1997 Chevrolet Tahoe steering problems

Filed Jun 15, 2019 · Steering · 75,000 miles · ND

When turning onto an on-ramp (usually right) the vehicle will momentarily lose power steering and the steering wheel will jerk right. This jerking motion also happens intermittently while driving at highway speeds with no turning involved. Even though there is more jerking motion on a turn both are extremely dangerous situations. This has been happening for several years.

Filed Jul 25, 2009 · Steering · 112,000 miles · OR

Power steering input/effort had became erratic causing increased effort or worse, oversteering midway through turns. First noticed this problem last fall at winter tire changeover. I initially blamed it on icy roads but then noticed it on obviously non icy roads as well. Occurred just occasionally at first. I kept blaming tires but this spring when I changed back over to my summer tires the problem did not go away. Dealership had indicated some worn front end parts needing replacement so I had that done along with a front end alignment following. Didn't help. Found many discussions with similar experiences on the internet and most indicated replacing the steering evo sensor as the cure. I replaced that part and it seems to have fixed the problem. The sensation of the loss of steering midcorner is at the least a little disconcerting and at the most could lead to an over-reaction and a severe crash! With as many complaints online as I found I don't understand how this could have been let go and not called to my attention by the company. The company knows about this problem as the parts clerk told me they even have a retro kit available to replace this assisted steering system period!

Filed May 20, 2005 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MN

Steering on my 97 tahoe has for many years 'twitched' when driving at a slow right turn such as on ramp to freeway or slow curve in the road. It never does it on left turns, only right. The steering wheel suddenly pops to the right and only for a second. It then repeats that if the turn on the road is continually to the right. If anyone other than me drives the tahoe, it will surprise them and cause and accident. Ive read about this problem in many forums online as well as here at the federal safety agency site. Gm should be recalling this dangerous steering problem immediately.

Filed Apr 28, 2005 · Steering · 82,000 miles · KS

Noticed erratic steering during right turn. Became more severe over time, to the point it was difficult to maintain control of vehicle. Had vehicle inspected by local mechanic. Failed evo (electronic variable orifice) sensor in steering was replaced.

Filed Oct 28, 2004 · Steering · 71,676 miles · IN · crash · 1 injury

While driving vehicle steering wheel suddenly slips or jerks to the right. This problem is intermittent, but has increased over time. On january 28, 2003 the vehicle was taken in for this problem, and the dealership replaced the steering sensor. The problem has recurred 22 months later, causing driver to lose control of the vehicle at 35 MPH. This resulted in lose of control of this vehicle and accident followed. Chevrolet customer care service was contacted and said that they would pay for inspection of said vehicle. They responded that if no problem was detected during inpsection, that customer would have to pay for repair. Inspection is still pending.

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Steering · WI

While turning the steering wheel, the consumer noticed that the steering wheel jumped. The technician serviced the vehicle and a replaced the sensor. *ak this problem occurred many times over the past three years and would fail while turning at low, medium and high speeds. *sc

Filed Jul 8, 2004 · Steering · 82,000 miles · CA

The steering assist on the tahoe suddenly goes away and the steering goes completly loose, and then suddenly it gets firm again. This causes erratic steering and over/under adjustment which can lead to a serious crash. I took it in 2 times and the problem still comes and goes, esspecially while in a turn. This should be a recall because of the seriousness of the problem. If the pwer steering fails it should fail to a firm steering condition not a total loss of steering!!

Filed Apr 6, 2004 · Steering · 53,900 miles · CA

The steering in my 1997 chevy tahoe has recently started to "jerk" while I am driving.

Filed Feb 21, 2004 · Steering · 117,000 miles · NY

Steering briefly and suddenly goes "light" in sweeping right turns at 40+ MPH. Feels like you hit a patch of ice. Sounds related to other complaints on your site I found while researching possible causes. Have not taken to dealer yet - appointment next week.

Filed Jan 27, 2004 · Steering · 76,090 miles · CA

1997 chevrolet tahoe steering at 83,000 miles. At 45-55 MPH when turning left steering has a momentarily twitch/hang-up/resistance/jerk. After many attempts I finally found a dealership to diagnose that the steering wheel position sensor was failing & needed replacing. After searching the federal safety agency I see several complaints of the same problem. It is hard to believe with a serious problem that impacts steering ability for chevrolet tahoe owners & others driving safety that there has not been a recall. Hopefully something is done before there are injuries/accidents/fatalities.