.

Filed Sep 9, 2008 · Steering · MS

Steering continues to knock.

Filed Sep 2, 2008 · Steering · 25,000 miles · MA

2003 chevrolet silverado pickup steering defect. Intermediate steering becomes loose. Possible loss of control. Current repair is to grease shaft to deaden sound of loose sliding parts. Steering parts in question are crucial to safe operation. Multiple occurrences with this vehicle.

Filed Mar 27, 2008 · Steering · 15,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that there was a loose, knocking feeling as he turned his steering wheel multiple times. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer twice and was informed that it was an ongoing failure and all they could do was to grease the steering shaft. The dealer also stated that it was just a temporary repair and would have to take the vehicle back periodically for relubrication. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 81,000 and failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Mar 18, 2008 · Steering · 30,000 miles · IA

Potential safety problem with steering shaft on 2000-2005 chevy trucks. I have had my steering worked on twice to solve a knocking in the column. Gm dealerships say if it goes unrepaired there could be a potential failure in the steering shaft. There are many complaints on the internet about this all you have to do is google "chevy steering problems". Dealer repair service says there is no fix and you have to bring it in every 20,000 to 30,000 miles and have it repaired at a cost of 100 dollars to 500 dollars. Something needs done about this before someone gets hurt from this. There should be a recall just for the fact that it is costing everyone that has purchased a chevy truck to fix the problem over and over again.

Filed Feb 6, 2008 · Brakes, Steering · 89,000 miles · MA

My 2003 chevrolet silverado has a braking issue where the brakes fail to work. The general motors corp had a recall on this issue identifying model years 1999-2002. I called the general motors corp for help with the issue. I was told by their representative, I needed to have the vehicle evaluated by a chevrolet dealer, if the problem were found, they would repair it at no cost to me. I brought the vehicle to my local dealer, they found and documented the issue on a service report (I have a copy). When I called general motors back, I was told that they were not going to fix the problem, it was my problem to fix. I explained numerous times that this is not a wear item, they had a recall previously, their dealer documented my vehicle as having the problem. Still, to no avail, I was told it is my problem and they won't cover it because it wasn't identified under the recall. Therefore, why was I told to bring it to the dealer for no reason and a cost to me of $42, and more importantly why are they not concerned that my vehicle has an issue where the brakes fail to work. General motors service bulletin # 05068b, the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v379000. The evaluation was performed by keigan chevrolet in franklin ma, service report invoice # 82978a. The vehicle was manufactured in 11/02 although it is called a 2003 model. I only seek to have the braking issue repaired. As noted by the service report, the front wheel hubs need to be replaced. I also have a second issue following the same chain of events, the intermediate steering column rattles. There was also a service bulletin for this issue, also found to be a problem at the dealer, also documented on the service report, told same thing, my problem. I would like them to replace the intermediate steering column at their cost.

Filed Jan 12, 2008 · Steering · 35,600 miles · CT

Clunking noise in steering, sounds like dry shaft.

Filed Nov 3, 2007 · Steering · IL

There is a clunking noise in the steering shaft. The dealer would grease the shaft and the noise would go away for awhile. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty, they said there is nothing they can do. This part is defective and should be replaced on all affected vehicles.

Filed Oct 25, 2007 · Steering · 45,000 miles · LA

I have a constant problem with the steering column on my 2003 chevy silverado 1500 z71. It is alway vibrating and cluncking. I bring it into for service and after about 4-6 months I am in there again for the same problem. The service dept. Stated they are aware of problem but have no fix but to grease part. Unacceptable. How can you know of a bad part and charge customer to temporarily fix problem. Wonder what else all that rattling around messed up under there.

Filed Oct 13, 2007 · Steering · 21,052 miles · TN

I have had clunking, stiffness, and metal to metal sounds in the steering column and felt in the steering wheel in which they repaired the intermediate shaft on the steering column. They have repaired it twice. It is now needing another repair. The clunking and noise is more prevalent when turning to the right. Very noisy and can feel it better on slow turns to the right on normal pavement.

Filed Sep 28, 2007 · Steering · 65,000 miles · NJ

Steering column shaft is poorly designed, and degrades quickly. Maintenance must be done frequently by an experienced technician, thus making it very expensive. Lubricating the shaft only works temporarily. The shaft required replacement before 70,000 miles.

Filed Sep 20, 2007 · Steering · 48,000 miles · AZ

Steering column-I have been driving my 2003 z71 for about 15 months and there is a terrible clunk from the steering shaft. I went to the dealer and was told this is a common defect on the 2003 z71 silverado. The mechanic stated there isn't much that can be done to fix the problem other then regrease the shaft; which will only quite the clunk for a short period of time. With so many complaints for this failure this should be replaced completely by the manufacturer at no cost to the owner of the vehicle. Gm/chevrolet needs to make this a recall item and fix their mistake rather then charge the customer for this repair.

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Steering · 51,907 miles · PA

Tl- the consumer stated steering began feeling loose and making noise on rough roads. The consumer stated dealer replaced the intermediate steering shaft at the consumer's cost. The consumer stated the part had to be replaced yet again at 82,867 miles on a good faith gesture by the dealer. Updated 09/18/07

Filed Jun 6, 2007 · Steering · 10,000 miles · WV

Noise in steering components. Had serviced by dealership twice under warrantee they did a grease pack on the steering column and it worked for about 6 months each time. My nephew worked for columbus ohio dealer as mechanic he told me to contact my dealer for service. He also stated there were several service bulletins out on this repair. When I spoke to the dealer where purchesed the service department stated I would have to pay for repairs. This is a gm problem and should be recalled by them. Truck now has 50,000 miles on it and the problem first started around 10,000 miles. I had truck to an alignment shop where they state truck can not be aligned without repairs being made therefore this is definitely a safety hazard.

Filed Mar 26, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 53,000 miles · NJ

Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado with 53,000 miles. The contact stated that while driving the steering column made a clunking noise. The failure occurred at any speed, but happened more while driving on rough roads. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who lubricated the vehicle, but the failure continued. The failure had been observed three times. The noise had not effected the maneuverability of the vehicle. The current and failure mileage were both 53,000.*ak the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. Update *4/23/07

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