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 2003 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2003 chevrloet Suburban, possibly other suvs and trucks based on the same or similar chassis (e.g. Silverado) according to personal research: <p> vehicle is very difficult to control with regards to steering at freeway speeds and sometimes even at low speeds at the slightest influence of "external forces" such as wind, road grooves, road uneveness. Feels like bumpsteer, but with the ability of wind or turbulence from passing large truck to induce it. Essentially vehicle darts left and right no matter the steering input. Does not occur on straight smooth roads. Has happened since purchasing vehicle. Took to dealer multiple times and nothing has improved nor has any real diagnosis been made (they refuse to if you insist). Has occured since the first day of purchasing vehicle. …
I have a 2003 Suburban that makes a clunking noise when steering. The steering also feels loose. I took it to the dealer for a brake inspection while under warranty. I also told them about this clunking noise. They said it always happens and that they would tighten it up. This however is not on my invoice only the brake inspection. Brakes came back fine(although they still squeak) and they said that they tightened the steering problem up. Car was still under warranty. Now I have 41,000 miles on it and we are going to l.a. For thanksgiving. I took it to the shop of my choice for once again a brake inspection and this clunking noise in the steering. Upon arrival to the shop the owner has an 02 silverado and said he had the same problem which was corrected by Chevy. Apparently they are replacing the steering shaft now. Before they were removing it and lubing it and then putting it back. …
Complaint received via e-mail. I visited the local Chevrolet dealership service department. The previous day I had taken my 2003 Suburban purchased new from the local dealer to an independent repair service shop to find out what was wrong with my truck. I was advised I had a lot of slack and vibration at both ends of my steering column. I had loud popping noise coming from this area while driving. When the wheels turned they did not turn smoothly, but roughly, and jumped in the turning process as though it stopped and started continuously. The repair shop had sincere concerns that this problem could be very dangerous, and since the vehicle was still under full bumper to bumper warranty, they recommended that I take it back to the local dealer. The service dealership knew exactly what was wrong, and stated that it was a very common problem with this type of vehicle. …
1. 2003 Suburban z71 , rattle and clunk in steering column, nothing loose in the steering just clunking noise while driving. The steering shaft has been replaced 3 times. 2. Second row middle seat belt failed to retract and unable to fasten belt without force. Corrected 3. Latches located on the back of the second row seats to hold up the third row floor boards when using third row have broken numerous times (latches are plastic which makes no sense) 4. Paint on the rear bumper and left by gas tank fill rusted (this was corrected) 5. Driver seat motor runs after vehicle turned off. This has been brought to the dealers attention many times and they were unable to duplicate problem. 6. Rear access door weather striping stretched. 7. Truck failed to start for numerous reasons other then dead battery. Fuel tank pump module went bad. Crank shaft position sensor went bad. …
I have a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban that has a steering /clunking noise in the intermediate steering shaft. I have called many dealers and they said it is a known problem and the parts are on order, I checked other customer complaint sites and many people have been waiting for the parts for over 6 months. My dealer told me he has a list of people that have been waiting for over 4 months. Has anything been done about this problem or is GM disregarding the defect in the parts. When will my Suburban be fixed, if at all ?
I have a 2003 Chevy Suburban that has a clunking noise in the steering. While turning at speed or simply correcting as driving. I have noticed many other complaints on the site about it but it appears GM is not paying for a recall on this issue. Has anything been done on GM's behalf to pay for these repairs or am I stuck fixing this? The vehicle has also become very loose when driving.
Loose motion in steering and knocking sound. Had to wait on repair due to dealer informing us of backorders on intermediate shafts. Dealer had said there were many complaints of this same nature. We also had 2 family members to have theirs repaired. Dealer repaired, but we had to pay for all repairs.
The consumer is experiencing problems with the steering wheel. When driving, the vehicle will jerk to the right. Owner has contacted the dealer and was told that the parts needed to repair the defect are on back order. Provide further details.
I have a 2003 Chevrolet suburan, 4x4. I purchased this vehicle used 9/2004. It has developed a rattle/clunking noise in the sterring column. I called the dealer, and was informed they have had many complaints about this, and the intermediate steering column needs to be removed and greased, and or replaced. I would think something as important as "steering" column problems would result in a recall. Please help!!
Numerous problems, replaced steering shaft, inner tie rods, front shock absorbers, idler arm and relay rod, power steering pump and gear assembly. The consumer stated that the steering wheel leads itself and essentially locks into a hard right or left turn and rarely automatically releases from the turn by itself. Continued problems with the front end alignment. The four tires were cupped.
Steering complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, 7% of the model year's 301 complaints. The component named most often is column (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Suburban steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 5 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 2003 Chevrolet Suburban steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 58% 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.