2004 Chevrolet Suburban Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 7%of 204 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,119miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, 7% of the 204 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,119 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Under warranty, brought car in for loose, vibrating steering wheel in 2006. Dealership brought to our attention the need to replace a bolt on the steering shaft, was a warranty repair covered by GM and we did not have to pay (issued as recommended repair only if consumer brought to attention. Problem went away. Problem recurred in fall 2008 (car now out of warranty) identical symptoms as before. Contacted dealership again to complain, they stated, out of warranty have to pay for new part replacement. …”
NHTSA complaint #10246952, filed 2008-10, 45,000 miles“With cruise control on at 70mph, attempted to change from left to right lane. Another car sped up the right lane to pass me. Turned steering wheel back to left lane and suddenly had no control over steering, braking and the steering wheel started violently shaking. Car rolled twice, over metal median and turned 180 degrees facing the opposite direction on the interstate w/ roof crushed in. Neither side or front air bags deployed. Front and sides smashed in and frame bent. Vehicle was deemed to be totaled by state farm. Have been driving 40 years and have never had an accident in my life. …”
NHTSA complaint #10424360, filed 2011-09, 90,000 miles“Terrible knocking in turning steering wheel--repaired under warranty--states shaft, intermediate replace-mileage was 35k now at 55k same problem only louder and wheel seems loose--called dealer--needs to replace shaft again for a cost of $300--I drive my grandchildren to school and take long trips--dealer said car is safe-I am about to make along trip and cannot get the car serviced until my return in a week--this is worrisome when I feel I could lose control of the car if something should break-why would a second drive shaft be faulty as was the first. …”
NHTSA complaint #10200775, filed 2007-08, 35,000 miles“Tl-the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH. The steering wheel seized. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road in her sub division. The contact had the vehicle pushed into her driveway. The vehicle had not been taken to an dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been made of the problem. The approximate failure was 100,000.lj”
NHTSA complaint #10565084, filed 2014-02, 100,000 miles“New 2004 Suburban has the steering column and shift lever unlocked when vehicle key is put into accesory position with no shift interlock intervention. 1st night home with vehicle in the driveway and examining vehicle features my 2 year sold shifted vehicle into neutral causing vehicle to roll backwards in driveway!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10072551, filed 2004-05, 15 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
Steering: 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 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
72 complaintsBrakes
49 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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