One problem related to steering failed has been reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Sudden loss of power steering and very heaving steering requiring great effort. I made a hard u-turn and then found the steering was extremely heavy. It took both hands and a lot of force to steer the car. I pulled over, popped hood, and saw nothing wrong. No dash malfunction lights were on. At repair, the steering pump shaft had sheared where it necks down from about 3/4" to 3/8" diameter. An internet search provides many instances of the same failure. The dealer replaced the pump with a different part number which does not have the variable effort steering feature. I very much don't like the resulting lack of road feel and am pursuing that problem with the dealer. This sudden steering pump failure is a definite safety related issue.