This has almost caused us to get in an accident several times now. While driving and taking a curve or while gradually turning, the power steering failed. The steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn, and my wife could barely turn it. The message “Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care” was displayed. When we pulled over and turned off the engine, and then later re-started the Suburban, the power steering worked again. The dealer conducted a diagnostic on it and could not find the problem at first. They later said the Power Steering Gear needed to be replaced. This is a very dangerous problem.
Chevrolet Suburban power steering loss problems
102 of the 8,048 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Suburban describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 102
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 79,800
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 46Stalling 12Jerking 7Brake failure 6Pulling 4Steering lock-up 4Fuel pump 4Engine failure 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P0601 2
What owners say
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle has experienced a recurring problem related to the engine wiring harness. While driving, the vehicle will unexpectedly stall without warning. At the same time, there is an immediate loss of power steering assist, significantly reducing the ability to safely control the vehicle. This creates a dangerous situation, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The failure appears to be linked to a defect or malfunction in the engine wiring harness, which may be causing intermittent electrical interruptions to critical engine systems. There were no prior warning signs sufficient to prevent the incident. This issue poses a substantial safety risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to other motorists. Sudden engine shutdown combined with loss of steering assist increases the likelihood of a crash. I believe this may be a systemic defect affecting other vehicles of the same model and configuration. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this issue and determine whether a recall should be issued. Vehicle Information: Make: Chevrolet Model: Suburban Year: 2021 Engine: 3.0L Duramax Diesel
The vehicle went into limp mode! Everything associated with it happened so quickly,no brakes,no steering ,it was terrifying. We got safely to a gas station. We were advised to take it to a certified Chevrolet dealer which we did We had it towed to the certified Chevrolet dealer in Charlevoix, Michigan.They hooked it up to the diagnostics and said they found absolutely nothing wrong with the vehicle.Very Frustrating! After experiencing this terrible incident will never feel safe in this vehicle!
While driving at highway speeds my vehicle lost steering the radio and the hvac turned off. I had abs and brake lights on the dash as well as a service stabilitrac message. The vehicle completely shutoff and I almost had an auto accident. I have not taken it anywhere as I’m to afraid to drive it for fear of having an accident.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced electrical failures that caused several safety and powered components to turn off and on. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally lost power steering or windshield wiper functionality and would start functioning without having been engaged manually. The contact stated that the instrument cluster occasionally went black. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and advised the contact of Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-161, which addressed the electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact stated that the electrical failure described in TSB: 18-NA-161 should have been a national recall due to the safety factors of the systems affected. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
On at or about November 1, 2025, I experienced a sudden loss of power steering. I was backing up in a parking and experienced a complete power steering failure. Since that date, it has failed multiple times. There was a recall on the EPS Module in 2015. I have contacted a dealer, they could not find a recall for any power steering issues, when there clearly has been. If there has been a recall for the steering of the same model and make and year, and is clearly a SAFETY ISSUE, this recall in 2015 should cover my vehicle also. I was under the assumption that my vehicle was low on power steering fluid. Proceed to look for power steering pump to check fluid level, no reservoir! Start to investigate, find out I have an Electric Power Assist Motor, and an electric module that can not be replaced when it fails, the entire assembly has to be replaced, no way to replace fluid! I’m in the process of getting an estimate of repair as of 11/25/ 2025. There was no indication of any kind, of possibly failure! There is no data stored in the computer indicating any failure, electrical or otherwise!
Loss of steering, jerks the week right out of your hand and then you are unable to turn the wheel. Engine stalls and you have to try to coast to the side of the road, put in park and try to restart the vehicle. Service Stabilitrak warning appears on display, Alarm Sounds, Radio beeps and display goes blank, navigation compass does not work. There is a current Technical Service Bulletin for these issues: #18-NA-161, document ID 5075841 that lists the years from 2014 to 2020. There were Product Safety Recalls issued: 17276 Loss of Steering Assist, Reference Number:N172085440 for vehicles listed in this TSB for 2014 and 2015 but no Recalls for later vehicles with the same problems.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and attempting to make a left or right turn, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but has been recurred more frequently at slow speeds. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer however, no failure was found. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the local dealer was not able to duplicate the failure. The local dealer suggested that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with the federal safety agency Manufacturer Communication Number: N212333901 (Loss of Power Steering Assist). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Vehicle lost power steering turning a tight left into a parking space at a low speed on 5/18/2024. A second later, the engine and all electrical in the vehicle went dead. The steering locked and nothing electrical in the vehicle was functional. Based on the online information and comments found, this is a significant problem with the 2015 Suburban. The GMC recall number is 14743. The recall was for replacement of the power steering assist motor kit. When I look up my vehicle on the recall listing there are no recalls for my vehicle. There is an obvious problem which is effecting these vehicles and dealers shouldn't question the safety implications of steering and engine failure while the vehicle is moving.
Engine failure at 27k miles on a highway going highway speeds (45-50 MPH). This failure happened on a night when it was 5 degrees and dropping, vehicle full of my family + my parents. Complete engine failure, no way to run heat or move the vehicle at all. Engine failure #2 at 37k miles while driving down a 2 lane road, was able to pull into an apartment complex Complete vehicle infotainment failure, not able to use handsfree device, backup cameras, front and rear safety sensors. Engine failure #3 at 65k miles on a 4 lane highway going 65-70 MPH. Was able to get to a turn lane. Engines have shuddered / lost power steering / electrical many times while going 70+ MPH on 3+ lane highways
Related recalls
Steering: steering control module
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
- Risk
- Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006; or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
Recall number 21V455000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
- Risk
- If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18289.
Recall number 18V586000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14743.
Recall number 14V719000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box: shaft pitman
- What is wrong
- General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet express and suburban vehicles, and gmc savana and yukon xl heavy duty vehicles. The steering gear pitman shaft may not have been adequately hardened and could fracture.
- Risk
- If this condition occurs, a loss of steering could result, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear and, if necessary, replace the steering gear pitman shaft. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on april 4, 2012.
Recall number 12V112000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Suburban power steering loss
Which Chevrolet Suburban years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (25 complaints), 1997 (16 complaints) and 1999 (9 complaints).
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