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 1999 Chevrolet Silverado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 1999 Chevy z71 loses the power steering when turning left there was a recall on some cars in jan 04 but my truck was not included my daughter had a minor accident that could have been very bad Chevy first said my truck would be included but now they say it will not be fixed and I can not get them send me any info on how to fix the prblem my dealer says they dont even know how to correct the problem
The vehicle power steering sometimes locks up or becomes very difficult to turn the steering wheel especially when making a left hand turn when your foot is braking the vehicle. At times it seems as if the power steering looses power. The local dealer has looked at the vehicle numurous times and has always stated they could not find anything wrong with with the power steering even after the service manager (at the time) had the power steering lock up while he was testing the truck.
There was a rattling noise in the steering column. The noise occurred while driving or turning. The consumer was informed by another Chevrolet owner that they were experiencing the same problem and it was due to a defect in the intermediate steering shaft and brushing. The dealership will be contacted.
When vehicle was first started there was severe vibration. When vehicle warmed up vibrations decreased. Steering gear box would then catch after making a turn. Took vehicle to dealer, and informed consumer that gear box needed to have its oil changed.
While driving 40 MPH , lost control. Vehicle went into a ditch. Upon impact, driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy which did not protect the occupant in this crash. Please provide further information and VIN#.
I bought this truck in ohio for my wife [redacted], she reported that the ABS brake would simply not work on accasion and the pedal would go straight to the floor .we took the vehicle in to the dealer but he could not find the problem . At lows speeds I was able to reproduce the problem. Dealers down here say the sensor is bad. We pulled the fuse to disable the brakes when the vehicle was new because a delphi engineer told me that would at least keep the brakes working . I have 58000 miles on my truck and we have replaced the calipers the rotors and even some of the brake lines have rusted rupturing and causing a loss of brakes. The power steering hose line rusted at the cooler radiator. . …
Steering was pulling to right after tire rotation with gradual progression and after 4 alignments and 3 front tire swaps it still pulls to right not as severely but noticeably different than before rotation. Also seems to have more play in the steering with about a 1/4 to 1/2" radius of no tire movement even though I am moving the wheel. Dealer kept the vehicle 2 days and said their machine was off but I had the job done the first two times and 1 front tire swap at another place and they also checked to see if the machine was off and it wasn't. Any suggestions. If I let go of the steering wheel I will almost immediately divert to the right. What is the standard for a vehicle after it is aligned-how far should you be able to travel in a straight line assuming the road is level?
After sitting over night you take vehicle on highway it will begin shimming lightly and then build up until the wheel shakes violently. If you try to brake it gets worse. When you pull it off road and start up the shimmy usually goes away. It is lucky we haven't been killed. I have been told by the dealer that other trucks have had the same problem. One driver recorded this on tape. Another dealer in the area is also having this problem the dealer and company cannot find out what is wrong. The last time the dealer had the truck for 2 weeks. They have been playing with it since March. Gen motors has been no help. Their tac has no answer, yet I am stuck with this problem. What does it take? My wife and I to be killed? She will not drive it .
While at dealership for repair work mechanic determined that rear rotors were crumbling and needed to be replaced, drums and lining as well. The emergency brake was not working. The rear brakes were corroded and worn out. The rear brake pads and both rear rotors were replaced. The brake shoes on both sides were replaced. There was a squeaking noise in the front end when the vehicle goes over bumps. The driver door panel failed and was reinstalled, also the arm rest for the bucket seat pops off constantly, seat belts lock up after being replaced twice under recall, the steering joint was repaired, also when consumer steps on the gas, the truck does not move for a few seconds, the rear window was replaced, due to leaking, and the engine hesitates.
Date of purchase: 10/14/1998. Check engine light appeared first day of pick up. Kightlinger motors put new part on the next week. December 28, 1998: took to dealer stating something wrong with front diff. Said nothing wrong. 1/17/99: front differential snapped, gear box broke. Would not warranty! Paid 3700 to fix. Next week, knocking noise. Took in said nothing wrong. Took to different dealer. One bolt holding gear box , front diff. In. 6/21/99 brakes metal to metal. Took to kight. Said stone caught. Took to different dealer, replaced brakes and rotors. Front end needs replacing 7/3/99: no brakes-fluid leaks.( dot number: 0000 tire size: 265r7516 )
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: extended cab 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. The bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move.
Remedy: Dealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.
NHTSA investigations
Steering gear/grame attaching bolts
These vehicles May have lower than specified torque on the three steering gear to frame attachment bolts.these bolts May loosen causing unresponsive steering and eventually the bolts May back out or fracture, resulting in loss of steering control
Steering complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 69 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the model year's 1,660 complaints. The component named most often is gear box (other than rack and pinion) (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-242 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Oct 6, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.