2006 Chevrolet Uplander: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 27,009 miles · OH

Soon after the purchase of the van I had a problem with to much play in the steering and noise in the front end. I took it back to the dealer and they said they could not verify the problem, so we went back numerous times ,finally in 4-20133 they replaced the steering shaft. It seem to be okay for a while but after driving about 2000 miles it was loose again. My warranty has ended so the dealer says I have to pay for another shaft. How many times should this be replaced to be considered safe? Has anyone else had this complaint?

Filed Mar 2, 2012 · Driver assistance, Steering · 84,000 miles · IL

I bought my 2006 chevy uplander used with 74,000 in fall of 2011. While at an busy intersection stop sign, the traction control and stability service lights came on, then all dashboards lights came on and the van stalled. All lights (both interior and exterior) shut off and I couldn't restart vehicle. Road conditions were dry and clear. After rolling onto the side of the road and letting it sit for around 5 minutes, it started and did not have any more problems. The following week, it happened again while driving on the highway. Road conditions were slick and snowy and the traction control and stability lights came on, then there is a "clicking" sound in steering column. The van stalled, started, stalled, and started again on while I am driving down the road. I was able to turn onto a country road and shut it off (basically it died). I waited and restarted to try to get to town. It began happening again and this time I lost control and ended up in a field (luckily no injuries). After getting it out I took it to the dealership (no issues on way there) they hooked it up and there weren't any codes coming through. Tech drove it over 4 days and it never happened to him. Then today as I was driving into town, it happened again. The traction/stability light comes on, you hear a "clicking" sound in the steering column, and it begins to die/start again while continuing to drive. Eventually it just dies. I will let it sit for a time and then restart it. Depending on how long it sits (over an hour is better) it will either continue with issues or drive normally for upto a week before issue begins to reoccur.

Filed Sep 29, 2008 · Electrical, Locks · 30,000 miles · NJ

I purchased a 2006 chevy uplander in 12/06 with 20,543 miles on it. I began having problems with the steering about 3,000 miles after purchasing it. It was difficult to steer to the left and there was a grinding noise as I turned. The dealership replaced the steering column. I am having problems again with the steering, and it shakes and makes noise when I pull into parking lots. At about 30,000 miles, the rear sliding doors began to open on their own. When I put the van into reverse and begin to back out of the driveway, the doors sometimes will open. Parked in the driveway and parking lots with no one in the vehicle, the driver's rear door has opened. After I close the doors, they will immediately open, although no buttons have been pushed. Now, at 43,000 miles, the driver's rear sliding door will not close. I pushed the button inside the door as I always have to close it, as well as the overhead button, and the door would not close. Each time I pushed the button, the already open door pulled back as if still trying to open the door. When I tried to manually pull the door closed, it would not close. After 5 minutes of work, I finally got the door closed. The next day, 9/27/08, I experienced the same thing, and on this day as well, a chiming sound rang the entire trip. There is one sound for driving and a different sound for waiting at red lights. The loud ringing never stopped. When I called the dealership, they told me I was no longer under warranty, and will have to pay to have it fixed. I also discovered at 35,000 miles that my tires have worn unevenly on the outside edges of all 4 tires and need to be replaced. Also, the sway bar is in need of repair. I have children ages 2 and 4. I am concerned for their safety.

Filed May 6, 2008 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 13 miles · NJ

I have a 2006 chevy uplander lt and I started to have problems around 3,000 miles of ownership. It started with electrical issues (hard drive entertainment system, gas gauge, dimming lights, radio losing settings, hard starts, service ABS, and service traction control) and gradually moved to mechanical issues (clucking noises ? Front end, vibrations ? Front end, steering binding, and grinding noises from the front end). What has been replaced in hopes of fixing the issues are the hard drive to the entertainment system, main computer module (twice and reprogrammed several times), steering column, steering box, rack and pinion, front stabilizing control arms, front brake, front rotors resurfaced, ABS control module (never fixed the service ABS and service traction control). The dealer still can?t explain the grinding noise and is trying to convince me that it is normal characteristics of the van (they actually wrote that in the service report). They can not resolve the service ABS and traction control errors. They can?t resolve the hard starts. The dealer has taken a position that no more diagnostic work will be performed to the front end until I replace a cupped tire (their opinion). I have hired a lemon law attorney to help with my problem.

Filed Mar 31, 2008 · Body, Brakes · 15,264 miles · OH

Purchased in jan 06. By sept 11, 2006 steering wheel became tight and heard noise under car when driving. Steering shaft was binding and had to be replaced; could not locate noise. Said may be related to steering shaft. Sept 20, 2006, took car back to dealership for noise under van again; was told e-brake cable was hitting rear suspension. February 11, 2007, had to replace front worn tires with only 23, 275 miles on car and have an alignment. March 9, 2007, traction control and ABS lights coming on as well as vehicle shaking. Was told front brakes were 100% worn and back brakes were 80% worn and would not be replaced under warranty because this was normal wear and tear.(only had 23,989 miles on van). April 19, 2007, heard noised while driving, heard something like a spring pop, service engine light was coming on, and it was stalling when trying to start. Both sway bars had to be replaced, spring pop was related to sway bars, and they could not find a problem related to the last two. Now a year later with only 39,000, I have to take my car in for new brakes again. And my front tires are worn and need to be replaced again!!!!! I also had problems with my doors not closing; after they wiped off the little magnets at the bottom sometimes they still don't want to close.