1997 Chevrolet Suburban Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 105about this part
- Share
- 25%of 414 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,138miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 105 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban, 25% of the 414 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,138 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have lost steering and braking on 1996 6.5 turbo diesel Suburban three times now I drive normally. I am 42 and have a family of seven. When braking the power booster has zero pressure and it is very hard to stop and at the very same time all power steering is lost. I thought the power steering pump failed, so I replaced it, no change. Still no power brakes or steering. I replaced hydroboost unit braking and steering returned. I have had to replace hydroboost three times in 8 months. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157450, filed 2006-05, 102,856 miles“No accidents. Steering has begun instances of loss of control. Information provided during discussions with local repair shops indicates the recirculating ball steering box may have a tendency to slip. This is consistent with the intermittant failure mode experienced during driving. The vehicle is a 1997 Suburban c1500. It is not used to tow and has never been in an accident. We have owned it since new, all of the 104,000 miles have been driven by us, no children have driven this vehicle. The truck has been well cared for. We have experienced this 5 times, with the most recent being yesterday. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098873, filed 2004-11, 101,836 miles“Fuel pump wiring inside the fuel tank short circuited, and could have caused my Suburban to blow up, since I had just filled it with over 30 gallons of gas that morning. My fuel pump had to be replaced, along with a new wiring assembly and float mechanism. My mechanic said the short circuit was more than likely due to over amperage of the fuel pump. That in turn, caused the wires inside the fuel tank to melt together and short out the ECM fuse, twice. I believe Chevrolet is very lucky that no one was hurt. I hope others are as lucky as I was! P.s. Power steering and brakes are also very poor!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10029194, filed 2003-07, 79,275 miles“While making a left turn vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle began to wander and jerked to the left. There was recall 03v527000 for the steering gear bearing, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN. This occurred due to the sensor controlling power assist (evo sensor/exhaust valve opening).”
NHTSA complaint #10053834, filed 2004-02, 75,000 miles“Erratic power steering assist while driving resulting in erratic control at highway speeds. Started in 2006 and ended in 2009. Vehicle was taken to dealer numerous times to no avail.”
NHTSA complaint #10291674, filed 2009-11, 178,784 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 3 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 9% |
| 2019 | 6 | 8% |
| 2018 | 8 | 10% |
| 2017 | 6 | 4% |
| 2016 | 23 | 10% |
| 2015 | 60 | 14% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 20 | 7% |
| 2002 | 22 | 8% |
| 2001 | 29 | 7% |
| 2000 | 20 | 7% |
| 1999 | 52 | 8% |
| 1998 | 21 | 10% |
| 1997 | 105 | 25% |
| 1996 | 15 | 4% |
| 1995 | 13 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 1% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 5% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
| 1985 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
96 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
47 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsElectrical system
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaintsTires
27 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology