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 Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The steering shaft and front suspension was replaced. The airbags did not deploy when the vehicle rolled over. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice for a popping noise and loose steering. The steering shaft was removed and lubed and the front lower crossmember was tightened. The consumer's son was driving the vehicle when he lost control . The vehicle rolled over twice, end over end the side over side one and a half times. The consumer requested to be notified of how many of these steering, braking and or other problems incurred with this make/model.
When making a right turn vehicle loses power steering. Doesn't happen all the time comes and goes. If you give vehicle a little gas it will start working again but that's not always an option. I notice it most if my vehicle is moving at a slow rate of speed or stopped. This is a very dangerous issue and no one can seem to offer any ideas on fixing it.
Steering goes out when braking and making a right turn or when trying to maneuver into a parking place , to hard to turn the wheel with no steering power very dangerous. In traffic. No one seems to know why or how to fix the problem.
This complaint was received via e-mail. Heard some noise in the steering from the day he bought the 2003 Tahoe when turning steering wheel and when backing out of driveway. The clanking noise only started about 4 weeks ago, and became worse quickly. The clanking noise could be felt through the steering wheel at slower speeds, especially when turning steering wheel. It felt like something was loose. Took vehicle in for service on 1/03/05 with 28,400 miles, and dealer knew immediately what the problem was. They said it was a common problem with this model. In fact, some people reported this problem as early as 5,000 miles. They removed the steering shaft, packed it with grease, and the clanking noise stopped. When not under warranty the repairs would cost between $75- s100. Researched the problem on the internet and found many similar complaints. …
Popping noise from under hood, mainly when turning left (has now started when turning right). Almost sounds like the wheels are going to fall off. It can also be felt in the steering wheel. Feels very unstable, like front-end could fall apart at any minute. GM is aware of this problem and has been since 2001 (NHTSA item #10009991, #10010873, #10000950, #10004991, #1004239, #10005172, #10004723, and finally their "fix" #10025148) . However, they act as though they have never heard of this problem. I have researched this online (edmunds.com, yahoo...just search for I-shaft assembly) and this is a wide-spread problem on numerous GM/Chevy/Cadillac vehicles and GM should be forced to remedy this situation. This situation is as-much, if not worse than the electrical system/dashboard panel problems, that GM has recalled. Please, help the masses who have been sold this defect. …
Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 Tahoe that the passenger 's side airbag deployed unexpectedly on 1/27/07, a warning light turned on at that time. The contact has not taken the vehicle to the dealer because of a warranty issue. The contact complained since this was a 3 year old vehicle and has been in no accidents. The contact stated that six months after purchasing the vehicle the steering shaft vibrated when making a left or a right turn, the dealer replaced it at no charge. This resolved the issue. However, 7 months later the vibration restarted. The dealer lubricated the parts and it worked again. The contact wanted to file a complaint since this problem was still unresolved. However, the vehiclewas now out of warranty. The current mileage was 44,796 and the failure mileage was 10,000.
1. Knocking in front end, intermittent steering shaft is out. I have been on waiting list since September 2003 and still not fixed.(in a wreck this component is what keeps the steering rod from projecting into the cab; per Chevrolet mechanic). 2. Sept. 2003 transmission: grinding/vibrating sound in the middle of vehicle (think this is my torque converter), neutral position from a complete stop and while driving. Been in shop on 2 occasions and still not fixed, mechanic says the vehicle computer doesn't show any problems, so they won't fix it! 3.front differential leaking. Jan. 2004 to be fixed when steering shaft gets fixed! 4. Passenger heaters come on by themselves. Nov. 2003 still not fixed 5. Front driver's seat won't hold memory settings. Nov. 2003 still not fixed.
Yesterday was driving home from work and came to a round about, slowed down and vehicle died (alternator gauge went below 14, oil pressure dropped below 40, and battery light came on). I lost all steering and brake pedal was stiff. Now vehicle continuously idles rough and will stall out if not on the throttle, idles 500 and lower. I have replaced mass air flow sensor, air filter, plugs, wires, o2 sensors, fuel filter, EVAP canister, alternator, and had throttle body cleaned. See there are many complaints filed of the same issues and wondering if anyone at GM has found a solution. Also have noticed GM has recalled the intake gasket but I have not received anything on this recall.
Jan 24, 09 vehicle was traveling n on co 145, preparing to turn left onto co 184. Driver heard a "pop" in the steering column. When she began the turn, the steering wheel would not turn. She then performed an emergency stop and came to rest near a guardrail in an oncoming traffic lane. She backed the vehicle out of the opposing lane and turned the steering wheel to the right. The steering wheel then released and she was able to turn onto 184 and exit the roadway. The steering wheel anti-theft lock no longer operates, and it appears that this device has failed. It also appears that pieces from this device became lodged in rotating parts of the steering system.
When I turn there is a popping noise that can also be felt in the steering wheel also when I am driving and feel a bump. The fuel will at times show a full tank then all of a sudden go to 1/4 tank it changes all the time and is not accurate, I cannot depend on it because I never really know how much fuel it actually has. The driver seat heater got extremely hot and we will not use because are scared it might burn thru the seat since it already left a small burn mark. The problem with the steering wheel on this particular vehicle also did the same on another Chevrolet we had and have researched online and it seems is a big issue with Chevrolet vehicles.
Steering complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 10% of the model year's 507 complaints. The component named most often is column (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 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 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 5 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.