495 of the
10,571 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Suburban
are about the steering —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1997.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving and taking a curve, the vehicle failed to turn as needed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The contact stated that the message “Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care” was displayed. The dealer was contacted, and a diagnostic test was pending. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11746303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As I was driving 75 mph down the highway my collision alert flashed all my lights turned off, including my headlights and all interior lights as it was dark time and they flashed back on a couple of times until they finally stayed on. I pulled over and as I came to zero, speed, the vehicle completely shut down. It did start back up, but this is not the first time I get a light on my dash that says stability track and then everything resets and I don’t have any lights on at all after that this has been happening off and on I also have three coworkers that have the same make, and year that experienced the same problems ! My situation on the highway was very dangerous. It was pitched dark outside and I lost vision due to my lights going off at 75 mph and my steering wheel also locking up. The next time the vehicle does it I will take a video for proof. I have heard that this problem is very common in these vehicles and believe something should be done because that is a dangerous situation if I was going around a corner and my steering wheel locked up, I could easily flip my car. I have small children that’s why I have the big space but we need safety for our family.
NHTSA complaint #11743382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and exhibited resistance, with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked at an angle, and the message "Power Steering Not Active" was displayed, causing the vehicle to strike a curb. The steering column, control arm, radiator, fender, and wheel were significantly damaged due to the incident. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and an investigation was completed. The failure mileage was 58,277.
NHTSA complaint #11742905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but was a recurring failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, there was an abnormal whining sound while turning the steering wheel. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11727466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle has experienced a recurring problem related to the engine wiring harness. While driving, the vehicle will unexpectedly stall without warning. At the same time, there is an immediate loss of power steering assist, significantly reducing the ability to safely control the vehicle. This creates a dangerous situation, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The failure appears to be linked to a defect or malfunction in the engine wiring harness, which may be causing intermittent electrical interruptions to critical engine systems. There were no prior warning signs sufficient to prevent the incident. This issue poses a substantial safety risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to other motorists. Sudden engine shutdown combined with loss of steering assist increases the likelihood of a crash. I believe this may be a systemic defect affecting other vehicles of the same model and configuration. I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to investigate this issue and determine whether a recall should be issued. Vehicle Information: Make: Chevrolet Model: Suburban Year: 2021 Engine: 3.0L Duramax Diesel
NHTSA complaint #11725782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have read reports online of the two thousand sixteen chevy suburban turning off completely while driving.I have experienced this not once not twice.But three times now, with my chevy, suburban. This is a severe safety issue and can lead to death or major financial loss
NHTSA complaint #11719978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The suburban pulls to side. I got it into the service center and they tried to fix the alignment but when we got it back it still does it. So im not driving it til it gets a second opinion because its definitely not the alignment if it is still doing it. So I dont feel safe driving it with me or especially my kids in it.
NHTSA complaint #11714003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at highway speeds my vehicle lost steering the radio and the hvac turned off. I had abs and brake lights on the dash as well as a service stabilitrac message. The vehicle completely shutoff and I almost had an auto accident. I have not taken it anywhere as I’m to afraid to drive it for fear of having an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11711635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden loss of power and electrical failures without warning. During these events, the dashboard flickers, warning messages appear, and the vehicle shuts off or goes into reduced power mode. When this occurs, steering becomes extremely difficult, braking becomes stiff, and the vehicle cannot accelerate. These incidents have happened multiple times in different driving situations, including: At stoplights While pulling into intersections Backing out of parking spaces Driving on public roads, including dark rural roads Driving with my three minor children in the vehicle On at least one occasion, the vehicle shut off while pulling onto a road with oncoming traffic, leaving us stopped in the roadway with no power and limited steering/braking. This created an immediate and serious risk of collision. The vehicle eventually restarted after several attempts. The problem has occurred repeatedly over many months. Multiple independent repair facilities have attempted to diagnose and repair the issue, but no definitive cause has been identified, and the failures continue. The vehicle has had numerous electrical, sensor, engine, and powertrain-related repairs, yet the loss-of-power events persist. Because the vehicle can suddenly shut down while in motion and compromise steering and braking, I believe this is a serious safety defect that could result in a crash, injury, or worse.
NHTSA complaint #11705830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On at or about November 1, 2025, I experienced a sudden loss of power steering. I was backing up in a parking and experienced a complete power steering failure. Since that date, it has failed multiple times. There was a recall on the EPS Module in 2015. I have contacted a dealer, they could not find a recall for any power steering issues, when there clearly has been. If there has been a recall for the steering of the same model and make and year, and is clearly a SAFETY ISSUE, this recall in 2015 should cover my vehicle also. I was under the assumption that my vehicle was low on power steering fluid. Proceed to look for power steering pump to check fluid level, no reservoir! Start to investigate, find out I have an Electric Power Assist Motor, and an electric module that can not be replaced when it fails, the entire assembly has to be replaced, no way to replace fluid! I’m in the process of getting an estimate of repair as of 11/25/ 2025. There was no indication of any kind, of possibly failure! There is no data stored in the computer indicating any failure, electrical or otherwise!
NHTSA complaint #11701676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering violently, prompting the contact to discontinue driving over 60 MPH. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound while making right or left turns. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #11669692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine, seat belt, stabili-trak, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was occasionally towed and taken to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed; however, the failure was not yet determined. The transmission, fuel pump, battery, alternator, and unknown wiring were replaced at the consumer's expense; however, the failure persisted. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loss of steering, jerks the week right out of your hand and then you are unable to turn the wheel. Engine stalls and you have to try to coast to the side of the road, put in park and try to restart the vehicle. Service Stabilitrak warning appears on display, Alarm Sounds, Radio beeps and display goes blank, navigation compass does not work. There is a current Technical Service Bulletin for these issues: #18-NA-161, document ID 5075841 that lists the years from 2014 to 2020. There were Product Safety Recalls issued: 17276 Loss of Steering Assist, Reference Number:N172085440 for vehicles listed in this TSB for 2014 and 2015 but no Recalls for later vehicles with the same problems.
NHTSA complaint #11655356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ. The contact stated that while driving on a neighborhood street at 25 MPH, the steering wheel became increasingly stiff. She was able to continue driving until reaching her residence, where she parked the vehicle and attempted to restart it. Upon restarting, a message appeared on the instrument panel that read, "Service Power Steering." The local dealer was not contacted, so the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11645420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving the vehicle and when turning the steering wheel in reverse or pulling forward while turning the steering wheel. The dashboard will display a stability warning and the vehicle turns off and the steering wheel locks. It has happened two times in the last year and twice in 2023
NHTSA complaint #11634783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Incident Report Vehicle Information: Year: 2016 Make: Chevrolet Model: Suburban I am experiencing a recurring issue with my 2016 Chevrolet Suburban involving the steering column lock module and the theft deterrent system. The truck intermittently fails to start, displaying a "Theft Deterrent" warning message on the dashboard and lighting get dim on the display. On some occasions, after waiting approximately 10 minutes, the vehicle starts, but other times it does not. Additionally, there are instances when the truck starts but cannot be shifted into gear. To address the problem, I have attempted to disconnect and reconnect the battery to reset the system, but this has not resolved the issue. The problem appears randomly and unpredictably, creating significant inconvenience and safety concerns, particularly in situations where I am stranded or unable to move the vehicle. Impact on Safety: This issue poses a risk to my safety and the safety of others. The inability to reliably start or move the vehicle could lead to dangerous situations, especially in emergencies or high-traffic areas. It is also concerning that the theft deterrent system may be malfunctioning, potentially leaving the vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access. Resolution Attempts: Despite attempting to reset the system by disconnecting the battery, the issue persists. Online forums and anecdotal evidence suggest that this may be a common problem with the steering column lock module or related systems in this model. Request for Action: I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue as it appears to affect multiple owners of similar vehicles. A thorough review and possible recall or service bulletin could ensure the safety and reliability of affected vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11631618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel returned to normal operation upon depression of the brake pedal. A week later while the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm again, and there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that recently while driving 50 MPH, the "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care" message was displayed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11622672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.