Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System Problems of GMC Suburban

While driving at low speed and then on the freeway at 70 mph my Suburban lost powering steering control intermittently-on-off, on-off, on-off. At 70 mph the vehicle repeatedly jerked to the right, and I had to jerk the wheel back to the left and swerve back into the lane. Had inspection made, and found metal shavings in power steering fluid, indicating a component failure in the power steering system. I see a technical service bulletin was issued two years ago on August 1, 2003, but no further action to date to correct this safety defect.

See all problems of the 1999 GMC Suburban 🔎.

Power steering assist is erratic at highway speeds. Steering input force will increase until the steering wheel suddenly moves because of an increase in power steering assist. Problem is erratic, and it has only occurred at speeds above 40 mph. This phenomenom has been occurring for several years with this vehicle.

See all problems of the 1997 GMC Suburban 🔎.

Steering speed sensor intermitantly failed causing unpredictable steering movement when making right turns at speed. Steering power assist would suddenly change resulting in sudden veer of vehicle. Couple of "near misses" when pulling trailers and entering freeway. Vehicle has been repaired and problem resolved.

See all problems of the 1998 GMC Suburban 🔎.

The first date of failure was around may 2001 and started when making left turns and continued since. The steering would completely go out for a couple of seconds. It felt like the steering wheel was jerked from my hand. I could not get anyone to understand what was happening because it would not do it during test drive. On June 30, 2002, while traveling at 65 mph, the steering completely went out for a couple of seconds. I immediatly went to experttire and a part was replaced regarding the steering. After checking with the local dealer, found there is not a recall for this problem. After doing research on the internet, I have found that this has happened to other people. It has happened to another Suburban owner here in laurel, mississippi as well. It is very dangerous and scary when your steering goes out completely and I feel this needs to be addressed with the manufacturer.

While driving at 35 mph on curvy road, power assist failed, rendering steering excepetionally difficult to control.

While engaged in a turning maneuver, the power steering suddenly applies maximum assistance, startling the driver and causing the steering wheel to move suddenly. This movement in turn cuases the front wheels to turn suddenly while in a turing maneuver. If the driver is not extremely attentive, this problem can easliy cause a loss of control of the vehicle. As I understand from local repair shops and a local Chevrolet dealer, this is a very common problem with Chevrolet and GMC trucks and Suburbans.

While driving down road as you move the wheel right or left there is a sudden pulling of the wheel inb that direction.

Vehicle suddenly will veer right or left when turning wheel slightly at road speed. Seems to be a surge in power steering unit. GMC says they have issued a bulletin on this safety defect to all dealer service managers. Car must be taken to a dealer and repairs paid by customer if out of warranty. See my letter dated July 7, 2001 to coury Buick, mesa, az, 85206.

Steering would jerk left/right intermittently under load (while negotiating bend in road). Problem progressed to power assist failure. Local repair shop directed us back to specific person at dealerhip telling us that they have sent several Suburban owners there with same complaint. Dealer replaced something in gear box. Problem was not resolved and has worsened. Truck back in shop this week. Dealer is investigating.

While driving at highway speed steering received an increased power boost. Power boost was more noticeable at greater speeds, but problem has been noticed at various speeds. No accidents or injuries have occurred. Had not taken vehicle to dealer. Similar to NHTSA's investigation # pe98060.

When turning right, it feels like steering is slipping & loses control. Wheels not responding when this is happening. When turning left, the steering is soft but okay. Taking to dealer. Dealer found the problem to be in the power steerign and replaced it, consumer states that the steering still feels mushy.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Power steering failed on two occasions.

This problem has been going on for over a year. No safety defect indicated in summary.

Intermittently while driving something causes the steering wheel to twitch for less than a second and the steering wheel turns to the right. This is due the ves (variable effect steering). The power steering control unit was replaced end of August or early September. The problem still exists.

Inadverdent and sudden wheel movement, oversteer in turns.

When making right or left turn vehicle feels like it wants to turn the wheel farther then you desire to turn.

Power steering failing occassionaly. Yh.

Lost of steering momentarily when rounding curves.