This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Below is a copy of the E-mail I have sent to the dealership here in auburn al. I did not get an E-mail back so called a few days late. I was told that the replacement part would be $240. I think that this is something that has occurred in many cases and should be recalled. I know of 4 GM trucks within 1997-1998 range that have had the same problem. This problem is very dangerous! at this time nothing has been done to fix the problem and I hope that an accident is not caused because of it. Dyas, I have a "97 Silverado ext cab 2wd 1500 with a 350 vortex. Dyas has done recall work for me in the past (wipers). I have another problem that will come and go every few weeks this has been going on now for about two years. It has to do with the steering. Difficult to explain, but I will do my best. It will seem to surge in turning power while turning in either direction, causing you to have to steer in the opposite direction while in a curve to adjust course. It can be very nerve-racking for me and for someone that is unaware of the problem I can see where it could easily lead to an accident. My father was actually unaware and has insisted that I have it fixed because of safety concerns. It becomes even more dangerous at higher speeds. I have heard that there was a recall on some type of control module that is associated with the power steering on these trucks..? which has led me to inquire now about a recall / repair for the problem. Being a college student a costly repair may not be an option, but I would like to know what needs to be done to fix the problem regardless of cost.
In January 2004 the news reported a recall on Chevrolet cars with the exact probblem I have been having since 2000. The power steering will over-assist causing the steering wheel to jerk and hence the vehicle to suddenly steer right or left. It feels like the steering has a mind of its own. This will happen when on a curve or when driving in a straight line. This problem is unpredictable and has caused some near misses and scary moments, particularly when driving on slippery snow covered streets. The failure occurs frequently and lasts for a day or a week at a time then goes away for an undeterminable period. Before I purchased this vehicle I had the same problem while test driving other 1997 pickups. Since there is currently a recall for this problem on Chevrolet cars I feel it should be extended to the C/K, Silverado pickups as well. It is only a matter of time before an accident will occur.
I have two GM trucks one a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado and one a 1997 GMC Sierra K-2500 this will be the third replacment of this steering part, it is a danger becuse when you turn the vehicle over steers like you just hit ice. Its a similar feeling to hiting the brakes and the wheel being jerked out of your hand. This would be very hazardest on ice covered roads. Both trucks have only about 42K mi. And have had this problem since about 15K mi. I have replaced three now. The dealers say it is a very common park to replace.
The steering wheel position sensor (swp, mounted on the steering column above the brake pedal) sends an input to the power steering control module (pscm) which in turn then controls power steering pump fluid flow based on vehicle speed and steering wheel position. This electrical steering control system is causing a very serious intermittant steering problem only during a right hand turn. This has twice almost caused an accident as the natural reaction to this failure (which manifests itself as a loss of steering control) is to jerk the steering wheel further to the right to regain steering control. In both near accident situations there was a car on my right side which I came close to hitting. The problem is worse the faster you go and at low speed not much of a concern but at highway speed it is serious. This malfunction occurs at all speeds. Dealer, which has been courteous and helpfull, tells me they have had two trucks in the last two weeks in for the same trouble (swp sensor) and a co-worker also has the same trouble, so this is a common failure affecting other GM vehicles including Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon and Sierra. I have not had it repaired at this time but plan to replace the swp sensor myself quite soon as the dealer says my warranty expired at 36,000 miles. Estimated dealer repair cost is $160. I feel this is a serious safety concern and is the first time in some 30 years of driving I have encountered a malfunction of this type, when it happens at freeway speed it gets your attention very fast! and has the potential to cause roll over as well should the driver jerk on the wheel to hard to correct it. I feel Chevrolet is aware of this trouble and should do something to fix this regardless of warranty coverage as law suites as a result of an accident/S will cost them much much more.
Streeing on vehicle jerks from one side or other, sometimes it pulls real hard to one side, and sometimes not hard at all. Contacted dealer, and they have tried to fix problem twice already, and problem still occurs. Installing a new sensor solved the problem. Drive belt and tensioner replaced because the steering is hard to turn
- Elizabethtown, KY, USA
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Several times during long sweeping turns the power steering suddenly became more effective and a quick correction was needed to remain in my lane. As it was, the truck becomes slightly unbalanced due to the quick changes and this could be a real problem.
Driver must apply brakes harder than normal. The anti-lock brakes system activates & the erratic power steering experience failure which results in extended stopping distance. Dealer cannot duplicate defect.
While driving down the road the steering wheel did not seem to want to turn but then it would suddnely and violently jerk to which ever direction the turn was in. This was a very serious problem because you never knew when it would jerk and when it would not. It finally became so bad that it did it all the time! this was a very upsetting problem because if you were not carefull you could easily loose control and in oneida tenn. There are some very curvy roads with steep embankment, and there are not guardrails on a lot of there roads. It was very distressing especially because the problem actually started just several miles before the warranty expried I just had not figured out what the problem was since I had never expericenced a problem like this!!
Power steering erratic, switches from firm to super loose without notice. Most frequently at around 35 mph in gentle sweeping curve, causing quick pull in direction of turn. You gotta be alert.
Steering was known to lock up several times when truck was owned for less then six months. Was in shop for steering six times. Four wheel drive then went out. Immediately followed by the transmission. No reverse and only had 1st and 2nd. Repairs have been extremely costly. My dream is now a nightmare. The steering could be fatal to any driver I just got lucky and wasn't driving fast when it locked up.
Ever since I bought this truck it has been nothing but a problem. From tires, electric mirrors, electric windows, clanking/banging drive shaft noise and other little quirks. The only thing that I feel that will last (longer than my payments) is the motor. The dealer of this auto wasn't much better; "they" just said that it was agood thing that I purchased the extended warranty!!!
Truck pulls to right at any speed. Even more when you apply the brakes. Dealer wants me to pay $150 dollars for allignment. Dealer said knock outs have to be taken out that is why it is so much. I am willing to pay for allignment not for knock outs to be removed. Ithink that should have been done at the factory.
I am glad to discover that I am not crazy, and that someone else has reported this problem. Shortly after purchasing this truck, the "gap" in steering developed, and after carrying back to dealer several times, part # 26064468 was replaced on 3/12/98, 38158 miles(had reported prior to 36,000 mile warranty running out). This stopped the problem for some time, and now it again is doing this same thing. I have been told part is very expensive, and have not paid to have fixed, not knowing how long it will last.
Reoccurring / intermittent problem with power steering sensor failing to operate properly. Dealer / manufacturer notified and refused to correct problem because vehicle was out of warranty and repairs would be at consumer's cost. Seeking help or provide addtional information.
In left turns the vehicle's power steering malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to lock up and loss of vehicle control can occur. Dealer cannot determine problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Auburn, AL, USA