We have had a clicking sound in the steering column at low speeds while turning. The dealer has replaced a bushing once and the entire column the second time, the issue is back. However, even though we are under warranty we have installed a lift on the vehicle since the second repair. Even though it was addressed twice before the lift, gm now refuses to look at the vehicle unless we take it back to stock. Clearly the lift is not the issue as it happened twice before it was installed. Furthermore, there is a gm tsb addressing the exact issue, so gm is aware there is an issue with the steering column. Also, a quick search online yields plenty of similar complaints across all similar platforms from gmc, chevrolet and cadillac, which once again furthers my proof the lift is not the issue. Being in the steering column I truly feel this is a safety issue and an immediate recall needs to be issued to resolve this issue. I do not have documentation from the previous repairs at this time, I am working to obtain them.
Chevrolet Suburban steering noise problems
14 of the 8,048 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Suburban describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 14
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical mileage
- 29,000
By model year
- 20151
- 20071
- 20061
- 20042
- 20034
- 20001
- 19991
- 19981
- 19971
- 19951
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 4Grinding brakes 3Pulling 1Slipping 1Seat belt 1Power steering loss 1Headlights 1Knocking 1
What owners say
I started my car and the brakes were gone and the steering wheel was locked up. I turned it off and started it again, then the brakes would lock up and there was no power steering. I waited a while and tried a third time, it made a power steering machine noise and was back to normal. I was afraid to drive it because I didn't want to cause an accident if it happened again. I had it towed to the dealer. The dealer could not reproduce the problem, therefore could not use my extended warranty to fix it. I paid out of pocket for a new power steering pump, because I will not drive it if there is even a chance of that happening again. It's too much of a liability.
Steering clunks and loose, worse when going around curves and during braking. This is a know faulty design of the intermediate steering shaft that caused the manufacture to redesign part. How many people have to be injured before gm issues a recall????
1. 2003 suburban z71 , rattle and clunk in steering column, nothing loose in the steering just clunking noise while driving. The steering shaft has been replaced 3 times. 2. Second row middle seat belt failed to retract and unable to fasten belt without force. Corrected 3. Latches located on the back of the second row seats to hold up the third row floor boards when using third row have broken numerous times (latches are plastic which makes no sense) 4. Paint on the rear bumper and left by gas tank fill rusted (this was corrected) 5. Driver seat motor runs after vehicle turned off. This has been brought to the dealers attention many times and they were unable to duplicate problem. 6. Rear access door weather striping stretched. 7. Truck failed to start for numerous reasons other then dead battery. Fuel tank pump module went bad. Crank shaft position sensor went bad. The most recent of 1/20/07 has not yet been determined. This is a major problem as the truck is not reliable. Infact my 1994 ford explorer is more reliable then this truck problems began in 2003, starting with 2nd row seat belt issues 8. Excessive squeaking from front end, numerous complaints made to dealer, belts replaced and pulleys cleaned several times then pulleys readjusted. 9. Left rear door failed to open.
Original date was in 2005 when I complained regarding the clicking noise when steering wheel is being turned to the left. Service personnel stated they had lubricated the steering wheel bolts. Well after receiving the vehicle back on 12/01/06 for 30k mile inspection the clicking noise is now back, but worse when reversing not only has the clicking noise returned, but when reversing having my steering wheel turn left I can feel the tires sliding. After talking to same personnel in servicing she is being told not to lubricate or loosen the bolts of the steering wheel since it will not improve the situation. According to the service personnel she just received (01/04/06) a notice stating that chevrolet is working on the problem unfortunately they (chevrolet/gmac) will go back to the drawing board to make a part that will fix this problem. I explained to veronica of my fears of driving the vehicle, but she states that the vehicle is safe. I did notify the service personnel as well as the owner of the dealership (where the work is being done and was purchased from) that my fear of having to make an immediate left turn or reversing having the steering wheel turned left what is the guarantee that the tires will not slide maybe hitting something from behind. Both service personnel and the owner of the dealership states that chevrolet would not say it was safe for someone to drive when in fact it isn't. Nothing can be done regarding this issue since there is no part on the market to fix this problem. My complaint is basically I feel that since there isn't a part currently made to repair the problem making a left turn or reversing that this vehicle is unsafe for me and my five children.
The vehicle lost it's service stability control at 40 miles per hour making it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair for the fourth time, but there still continues to be a steering problem. *nm there were five repair attempts to repair the system. The brakes would pulse and come on while the vehicle was in motion followed by the service stability light. The vehicle would shake violently as if it were out of control. The transmission would slip at times. A service bulletin was found in re to the clutch. The forward clutch seal/piston diss pump as well as the shift cable. The yaw rate sensor table was replaced and the ABS module was reprogrammed. There was popping coming from the left when turning due to the crossmember. Static noise was heard under the dash at times when the headlights flickered. Both upper shock insulators were squeaking. Both shock insulators were removed and replaced by new style insulators. The yaw rate sensor was replaced again with one form a new unit, the steering rotation sensor was replaced and the stability module was reprogrammed. *sc
Complaint received via e-mail. I visited the local chevrolet dealership service department. The previous day I had taken my 2003 suburban purchased new from the local dealer to an independent repair service shop to find out what was wrong with my truck. I was advised I had a lot of slack and vibration at both ends of my steering column. I had loud popping noise coming from this area while driving. When the wheels turned they did not turn smoothly, but roughly, and jumped in the turning process as though it stopped and started continuously. The repair shop had sincere concerns that this problem could be very dangerous, and since the vehicle was still under full bumper to bumper warranty, they recommended that I take it back to the local dealer. The service dealership knew exactly what was wrong, and stated that it was a very common problem with this type of vehicle. Mechanic had to order the repair parts, which would take 3 to 4 weeks. Nevertheless, I waited for the dealership to call me when the parts came in. After over a month I called title back, and he again said it could be 3 or 4 weeks before they come in, and they would call me. As of the date of this letter I never been notified that these parts were received. Apparently, they could not get the parts needed to do the warranty repairs. *ak the consumer stated that the wheels jump when the vehicle is turning. *tc
I have a 2003 chevrolet suburban that has a steering /clunking noise in the intermediate steering shaft. I have called many dealers and they said it is a known problem and the parts are on order, I checked other customer complaint sites and many people have been waiting for the parts for over 6 months. My dealer told me he has a list of people that have been waiting for over 4 months. Has anything been done about this problem or is gm disregarding the defect in the parts. When will my suburban be fixed, if at all ?
Loose motion in steering and knocking sound. Had to wait on repair due to dealer informing us of backorders on intermediate shafts. Dealer had said there were many complaints of this same nature. We also had 2 family members to have theirs repaired. Dealer repaired, but we had to pay for all repairs.
The consumer stated he experienced the same problem as stated in recall number 03v527000/steering gear bearings. Upon turning the steering wheel at low speeds, it became difficult. Also, there was a popping noise when turning the steering wheel. Please provide any further information.
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 steering noise
Which Chevrolet Suburban years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (4 complaints), 2004 (2 complaints) and 1995 (1 complaints).
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