6.2L L87 V8, connecting rod / crankshaft bearing failure even after I passed the recall inspection at a dealership. On [XXX], I was traveling approximately 55Mph and my engine completely shut off as well as the entire vehicle electronics. I lost power steering capabilities, and my brakes felt like they were kicking back at me. I was at crash risk from loss of power in traffic along with the loss of steering abilities, but I was lucky and was able to avoid traffic and get into the shoulder from 2 lanes away and slow to a stop. I got lucky because the loss of power steering made control extremely difficult. On [XXX], I brought my vehicle to All American Chevrolet in Middletown NJ for the safety recall N25249003 with 16,219 miles on my Tahoe. A few hours later I was called and said my engine was fine and passed inspection. On the day of failure, my car only had 21,111 miles on it. So, my engine still failed even after the oil change, and inspection process and it was extremely dangerous, after only 4,892 miles after their safety inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Tahoe power steering loss problems
102 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 1997 model year.
- owner complaints
- 102
- worst model year
- 1997
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,203
- typical mileage
- 82,000
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 33Stalling 9Jerking 6ABS 6Engine failure 5Check engine light 5Steering lock-up 3Overheating 3
Trouble codes mentioned
U3505 1U3018 1U3007 1
What owners say
While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced an instantaneous, simultaneous, and total failure of both the electronic eBoost braking system and the electronic power steering assist. The dashboard flashed multiple critical system malfunction notifications with zero prior warning. When attempting to slow down, the brake pedal sank completely to the floor with zero mechanical resistance and provided absolutely no braking response. Primary control of the heavy SUV was lost, forcing a dangerous maneuver across three highway lanes to avoid a high-speed collision. The vehicle is currently at a dealership due to a Fuel Pump Power Control Module Recall. Because this module interfaces with the high-speed electronic data network (CAN bus), its failure mode appears linked directly to the catastrophic communication drop that disabled the eBoost brakes and steering. This failure aligns with the mechanical faults documented under federal safety recalls 21V‑455 and 21V‑579, as well as the active the federal safety agency Engineering Analysis EA26006 investigating GM eBoost system failures. The defect completely stripped the vehicle of its primary safety functions without warning.
The vehicle suffered complete internal engine failure due to a snapped timing chain on startup. The vehicle turned over via the starter motor but failed to start. A professional diagnosis confirmed the broken timing chain caused extensive valve-to-piston damage, requiring a full engine replacement. This failure appears to be a direct consequence of the known 6.2L L87 V8 engine crankshaft and connecting rod manufacturing defects. Severe mechanical resistance or violent rotational harmonics at the crankshaft level place un-engineered stress on the timing drive system, causing the chain to snap under startup torque. All broken components are preserved and available for inspection. The defect creates a severe risk of sudden, total loss of propulsion while driving. Had the compromised timing chain snapped at highway speeds rather than on startup, it would cause immediate engine seizure, a sudden loss of power steering, and a loss of power brake vacuum assist. This leaves the driver unable to accelerate or safely steer out of active traffic, creating an extreme risk of a high-speed crash.The broken timing chain and total engine destruction were officially diagnosed and confirmed by professional automotive repair technicians.The damaged components have been inspected by independent repair representatives. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by General Motors because this specific VIN is excluded from the current recall scope. There were no warning lamps, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) prior to parking the vehicle, and no outward symptoms of severe engine stress were present until the complete no-start failure.
-On the date of Monday XXX at approximately 4:30 pm est I was traveling on [XXX] and transmission felt like a possible slip happened in transmission. At approximatively 4:45pm est I made it home tried to back vehicle into parking space and reverse was lost. Vehicle didn't and wouldn't shift into reverse. I had to push vehicle in spot backwards. No check engine or warning lights were displayed on dash. - On Tuesday XXX. I contacted [XXX] of [XXX] approximately at 8:30 am est. [XXX] answered. I explained the symptoms and asked If I could bring in within the hour or so. He stated it would be fine to bring in. - At approximately 9:10 am est My girlfriend and [XXX] daughter got in vehicle. Started vehicle no service lights were on, but had no reverse still no reverse. My girlfriends mother was following us to pick us up at dealership as we dont have a 2nd vehicle. We started out driveway to [XXX]. I had no problems at 1st then prior to the intersection of [XXX] the Vehicle lost control on its own. The sequences happened fast and abrupt. 1. Vehicle downshifted roughly to about 3 gear 2. Lost power steering 3. engine over revved 4. vehicle pulled right. During this time as a professional trained driver. I removed us off [XXX] off road way on to [XXX] (To the right) to avoid being in an accident. I would say that the speed was roughly 20MPH at turn as I was avoiding the accident that could of potentially happened. I was not on asphalt the whole time to make turn as I had a limited vehicle (Not properly functional). I was able to stop at [XXX] to stop. Stopped on Brigantine is when I pointed out to my girlfriend that the lights just came on. in the meantime, we received a phone call from [XXX] (Girlfriends mom) asking where we went as she didn't see us. We explained to her situation, and she met on Brigantine and followed us to dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
DATE: 06/17/2026 The engine shuts off without warning while I am driving, recurring roughly every 10 miles. When it stalls, the dashboard and electrical accessories stay on, but the vehicle loses motive power, along with power steering assist and power brake assist, which is extremely dangerous at road speed and in traffic. This began immediately after dealer service completed on 6/18/2026. During that visit the dealer performed two safety recalls (N252494000, the "L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion" PicoScope inspection with oil change; and N252510321, ECM software reprogramming) and a valve lifter replacement that required removing both cylinder heads. The vehicle was running and fully drivable when I dropped it off, and was returned stalling repeatedly while driving. It never did this before the service. At first the engine would not restart after stalling. The dealer replaced the starter; it now restarts but continues to stall every ~10 miles. A dealer diagnostic scan recorded numerous "Lost Communication" codes across nearly all control modules, plus control-module input-power codes showing low voltage and power-circuit correlation faults (e.g., U3505, U3018, U3007) and an active loss-of-communication code for the power steering module — consistent with an intermittent loss of electrical power or ground affecting engine control. The engine passed the recall's connecting-rod/crankshaft (PicoScope) inspection, so this is not the recalled bearing failure mode. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is undrivable. The dealer has ordered a new engine and apparently also a new radiator for reasons unknown. No crash or injury has occurred to date, but the vehicle lost power while on the freeway at speed multiple times. A GM customer assistance case is open. Repair orders and the diagnostic scan are available on request.
While driving, the vehicle experienced a total loss of power steering, accompanied by a 'Power Steering: Drive with Care' dashboard alert. The steering wheel became extremely heavy and difficult to maneuver. Simultaneously, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated. Although I managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop, a subsequent repair attempt failed to resolve the issue. The vehicle remains undriveable as the intermittent failure persists, creating a severe safety hazard.
Steering wheel locked - Available for Inspection - Can not Steer the vehicle - Diagnostic by independent service center - Unknown (Inspection by Manufacturer) - Massage (Power Steering Assist- Drive with care)
While driving down [XXX] the car started making a weird noise as we slowed down for an upcoming light. The light changed and as we started to drive again the check engine light came on and I lost power steering. I was trying to navigate the car off towards the shoulder but the car was hard to maneuver, but was able to move into the right lane. I had to drive the car slowly as to not stop the engine propulsion and stalling. But had no luck once we reached the intersection on [XXX] and [XXX] . At this point the car just died. Nothing was working. Hazard lights didn’t even work at one point. This situation left me and my family in the middle of traffic on a busy highway road. The only thing we had in our favor was the car stoped right at a red light so traffic would have to slow down every so often to the stoplight. We had to have the car towed off the road at around midnight and they took it to the dealership. The engine had a complete failure (found out after the dealership took apart the engine). The email stated: A further oil sample confirmed excessive metal throughout the engine at this point we proceeded with disassembly to identify the source of the failure. After removing the oil pan and inspecting internal components, we found internal engine damage. Specifically, the connecting rod bearing on cylinder 5 had failed, causing significant scoring to the crankshaft, camshaft, and related engine components. The engine has experienced a major internal failure due to the failed rod bearing, resulting in internal damage. Because of the severity of this condition, internal components are not serviceable individually. So the Engine replacement would be required. This car is only 3.5 months old, and other than a safety switch that was a manufacture issue we had to have fixed there were no other warnings my engine was going to die and leave me in the middle of the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the steering was difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and determined that the vehicle had lost power steering assist functionality. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V455000 (STEERING); and associated the failure with the recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,725
• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering column lock system malfunctioned, triggering a “Service Steering Column Lock” alert. This failure caused a sudden loss of steering control. The vehicle and components remain available for inspection upon request. In addition, the incident appears to have caused damage to the trailer harness wiring. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunction placed my safety and the safety of others at significant risk. When the alert appeared, I lost steering control of the vehicle and nearly collided, which could have resulted in a serious accident. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem has not yet been reproduced or formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I am prepared to make it available for immediate inspection. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. A “Service Steering Column Lock” message appeared at the time of the incident, immediately prior to the sudden loss of steering control and the resulting issue with the trailer harness wiring.
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: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles manufactured May 23, 2013, through March 25, 2014, 2014 GMC Sierra vehicles manufactured May 25, 2013, through March 31, 2014, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 27, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the tie rod threaded attachment may not be properly tightened to the steering gear rack.
- Risk
- An improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- GM notified all owners, and dealers will inspect the inner tie rods to make sure that they are correctly tightened, replacing the steering gear, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14204. NOTE: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired. Owners should contact GM to have their vehicles towed to the dealership.
Recall number 14V246000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and gmc sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
- Risk
- This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Gm dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 13, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 11V339000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
- Risk
- If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, or hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V455000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty extended-cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility trucks. The lower steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt is "finger loose" or missing allowing the bolt to loosen and fall out. The steering shaft yoke can wear causing an off center steering wheel.
- Risk
- Relative movement between the chassis and cab can cause the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. This condition can result in a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation is being arranged for owners. Dealers will then inspect the vehicle for the presence of a pinch bolt and torque this bolt to proper specifications.
Recall number 97V142000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Tahoe power steering loss
Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1997 (17 complaints), 2015 (17 complaints) and 1999 (7 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,203 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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