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 Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Power steering consistently cuts out when turning *right* and engine is cold. Also experienced same issue when engine is warm but de-accelerating (slowing down) and turning right. This forces vehicle into oncoming traffic lane because it will not turn. Happens at various speeds in all types of traffic. This situation has been progressively getting worse. Local dealer says they are not aware of any problems fitting this description. However, multiple Chevy blogs are full of similar reports and all state Chevy is not taking responsibility. (??)
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. While driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the engine warning light illuminated. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the contact should take the vehicle to another dealer where it was misdiagnosed and repaired. The details of the repairs were not available. The failure mileage was 55,000.
The power steering has completely failed on the vehicle. The power steering pump has been replaced 2-3 times. My next step is the intermediate shaft or the gearbox but I have to spend $90 to have a diagnostics test run to determine what the exact issue is. I read some blogs online that said Chevy had a recall on this issue but the dealer I called told me that there were not any recalls.
I was coming home on my road going 30 miles an hour going around the curve 25 if that my steering did not work I went on the road started rolling in twice and landed upside down not one of my airbags went off I went to the hospital the ambulance had to come and get me
While driving steering wheel locked up, causing consumer to lose control of the vehicle, and it rolled over. Upon inspection of the vehicle by the consumer noticed that lower control arm snapped in two.
I ran out of gas on the freeway going 65 MPH with my 5 year old son in the car. Apparently when a Chevy Tahoe runs out of gas it shuts down the entire electrical system including power steering as well. I'm unsure of this ------> but it seems like the brakes are affected too. I had a very difficult time merging over to the right hand shoulder of the highway (I had to cross three lanes and merge with on-ramp traffic), given that I had very little steering control and had to use as much momentum as I already had to get off the road to safety, without being hit by someone traveling over 50mph. Plus other cars were not letting me over. I can see this becoming a very dangerous situation. GM just recalled a bunch of Tahoe years for this issue but not my year (2002). …
I recently took my 2002 Chevy Tahoe in to the dealer for a long over due repair. After describing my problem to the service technician (a clunk sound and feel through the steering wheel which I had first noticed at about 20K miles), he told me the problem was a "common occurrence" in the year/model and that it was "due to poor lubrication/design" with the intermediate shaft of the steering column. He shaft would cost $140 plus one hour labor.... However; it is on a long back order. Seems strange that an item, which is a "common occurrence" and the item is back ordered (must be a lot of replacing going on) would not be subject to a recall for a free replacement. I paid top dollar for this vehicle and for such a standard piece of equipment to be needed to be replace at this low of mileage seems a bit out of the normal wear and tear. …
Transmission shifting hard,only 26,000 miles. Ttook to dealership and was told second and third gear was gone. They rebuilt those gears. Pick Tahoe up and within a hr it was doing the same thing. Return to dealership next day, was told it was pump sticking. Replace that. Pick back up and within a hr did the same thing. Return vehicle and they decided to replace for new transmission. A week later it has now starting to have a problem with the power sterring. There appears to be a leak in the lines. This 2002 Tahoe has had problems starting within months of purchase. Sterring colum making clunking nose, required lube twice. Headlights filling with water. Nose in the front drivers side around shock area. They had different repairs such as replacing shocks, greasing. After over a year the dealership added bushings to the shocks, so far OK. …
Popping noise heard in steering since three weeks of purchase. Dealer originally advised it was normal on new vehicles and needed to "work out the kinks." taken in for repairs. First repair attempt, dealer found excessive play in lower ball joints and replaced both. Picked u vehicle and immediately heard popping noise again. Dealer then performed second repair attempt by finding center cross member and ride height bushings in need of lubing. Popping noise recurred within month of picking up vehicle after second repair attempt. Service mgr took test drive and heard popping noise. Now states he cannot recreate and knows something is wrong but not sure what.
While traveling at highway speeds vehicle wanders left and right and ABS light appears. Codes are "erratic wheel speed" mechanic diagnosed front wheel hubs worn and must be replaced unknown if covered by possible recall due to unable to find part number. Also while turning left and right a "knocking clunking" noise is heard from front suspensions. Mechanic diagnosed worn idler arms after being replaced with OEM. This can lead to loss of steering causing accident or injury. Also premature wear of rear brakes compared to front brakes. Mechanic cannot diagnose and dealer cannot diagnose.
Steering complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 9% of the model year's 449 complaints. The component named most often is column (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, though it has 3 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 Tahoe steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire 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.