Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle began to roll down the street. The contact stopped and shut off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, but could not be serviced. The vehicle was then driven to vera Cadillac (300 s university dr, pembroke pines, fl 33025, [phone]) where the mechanic stated that the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 156,693.
Lost complete power of car. Could not steer, or brake. Happened in snow. Since that time it has happened 5 other times. 3 in the last week with the snow and rain. There is a great potential for loss of life. Have researched this for months and there are many Avalanche owner with the same problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. While driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left turn, there would be an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. While undergoing an oil change, it was brought to the contact's attention by the dealer's service department that the bracket on the rack and pinion on the passenger side of the vehicle had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
As I was driving my Avalanche the stability track and traction control turned on my truck reduced power to half and it pulled right. I drove into lots of dirt and my brakes were affected too. I have been having issues with my 2007 avalance stabilitrak traction control turning off intermitingly. I have had my truck to the dealer 3 times on this issue and I am still with the same problem. This started over a year ago and when bringing it in for service there were no codes found for this problem. Today after picking up my truck once again and paying the dealer to replace the remote control door lock receiver being one of the codes showing this did not solve the problem and the part removed was still good. It seems to me that the service dept at the Chevy dealer has no clue on how to solve this problem. …
Bought our 2005 Avalanche in June 05. Not long after it started making a popping noise in the front end every time I turned the corner, into and out of the driveway etc. Have taken it in numerous times. They have replaced the steering shaft. They also did something with the upper and lower actuator. They have also changed the spring rubbers and regreased the front end. The noise goes away for awhile and then returns. It is now louder then ever. Even people in other vehicles can hear the popping noise. My wife drives this vehicle on a daily basis and I am afraid that something is going to come loose and cause her to have an accident with our son in the truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that when driving at low speeds, the steering wheel would suddenly lock without warning preventing the contact from maneuvering the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised him that he would need to replace the power steering pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. The VIN was unavailable.
4"Takata recall" the contact owns a 2004 Chevy Avalanche with a set of capitol precision trac ll tires on it. While pulling off in the vehicle and driving around 35 MPH you could feel the back end shaking and wobbling like the lug nuts were loose. The vehicle was pulled off the road to investigate the shaking issue where was found that the tires tread was separating making humps and waves in the tread. This happened on the highway at 92,207 miles on vehicle and 7, 319 miles on 265/70r17 capitol precision trac ll tires. The vehicle was parked for a few days until getting tires to replace the capitol tires but once the vehicle started moving to take it to the shop to replace the tires the front had started to shake just like the back at 92,221 miles on the vehicle but not as much. …
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20-35 MPH, the vehicle violently vibrated. Total control was lost of the vehicle causing the vehicle to veer into the other lane resulting in the vehicle hitting the side of a mountain. The air bags did not deploy. Prior to this incident, popping noises were heard while turning the steering wheel to the left and right going forward and in reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where the dealership determined the passenger side tie rod was broken. There was damage done to the vehicle. There was not a police report filed.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Avalanche years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (14), 2004 (10), 2003 (8) and 2008 (6) model years. Steering complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Avalanche steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Chevrolet Avalanche model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Avalanche steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › pump (4 mentions), followed by the column (4).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.