1997 Chevrolet Tahoe Steering Problems

“Power steering input/effort had became erratic causing increased effort or worse, oversteering midway through turns. First noticed this problem last fall at winter tire changeover. I initially blamed it on icy roads but then noticed it on obviously non icy roads as well. Occurred just occasionally at first. I kept blaming tires but this spring when I changed back over to my summer tires the problem did not go away. Dealership had indicated some worn front end parts needing replacement so I had that done along with a front end alignment following. Didn't help. …”

“Steering on my 97 Tahoe has for many years 'twitched' when driving at a slow right turn such as on ramp to freeway or slow curve in the road. It never does it on left turns, only right. The steering wheel suddenly pops to the right and only for a second. It then repeats that if the turn on the road is continually to the right. If anyone other than me drives the Tahoe, it will surprise them and cause and accident. Ive read about this problem in many forums online as well as here at the NHTSA site. Gm should be recalling this dangerous steering problem immediately.”

“When turning onto an on-ramp (usually right) the vehicle will momentarily lose power steering and the steering wheel will jerk right. This jerking motion also happens intermittently while driving at highway speeds with no turning involved. Even though there is more jerking motion on a turn both are extremely dangerous situations. This has been happening for several years.”

“This is to confirm that ea99011 concerning the steering on the 1997 Tahoe, 350 5.7 assembled in mexico. The jurking in the steering is not a constant problem. I t does not happen all the time. However, there have been instances where the vehicle was travelling at high speed and this uncommanded imput was enough to induce the vehicle to lurch to the next lane.this sever action only happened once, however as the vehicle ages, the severity seems to get worse when it does happen. Yje vehicle has done this since I purchased it new in 1997. …”

“1997 Chevrolet Tahoe steering at 83,000 miles. At 45-55 MPH when turning left steering has a momentarily twitch/hang-up/resistance/jerk. After many attempts I finally found a dealership to diagnose that the steering wheel position sensor was failing & needed replacing. After searching the NHTSA I see several complaints of the same problem. It is hard to believe with a serious problem that impacts steering ability for Chevrolet Tahoe owners & others driving safety that there has not been a recall. Hopefully something is done before there are injuries/accidents/fatalities.”