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 Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that his pitman arm was recently replaced and the clockspring was fractured and also needed to be replaced. The contact stated that since the pitman arm was replaced, the air bag warning indicator began to illuminate. The contact took the vehicle to maxie price Chevrolet atlanta (3600 us-78, loganville, ga 30052, [phone]) and nash Chevrolet (630 scenic hwy s, lawrenceville, ga 30046, [phone]) and was informed that the parts to replace the clockspring were no longer manufactured. The contact's only option was to find a junk yard that May carry the replacement parts. The manufacturer was not notified and the air bag indicator continued to illuminate. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 191,000.
My 1999 Chevy Tahoe been giving me problems with the steering wheel snatching the wheel to one side of the road I have liked to wrecked twice because of this I had my tires changed thought it was that had the truck lined up still doing it I think this is a very important safety issue that needs to addressed before sombody gets hurt when the truck snatches it pulls like it out of limit bad but then go's back to its self I noticed it mostly does it in a turn around a curve while on the highway
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked. When the steering wheel locked the wheel was curved to the left, causing the vehicle to collide with a roadside tree. There was a police report filed. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the cause of the problem was not determined.
I was/am having some steering problems on my 1999 Chevy Tahoe. On oct. 13, 2003 I took my Tahoe into my dealership. Discovered my sway bar was cracked in half. They said they have never seen such a thing. I do not drive on anything but road surfaces, nor do I drive eradicated. It cost about $300 to have it replaced. The dealership told me to file a complaint and see if GM would cover cost. I never heard back from GM. Also... I am having some steering issues for about 5 months now, about the same time my sway bar was cracked in half. My steering wheel seems to be very sensitive and will jerk to the left or right quite often. I'll be holding the steering wheel and all of a sudden it jerk an inch or two either way for no apparent reason. It happens most often when I'm turning right, but will occur at least once or twice every mile. Some days seem better than others. …
I have a 1999 Chevy Tahoe. The steering wheel jerks itself like someone grabs the steering wheel. It is very noticeable on two lane curvy roads. It feels like the truck hits a patch of ice. I have not had it repaired yet but was told by a service adviser that my truck has speed sensitive steering - it has an electrical wire hooked to the power steering pump to provide slow driving assistance. I am told that it sounds like the sensor or evo sensor for this system is bad. I have replaced the power steering pump to no avail. My step daughter has a 1997 Chevy 1/2 ton pick up with the same problem. She has had dobbs auto disconnect the system. I think this is very dangerous especially if you over- correct when the pressure changes or briefly gives way as I would describe. I wonder how many crashes are caused do to this gremlin in the steering system. …
I own a 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe that has an ongoing on and off problem with the steering whereby the steering wheel will jerk suddenly in one direction or the other (usually pulling to the right) while I am driving. The feeling is as if I have hit a patch of ice or oil. On occassion it happens once, maybe twice in a commute. On other occassions, such as this morning, it is much more frequent. It feels as if I am losing control of the car. There is no rhyme or reason as to when it happens - it happens in dry weather, wet weather (when it is particularly scary), when the outside temperature is warm and when it is cold.
Corrected steering problem. Concerned that the design and function of speed sensitive steering on this vehicle could be a safety hazard. The vehicle steering became loose while making right hand turns, 3244 miles. The dealer replaced the speed sensor that controls the speed sensitive steering. The upper brake lamp shorted at 15311 miles. The battery failed load test at 22085 miles. The left front speaker was inoperative at 30715 miles. The mirror switch was hot to the touch at 32291 miles.
Experience unanticipated steering wheel movement at moderate speeds (20 to 55 MPH). Steering wheel "jerks" unexpectedly while driving, especially while driving on a curved roadway (in a moderate turn at speed). Vehicle has done this for about 3 years, but problem has progressed. Found the problem posted on www.carcomplanints.com and realized I've experienced the problem, too but didn't know what was wrong.
Experienced problems during right hand turns where a complete loss of steering feedback occurred. (speed sensitive steering) this was an intermittent problem. The upper lamp shorted, battery failed load test, left front speaker was inoperative, the mirror switch was hot to touch, dome light stayed on and the radio button were hot to touch. The consumer requested reimbursement.
The hydraulic power assist sytem does not function properly is is a very dangerous problem. The steering wheel "slips" at high speed cause the vehicle to swerve suddenly while going around corners. I took the vehicle to the dealer to have this problem repaired, but after $1,000.00 of repairs, the problem still exists.
NHTSA investigations
Erratic power steering assist while driv
The office of defect investigation (odi) has investigated allegations of power steering assist fluctuations in the subject vehicles.for details and a basis for the investigation conclusions, please see the closing report in the ea99-011 public file.odi has not identified a safety-related defect trend in the subject vehicle population.futher expenditure of agency resources on this subject does not appear to be…
Steering complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, 8% of the model year's 552 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe, though it has 1 recall 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 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.