The problem
Vehicle description: light duty extended-cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility trucks. The lower steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt is "finger loose" or missing allowing the bolt to loosen and fall out. The steering shaft yoke can wear causing an off center steering wheel.
The risk
Relative movement between the chassis and cab can cause the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. This condition can result in a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation is being arranged for owners. Dealers will then inspect the vehicle for the presence of a pinch bolt and torque this bolt to proper specifications.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V-142 (97V142000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion) |
| Report date | August 29, 1997 |
| Owners notified | August 20, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 3,957 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V-142 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation is being arranged for owners. Dealers will then inspect the vehicle for the presence of a pinch bolt and torque this bolt to proper specifications.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 3,957 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.