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 2001 Chevrolet Silverado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was south bound on one way street 30 MPH into green light intersection. A west bound car failed to stop and struck rear panel behind drivers rear wheel. This started a spin and threw me against drivers window. I blacked out for a second and the tried to regain control. I hit brakes hard, but wheel continued to spin at 30 MPH which caused me to spin in donut fashion. This threw me against a curb and broke off the left front wheel as the trucked skipped onto the sidewalk, spun across and sheared off a small 3" diameter tree. The truck continued to spin in donut fashion towards a boy scout building, I was finally able to take my hands off of the wheel long enough to throw into neutral and stop. The engine idles down to normal after shifting into neutral. All of the accident was in a direction to the southeast of the original impact, not to the southwest as would be expected. …
A month ago I took my 2001 Chevrolet ext cab Silverado in for service because when I drove across parking lots with minor bumps I could feel a rattle in the steering wheel. They lubricated the intermediate u-joint in the steering column, there was GM kit provided for the repair. Currently the steering feels loose and the vehicle drifts while traveling down the road. I personally jacked up the vehicle and assessed for looseness. The problem appears to be in the steering column. A clicking noise can be heard and felt when the steering wheel is turned back and forth. I will be taking the truck in for service this week. I don't think that GM is correctly addressing this problem and it May lead to accidents in the future. If a manufacturer prepares a kit for repair, it tells me that they have had numerous complaints of the same type of problem. …
While driving at any speed the vehicle drifted to the left and right. The owner made contact with the dealer multiple times, however the problem still existed. The vehicle pulled to the right and left while in motion. The right wiper did not clean the windshield. There was a rattle noise which had come from the dash area on the left side while the vehicle was in motion. The dealer found four missing bolts under the steering. Due to the vehicle going to the left, the front calipers were removed, to check movement, the rear drums for dragging, binding, adjust and reassemble.
There is a clunk or deep frequency rattle in the steering when making slow turns. GM has performed the repair with the "kit" for lubrication in the intermediate steering shaft once already. The problem has returned in only 6 months and 12,000 miles. As an engineer, I am concerned long-term that the problem will manifest into a safety issue resulting in loss of life while waiting for a final and complete repair solution.
Rack&pinion steering was leaking and causing rapid/uneven front tire wear at 13000 mi.dealer replaced with remanufactured part that is now leaking again at 18000 mi. And is now making growling noise.dealer refused to align vehicle or replace either badly worn tire. Defective rack & pinion caused loss of power steering fluid creating danger of loss of steering had it not been discovered.
Steering column intermediate shaft fails approximately every 30,000 miles. First failed at 30K, second 60K, third 100K. Failure starts with light clunking sound and progresses to loud clunk and looseness in steering wheel. The dealer and GM acknowledge a problem including even the 2005 models. The quality of steering fell gets quite vague if not replace before noise gets loud.
While driving, the consumer heard a popping noise coming from the steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic determined that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. GM stated that the fault was on the engineering and could not be fixed permanently. GM offered an extended warranty for a period of time.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 5 MPH, the steering column made a rattling noise and the vehicle shimmied. As the speed increased, the failure worsened. There was no steering loss or warning lights. The weather was not a factor. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The current mileage was 80,437 and failure mileage was 60,000.
Dt: problems began 10/04 when driving at low speeds, brakes would fail. Dealer reported no problems. Pulsating can be heard coming from brakes. Contact has pulled the ABS fuse to remedy problem. Steering shaft: when making a left turn, slack is felt in the wheel, contact has the steering shaft twice. Popping and grinding is heard when turning.
The consumer stated he placed the camper onto the truck and the power steering and power brakes failed. Just went a couple yards with truck and all at once power steering and brakes because of broken shaft.camper was a pull behind 30 ft. Dealer reports that this was not the first time this had happened with this truck.
Steering complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the model year's 877 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, though it has 4 recalls for other components. 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 2001 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.