2003 Chevrolet Tahoe Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 10%of 507 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 10% of the 507 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11012066, filed 2017-08, 146,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10658829, filed 2014-11, 105,000 miles“Shortly after my year warranty on my 2003 chevy Tahoe I had a knocking noise in the steering column. Chevy put heavier grease in it. The noise has returned shortly after and has continued to this date yet in 2007. If you google search this problem you will see many people have the same problem even after steering columns have been replaced. When will chevy fix this problem for consumers.”
NHTSA complaint #10177949, filed 2007-01, 13,000 miles“My 2003 Tahoe z71 has always made popping noises when turning and you are able to feel it in the steering wheel also. I have researched online and it is very apparent that this is experienced by almost everyone. Today I was backing into the driveway with a trailer of mulch attached and when I cut the wheel, the steering was lost. There is fluid in the power steering reservoir and there was no leaks or fluid anywhere. I looked underneath the Tahoe and there does not appear to be any broken sway-bars or steering shaft. …”
NHTSA complaint #10514887, filed 2013-06, 63,000 miles“I have a 2003 chevy Tahoe. The steering linkage is making a noise when you turn. The dealership told me it was a design flaw on all GM vehicles for a 5 year period. They would not replace the part at no cost because it was not a recall. I have a fear the linkage may fail.”
NHTSA complaint #10165999, filed 2006-08, 20,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 4 | 6% |
| 2023 | 5 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 6 | 11% |
| 2019 | 8 | 7% |
| 2018 | 11 | 10% |
| 2017 | 5 | 3% |
| 2016 | 20 | 8% |
| 2015 | 70 | 11% |
| 2014 | 4 | 4% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 4 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 8 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 1% |
| 2007 | 10 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 4% |
| 2005 | 19 | 6% |
| 2004 | 29 | 6% |
| 2003 | 52 | 10% |
| 2002 | 40 | 9% |
| 2001 | 18 | 4% |
| 2000 | 10 | 4% |
| 1999 | 46 | 8% |
| 1998 | 31 | 12% |
| 1997 | 105 | 26% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 5 | 2% |
| 1994 | 1 | 5% |
| 1993 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
193 complaintsBrakes
113 complaintsFuel system
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
27 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSeats
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTires
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
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