I have owned my 1997 gmc k1500 sierra since 1999 and have experienced continuous momentary loss of power steering control due to a failing vss sensor located on the steering column. This loss of power steering control occurs at any speed and direction. I have had this component replaced twice over the years and the sensor starts to intermittently fail within 6 months. Every individual I have talked to over the years who has owned a gm 1997-1999 c/k full-size vehicle has experienced this sudden loss of control in the steering wheel at one time or another. It is unfortunate that multiple lives will have to be eventually lost before gm will recall these hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to lawsuits. The vss steering as well as the csfi fuel injection system are an extremely poor design and gm knows it.
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 steering complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 25 of 25, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Variable speed steering is very intermittent.
The steering had play in and wandered from left to right. The steering sensor was replaced. *nlm
I experienced circumstances where as driving down the road, sometimes going around curves, my steering would give the feel of just going loose. On a couple of occasions when the steering would "grab" hold again I almost lost control of my truck. I first experience this problem about a month after I purchased the vehicle. When I inquired with dealers in maine and florida they couldn't identify a fix without experiencing the problem. Recently a dealer in colorado disclosed to me that gm had identified the culprit of this anomaly to be the egr valve in the power steering. I sent a letter to gm stating my conern for customer safety and received a polite but poor answer basically citing compliance with safety standards or gm's determination that a product didn't meet safety standards. I don't believe that there is a set standard that applies to sudden changes to steerability of a vehicle due to such a defect. I've discussed this with an owner of a 97 chevrolet that has the same problem and he also expressed disbelief that this wasn't a safety concern. When I pointed out to my local dealership that in my opinion this should be a safety concern for gmc he could only sympathetcally agree and point out that a voluntary recall on would have to be a company decision. They did point out though, this problem is not uncommon in the 1997 series trucks and that when the dealership brought it to gms attention, which was apparently only about a year ago, they were just discovering the cause themselves. I am gravely concerned at how many people may have been turned away from repair shops prior to this defect being identified and thus still driving around with this dangerous potential for tragedy still lingering. Thank you. Dt
My problems really began soon after the warranty was over @ 36,000 miles. At 42,240 I had a fuel injector go out, at 55,590 miles I had a water pump, seal, and core nipples go bad, along with the idle arm assembly, and the main engine belt replaced. Again only 2 weeks later @ 58,275 miles I still had a coolant leak, and it was then determined the intake manifold had developed a leak, and the thermostat and seal needed to be replaced. The again only 2 days later I again experienced yet another problem, this time the altenator went out! I complained to the dealer, and to general motors, who currently looking into the matter. The dealer did aggree it is fairly rare to have these problems so soon, and general motors aggrees. However that does'nt ease my mind, that their may be a design, or parts problem with these vehicles. I did talk with another owner of the same type truck a 1992, same style and engine, and informed me that he had exactly the same type of problems occur at aprox: the same milage time frame, and had several more pop up with the transmission as well.
Intermittently at speeds of 20 MPH and over and while going into a curve or a turn,e steering wheel will jump into the turn.
Due to a malfunction in steering assist sensor, steering operated softly and turned more over which may cause crash. Common problem. Dealer was aware of problem. *ak when the power steering is in over steer condition, the vehicle continue off road and is seriously damage.
While making a turn or changing lanes, steering malfunctions, which may cause a loss of vehicle control and a crash. There is bulletin # 86-32-06 dealing with reduced steering effort which explains this defect. Repairs covered under warranty. Consumer believes a recall should be issued. *ak
I have taken the truck in to be repaired several times and they only put glue on the rear end. One dealer did contact gmc, but no results. The power steering is not right either.
Power steering pump shaft u twisted into leaving only manual steering.
Intermittent unexpected steering movement at high speeds. The dealer will be notified.
When driving anywhere from 50, 60, 70 MPH, the steering loosened up. Also, when making any kind of a right curve the steering wheel goes slack, you get 3-4 inches of free play. The dealer /gm is aware of this problem. The problem has not been corrected. Truck is no longer under warranty and cannot be corrected free of charge.
Engine started misfiring, shaking and burning gas like a gas guzzler, took it to dealer and said that two injectors were damaged, replaced one and repaired the other. At idle (750 RPM)speed engine is intermittent . As for the steering, while driving at cruising 45-65 MPH it was impossible to control vehicle, steering felt like a feather in the air, uncontrollable. Unit was taken to dealer in three different ocasions for the same problem, every time was something different, as I was told by the service persons. On july 16/98 drove it to a different gmc dealer with the same problem a week after I pick it up and was informed they had to replace the ps pump. Still, to park the vehicle is a nightmare, you have to struggle with the steering wheel, like the old times when trucks did not have ps. Seems like a have a lemon but since in pr there is no lemon law I have no choice but to continue paying gmac in order to protect my credit.
While driving would experience a lack of control in steering wheel. At higher speeds steering wheel canot be controlled, an intermitten problem. Sometimes steering wheel goes limp. Vehicle would drift into another lane.
Driving at approximately 40-65 vehicle will pull to either left or right unexpectedley and strongly, causing the consumer to lose control for couple seconds, and be pulled to side of road. Dealer has replaced steering box/sensor/gear and pump assembly. Defect is still occurring.
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