2001 Chevrolet Tahoe: loss of power steering

Filed Jun 7, 2013 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 170,000 miles · MD

While driving on a four lane divided roadway at 40 MPH, I noticed that the truck did not accelerate when I depressed the accelerator pedal and appeared to be losing speed. I was less than 1 mile from my home and decided to turn around and return. I had 6 children ages 4-20 in the car traveling to a thanksgiving day football game. When I came to the next light about 200 yards from when I noticed the problem and began to turn, the car stalled and I lost power steering and power brakes. I was able to bring the car to a stop, but was now perpendicular to oncoming traffic and could not move forward or backward. I asked the three oldest children to exit the vehicle in the active roadway and push the truck slightly uphill to the side of the right most lane to clear the intersection. I then had to tow the car back to the house. I found that the fuel pump fuse had blown and replaced it. Despite this the car was still hard to start. I researched the problem on the internet and found numerous references to this vehicle blowing fuses, in all cases requiring replacement of the fuel pump. I noted in one complaint that there was an the federal safety agency campaign (05v155000) related to this problem on the same model year chevrolet suburban that resulted in a recall. I am concerned that a recall for another nearly identically constructed vehicle affecting the same component installed in my vehicle would not warrant notice to me that I could suffer the same failure placing occupants in a very dangerous situation. Had I been notified of the likelihood of this occurrence that could result in my vehicle and its occupants being stranded in an active roadway, I would have initiated preventative repairs. This campaign, or at a minimum an advisory notice, should have been made to owners of all vehicle employing the same faulty component.

Filed Apr 28, 2007 · Steering · 60,532 miles · WA

Total loss of steering in my 2001 tahoe. This was preceded by a clunking noise that could be heard under the hood and felt through the steering wheel. Fortunately, the loss of steering happened at a low speed and no accident resulted. In my owner's manual, it states that in the event of power assist loss on the steering, you can still drive the vehicle, it will just be more difficult to steer. This is not the case. The vehicle cannot be safely driven at any speed due to the amount of strength required to turn the wheel. This is a dangerous defect in the steering mechanism.

Filed Jul 14, 2003 · Seat belts, Steering · 48,000 miles · KS · fire

I have had my tahoe in the the dealer several times. Where to begin. We have had middle seat latches catch and need to be replaced, the front dash and radio bubbled up and peeled...that was replaced. A component in the steering column was replaced when the car would just up and die everytime you turned left. That was replaced. The back window latch broke while on vacation. It too was replaced. All the seat/seatbelt recalls were repaired. Then on 5/18/03 our power steering went out without any warning. They replaced it on 5/19/03 at the dealer. We took it back in on 5/30 with the complaint of it still not "feeling" right. It was hard to turn to the left. They found no problem. Then on 7/13/03 while driving with a car full of boys, then the car died and started on fire. The 2 men, both whom have backgrounds as mechanics that help me said that it the universal joint on the power steering box was rubbing against the positive battery cable. Once it rubbed thru the insulation the car caught fire. They had to disconnect the battery before they were able to tow the car because everytime the wheel moved a little it began sparking again. Also, they had to end up towing it from the front because the steering column wouldn't lock up when the ignition was off, so, they couldn't tow it from the back.

Filed Apr 19, 2003 · Fuel system, Steering · 53,000 miles · FL

On 04-17-03 I went out to drive my 2001 chevrolet tahoe. As I began to drive down the street the vehicle shut off and the battery indicator light came on. I lost power steering and brakes. As the vehicle rolled, I was able to get it over to the right side of the road out of traffic . I attempted to start it a couple of times before noticing that gas was coming out from underneath the drivers area and was pouring onto the ground. I had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic who advised that the gas line became disconnected. I had just left my son in surgery and was to come back to pick him and my wife up. This incident could have become very bad and killed myself and possibly my family had they been in the vehicle. This needs to be investigated and action taken. In the past I along with my wife have reported vehicle problems to the dealer with them taking little to no action. Please help also the steering appears to be becoming a problem.

Filed Nov 19, 2002 · Steering · CA

Consumer states that power steering failed while driving affecting control of vehicle. Dealer diagnosed that power steering pump failed. Ts

Filed Aug 28, 2002 · Tires · AL

Right front tire blew out. Dealership claims a nail caused the entire sidewall to blow out. We strongly disagree with them. The tire wasn't leaking air, wasn't underinflated, there were no steering problems, and the tire didn't show any sign of wear. The entire sidewall blew out and cause damage to the tire and rim. For our safety we have removed these firestone tires from our vehicle, and they are here at our home for inspection. We believe there is a problem with this make of tire.

Filed Oct 9, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · GA · crash

While traveling at 45 MPH and without any indication right front control arm had broke off tire as a result of an accident. *ak consumer added that the power steering went out without any indication while driving at 45 MPH causing a right front crash with one vehicle from behind and side swipping three other vehicles before stopping. Manufactuer was contacted.