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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle began making a clunking noise that could be felt within the steering wheel and steering column. Eventually became a rattle so bad that it was taken to a mechanic who informed us that there was a technical bulletin issued on this problem. #00-02-35-003c. Vehicle was taken to local GM dealership for repairs. It was stated on the n/c invoice that the solution was 'repack steering shaft with grease kit' part #26098419, vehicle had 6,941 miles on the odometer. Vehicle was fine for some time, but began to experience the same issue again. Local dealership was called and we were informed that there was nothing else that could be done. Vehicle now has just over 20,000 miles and is still making this noise and the feeling in the steering column is very bad. Feels as if something is going to fall apart at any moment. …
Owner - 02 chev Silverado pickup - VIN [redacted]. Recently, I begin to detect a clunking noise coming from the steering column. At times, you could actual feel this through the steering wheel. I checked several on line consumer sites and discovered this is a documented problem w/ several types of GM vehicles. When I contacted several GM dealerships, I was informed they were aware of this complaint. When I questioned the dealerships further, they informed GM had issued service bulletins on this issue and had also revised the intermediate steering shafts design and replacement shafts are on back order. When I contacted GM,they contend, this is not a safety issue, but readily admitted the original design has problem. GM also contends it is not unsafe, nor are the shafts under recall consideration. I question gms views on this issue. …
I was driving down a curvy maountain road and steering to the left in a turn. My steering locked up and I had no control. I got the truck stopped before we went over a several hundred foot drop. I had my wife, 3 year old daughter, and 6 month old son in the truck with me. I got the steering unlocked and drove home. I took the truck to the dealer and they said since they can not duplicate the problem they will not fix or replace anything in the front end or steering without duplicating the problem. I do not feel safe driving a truck that has done this. I usally have my children with me in a truck that is unsafe. I was told by the service manager that he will not authorize any repair without duplication. I asked him why he would send a truck out that was unsafe. All he could say was I care but no repairs without duplication. I conacted GM and I am waiting a reply.
Dt: the contact states he owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd pick-up. While driving he heard a popping sound from underneath the hood. The steering became almost impossible to control, and when the brakes were applied it was almost impossible to stop the vehicle. Upon inspection from a service dealer, it was determined that the shaft in the power steering pump broke. The dealer stated that the popping sound was when the shaft broke. The dealer had to replace the old power steering pump with a new and improved power steering pump. The manufacturer stated there was a recall for the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd pick-up, but the recall did not extend past the 2000 model year truck.
The consumer heard a noise in the steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they greased the intermediate steering shaft, but the remedy only lasted 5000 miles. Please describe further. The thump noise was heard inside the cab and felt in the steering wheel and the dash. The vehicle had been in repair four times and the changed the steering box on the 3rd visit. The new box started experiencing the same problem. On the fourth repair the steering box was greased. When the vehicle experienced the problem it worsened quickly and felt like the wheel were loose. The steering would crunch in the consumer's hand and felt loose. The dealer only made temporary repairs.
Consumer complained about steering column problem. Consumer took vehicle to Chevrolet dealership, and was told that this problem was not a safety issue. Manufacturer insisted that consumer had to repair the problem and send in the bill, and they May consider it. Meanwhile, the problem recurred, and nothing was being done about it. The front end and steering column knocked at 21000 miles. The dealer filled the column with grease which corrected the problem until the vehicle was out of warranty. The consumer indicated that it sounded like the front end was falling apart. The dealer indicated that a new joint for the steering column is necessary.
Truck had less then 25,000 miles when I noticed a 'loose feeling' in the steering when making turns and a discernible bumping. I found that there is a TSB on it(Chevy TSB 00-02-35-003a) and had it fixed under warranty- but from doing research I've found that this fix is a 'band-aid' and they really should replace the intermediate steering shaft with an improved model. Concern: very distracting and concerned that it might make me ignore a more serious problem- such as 'loose lug nuts' or something else in the future (thinking it is just the same problem recurring when it is really a more serious problem).
After 3 weeks of ownership we started experiencing several problems with the steering and braking of this vehicle. Steering wheel would "catch" and make thumping noises as we turned right or left sharp turns (slowly). Brakes are going to cause an accident sooner or later as the pedal goes completely to the floor and thumps loudly but does not slow the vehicle when you try to make a moderately sudden stop. We had our truck in for service after owning it for 3 weeks and the idiots at spitzer Chevrolet tried to tell us it was the trailer hitch making all the noise.....what a joke
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated at any speed the steering wheel made a loud popping, vibration and clicking noise while driving the vehicle. The failure occurred while driving in reverse or when the contact made a left or right turn. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was going to be repaired by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97000.
Clunking noise coming from the steering column, can be felt at any speed especially in gradual turns to left or right. Had problem fixed twice at dealer expense as a known problem. Now happening again, after having received a "redesigned" steering shaft. What is the problem? Should the steering shaft fail every 20K miles? What if it comes loose, on the interstate, at 70 MPH? Someone should act to get this resolved premonitory!
Steering complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 5% of the model year's 710 complaints. The component named most often is column (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 42% 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.