Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
At low speeds my 2002 Chevy 4wd will not turn to the right. Left does not seem to be affected. I have replaced the belt, and the belt tensioner, and the idler pully with no change to the steering. I also have replaced the power steering fluid on a regular basis (50,000 miles between). I was about to replace the power steering pump when I found that others have had problems with the rack and pinion. I am hoping this report will convince GM to issue a recall. Truck has approximately 107,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock). The dealer cleaned the speed sensor, but did not replace any parts. The failure has recurred and the brakes stick when attempting to stop the vehicle at low speeds. On the fourth trip to the dealer, the contact was informed that no failures could be found. She is unsure if the dealer will replace or clean the sensor, but she requested that it be replaced. In addition, the intermediate steering shaft was replaced with a re-manufactured part in July of 2005 at 18,031 miles. In November of 2006, at 29,650 miles, the steering shaft was lubed. In April of 2008, at 43,194 miles, the steering shaft was replaced a second time. Currently, at 56,000 miles, the vehicle is still experiencing issues. …
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 40 MPH, the vehicle presented permanent to worsening conditions of the steering column. Prior warnings included when turning the wheel to the right, the vehicle made a clicking sound and vibration would occur. The steering column gradually became more difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer ten separate occasions for the same repairs concerning the steering. Upon examination, the dealer determined that the steering shaft needed lubrication and that the vehicle would need lubrication maintenance every 4,000 miles. Also, the interior shaft was worn and the belt was broken. The dealer replaced mount cushions, repaired the bushing and steering gear, and provided steering shaft with a lube kit. Prior examinations made by the dealer could not identify the cause of the problem. The left rear tire had a broken belt. Updated 12/01/06.
Took truck in for state inspection, truck failed inspection due to rusted brake lines, power steering pump leaking , dealer said it would be $1228.43 to $1420.99 to just fixed the brake lines all lines needed replaced and calipers screws. Power steering pump cost 535.00 to replace. Poor quality ,high cost to fix and lack of safety on GM part for not covering rubber coating or using stainless steel lines to protect our family very discouraged with service tech said these are the prices. What happened to our safety. Brake lines and gas lines should not be made of steel that can corrode and rust out and break. Power steering pump with these few miles should not have gone out. My 1988 Chevy truck never had these problems. There needs to be a recall.
This model pickup had a noisy intermediate steering shaft replaced in mid 2004 and the replacement made the same clucking noise shortly after and we were told to wait until a fix that would last was engineered. We later found GM had a fix but our extended warranty in dec 2007 was over and the service bulletin that would fix this could not be done free. This noise was common and it is loud enough to mask other noises that could cause a wreck or loss of control. GM should have a recall so they can fix a failed component that finally they got right. Failed component was intermediate steering shaft loose and noisy. Yes, I am I certified mechanic since 1958. Bad spelling but a good mechanic.
I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado the steering box was replace at 31,166 miles and at 48,000 miles its doing the same thing all over again you can not park the truck and if you are at a stop trying to turn the wheel is hard and a noise coming from the steering box the first time I had to pay 200.00 this time looking to it I feel I should to pay nothing at all and thousands people are having this same problem I read this on a web site and this is a steering problem that could fail and people could get killed or kill somebody would you please look in to this problem before it is to late and make GM recall the steering gear box thank you roger sanson
The intermediate steering shaft went bad on it I had a mechanic look over the trucks front end thinking the ball joints were bad. That wasn't the case his dad has an 04 Silverado that had the same problem. I called my local Chevrolet garage in indiana and they acted like they never heard of it. So I called the local GMC dealership and its getting fixed next week. Sense its a 2002 there is no warranty so its going to cost around 200 dollars. It makes a clunking noise in the front end and the steering wheel feels loose. It also makes a weird grinding noise so I hope this fixes my problem!!!
Vehicle was taken to dealer regarding this issue at 35000 miles, in 2004. They could find nothing wrong. I found that this was a common problem involving only the 2002 model. The dealer said it was not a safety problem, just an annoyance I would have to live with. I still own this vehicle now in 2012 and still see many complaints, ineffective repairs reported, and people not understanding why GM has not done a recall, or issued any bulletins. Why is it only the 2002 model had this problem ? I hesitate letting anyone else drive the truck due to safety concerns it should be recalled.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving between 30-40 MPH, there was a clunking noise coming from the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle bounced. The noise intensified when making a turn. The dealer greased the intermediate steering shaft. The failure continued and the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. The failure still persists. The failure mileage was 36,000 and current mileage was 112,000. Updated 03-05-08
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a clunking and grinding noise. The failure was noticed when making a right or left turn and appeared to originate from the steering column. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The failure mileage was 49,000 and current mileage was 50,000.
Steering complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 5% of the model year's 509 complaints. The component named most often is column (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
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.