Power Steering

[1997SierraSLT]

Unfortunately, GM will only be proactive and issue a recall once the fatalities start coming in from faulty power steering systems and lawsuits start piling up.

 

In 1997, GM came out with the new VSS (variable speed steering) system which allowed for effortless steering at low speeds and the steering became more firm as speeds increased. It's a horrendous design that consisted of a potentiometer mounted on the steering column to sense steering wheel angle and a power steering pump mounted solenoid valve to increase/decrease line pressure to the steering box based on vehicle speed and steering wheel angle all controlled by the ECM. I've replaced this potentiometer about 5 times over the years as the steering wheel jerks violently out of your hands when cruising down the road at about 40 mpg on a nice sweeping turn. Back in 1999, I filed a complaint with the NHTSA and mine was just one of thousands regarding this issue. I was appalled at GM and NHTSA. Not once did GM issue a TSB or a recall to fix this safety issue. I wonder how many innocent folks have died because of this design flaw?

 

I'm assuming GM paid off NHTSA handsomely to keep their mouths shut and bury the complaints as this design flaw affected over a million 1997 to 1999 GM vehicles including full size trucks, SUV's, and vans. But like any corporation, the bean counters determine how much out of pocket expense there would be as a result of lawsuits vs. the expense of recalling a million plus vehicles. Guess we know which was more economical now.....don't we?

[pm26]

Unfortunately, GM will only be proactive and issue a recall once the fatalities start coming in from faulty power steering systems and lawsuits start piling up.

 

 

Which is rather sad.

[brokesilverado]

Unfortunately, GM will only be proactive and issue a recall once the fatalities start coming in from faulty power steering systems and lawsuits start piling up.

 

In 1997, GM came out with the new VSS (variable speed steering) system which allowed for effortless steering at low speeds and the steering became more firm as speeds increased. It's a horrendous design that consisted of a potentiometer mounted on the steering column to sense steering wheel angle and a power steering pump mounted solenoid valve to increase/decrease line pressure to the steering box based on vehicle speed and steering wheel angle all controlled by the ECM. I've replaced this potentiometer about 5 times over the years as the steering wheel jerks violently out of your hands when cruising down the road at about 40 mpg on a nice sweeping turn. Back in 1999, I filed a complaint with the NHTSA and mine was just one of thousands regarding this issue. I was appalled at GM and NHTSA. Not once did GM issue a TSB or a recall to fix this safety issue. I wonder how many innocent folks have died because of this design flaw?

 

I'm assuming GM paid off NHTSA handsomely to keep their mouths shut and bury the complaints as this design flaw affected over a million 1997 to 1999 GM vehicles including full size trucks, SUV's, and vans. But like any corporation, the bean counters determine how much out of pocket expense there would be as a result of lawsuits vs. the expense of recalling a million plus vehicles. Guess we know which was more economical now.....don't we?

I had a 98 z71 that had that steering issue from the day I bought it new till the day I sold it & got my 14.

[d.p]

 

I too received the message "Steering assist is reduced drive with care", and "Stabilitrak off", on my SECOND day of ownership, with 130 miles. I had to purchase this truck from a distant dealership, and my usual local dealer says I need to rent a vehicle. (for first day only)

The truck was shipped in the 3rd week of July '14, purchased 9/2/14

There's NO F'in way I'm reaching into MY pocket for this...

 

 

 

 

Mine is giving me the same message. I'm unsure if my Pro Comp level has anything to do with it.

 

I get the "steering assistance reduced, drive with care"

 

I also get a weird noise when I reverse at full lock. I'm going to have a friend from 4 Wheel Parts check it out before I take it to the dealership in case it was something stupid on my end from the level install.

[Kamijou_R]

Mine MY2014 Sierra SLE V6 started doing some clicking noises at startup when I moved my Steering. it goes away after it warms up. This in Texas where it went down to 65 degrees @ midnight. Should I worry about electric powersteering failing or this normal for Electric PS?

[Walt D]

I've been experiencing a similar problem with my 2014, 8 cylinder LTZ, others have described here. Got the message that the steering was out. I live in El Paso, Texas...no real weather issues here... not cold. The dealership replaced the electronic control unit. That took a few days. When I got the truck back, I noticed that the steering was still difficult. I took it back. They've had it now for a couple of weeks.

 

The difference between my experience and the others is the dealership. They've been great! They always put me in a rental or a loaner...I have a Silverado right now. My service rep keeps me informed about the progress...she is knowledgeable about what's happening with the truck...she answers every question I have. The techs are working with GM...the dealership purchased a special tool to fix the problem. Now they're doing the rack.

 

I honestly don't know if I bought a lemon...I do know that I picked the right dealership. I've purchased a Silverado and 2 Avalanches from a competing dealership in town...never have I gotten service like this. These guys really care about customer satisfaction, and maybe more importantly customer safety.

 

I love that truck and really do hope it's not a lemon.

[jjwile2]

Well its the end of Nov and I've had 3 dealerships, my off road shop, and also RoughCountry lift manufacture look at my power steering issue. They all say that the EPS on these trucks is the problem. Mine will drive perfect for days and then the temp changes and it gets rough. My buddy at work just bought a 1500 and his is doing the same thing. He didn't lift it at all. The EPS has nothing to do my lift. It works fine about 60 percent of the time. The bad thing is when it is tight you really have to be on your horse in traffic. I've searched after market options because at this point I just want it fixed. It is so new there isn't many options.

This is a safety issue point blank. If people start having power steering issues and wreck a recall should follow. GM should look into this faulty EPS.

Very Disappointing especially in all the 14 reviews before I ordered my truck they thumped their chest that EPS was the next generation.

[jjwile2]

I saw this today......exactly is what is happening with my 2014. I called the dealership and they said it is only 2015's and that GM knows the exact plant, part where this recall is in affect. I told the dealership "I understand this" but this is proof that the EPS is junk on these trucks. I have an appointment on Friday 17 Jan 15 to address teh EPS module. Hopefully they learned enough about this crappy power steering to fix the truck. I don't want to trade it in ... I love the truck overall. The engine, gas mileage, and I'm a die hard chevy guy -- I just wish GM and the dealerships would figure out what the heck is going on with the EPS. I've been dealing with for about 6 months now. I have researched aftermarket parts, conversion kits, the dealer didn't even know how to troubleshoot.

 

At least it is raising it ugly head once again on the 15's.......I hope the dealership fixes it Friday. I'll keep you all posted.

 

Report Receipt Date: NOV 10, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V719000
Component(s): STEERING

All Products Associated with this Recall

Details 10 Associated Documents

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY: 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. CONSEQUENCE: An expected 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. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

 

HERE IS THE RECALL URL:

 

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchResults

[jjwile2]

Well I had my truck into the dealership and they understood the problems. They replaced the steering shaft and it didn't fix a thing. It still is having the same issues. My biggest frustration is the truck drives fine with no steering problems at various times. When it is below 25 degrees I have no power steering at all. If it is above 40 degrees it is ok - in the summer and warm it is very intermittent. These first generation 2014 Silverados that moved away from Rack and Pinion clearly have a OEM engineering problem. The EPS w/ software and new belt system clearly are a bust. This hasn't been a recall because it hasn't been a safety issue. I'm going to be patient and wait until late spring to see if GM has a fix if not I'm going eat the money I put into this truck and after 30 years of GM loyalty I'm going to buy a Ford.......Hate to say it.

MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. LOVE THIS TRUCK BUT CHEVY SHIT THE BED ON THIS EPS........

 

Check out my entire history.....such a good truck gone to waste.

[jjwile2]

FINALLY - I CAN'T BELIEVE IT -- I FOUND A DEALERSHIP THAT FIXED THE PROBLEM

 

I have been dealing with this issue for several months as you all can tell based on my posts.

 

I'm glad to say I found a dealership that had an awesome mechanic that figured the problem out. I had a bad steering shaft. The tech at the dealership said that the computer software that works w/ the new EPS doesn't copmensate for any mechical issue that arrise. He found the the steering shaft did not turn the way it should thus giving the EPS fits. They had to order the new shaft took 2 days to ship and they put it on in one day. It drives better today than it did off the lot. You can drive it with your pinky finger.

 

I am so happy that the dealership and GM stood by their product. It's frustrating the the other dealerships couldn't fix the problem but I must say they were smaller dealerships in the small hometown. I had to take it to a bigger dealership.

 

This is my second Chevy in 10 years (had a 05 Silverado) and it was the best vehicle I ever owned.

 

If you all are having issues don't give up -- I really believe I suffered through this b/c it is a first generation and it took the dealerships longer to figure it out.

 

I did so much research -- I even called the company who made the software that runs the EPS. Bottom line any mechcial issues at all will cause the EPS not to work as it should.

 

Thanks to GM and Chevy for finding a resolution. Hoping to have this truck 10 years.

[pm26]

Hoping to have this truck 10 years.

 

I seriously doubt these trucks will last 10 years without becoming an absolutely insufferable money pit for the owner. This assumes you drive one at least 15k miles/year.

[jjwile2]

I seriously doubt these trucks will last 10 years without becoming an absolutely insufferable money pit for the owner. This assumes you drive one at least 15k miles/year.

 

Why do you say that? The engine seems to be strong. The frame is bigger? Chevy has a history of being rock solid. I know these are new but no reason a 40k truck can't last 10 years if you take care of it.

[f8l vnm]

Engine and frame are fine ,it's everything else that's going bad at such a short time

[Samncody]

I drive a 2014 gmc sierra 1500 it has 16,000 miles it's been in the shop 3 months gm doesn't know how to fix my truck while driving stabili trek comes on then power steering reduce drive with care then my wheel will lock and ac turn on anD off and doors lock I'm so fustrated the dealer is supposedly waiting on an engineer from Michigan to look at My truck since the technical tack team don't know how to fix it

[tnchevy]

Hard to read sentences without periods, commas, etc.