Gm has had an ongoing problem with intermediate steering shafts that loosen and rattle in their avalanche models. This may also apply to the 1500 series pickups as well but I'm not sure since I haven't kept in tune to those owners as I have avalanche owners. The dealer remedies the situation, based upon gm's service bulletins, by shooting the shaft full of grease to take out any play in the…
2005 Chevrolet Avalanche steering problems
moderate 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 16 steering complaints filed for the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 19 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche has widespread and persistent steering issues centered on the intermediate shaft and related components. Expect clunking, rattling, and popping noises from the front end, potential steering lockup at high mileage, and temporary fixes (greasing) that recur every 5,000–15,000 miles; many owners report repeated dealer visits without permanent resolution.
The dominant complaint is the intermediate steering shaft: owners consistently describe clunking and rattling that develops early or at high mileage, transmits through the steering wheel, and worsens over time. Dealers have used service bulletins to apply grease as a temporary fix (reliably recurs within 5,000–15,000 miles), and some eventually replace the shaft outright at owner cost (~$300 reported). A smaller but serious subset reports the steering wheel suddenly locking during driving, accompanied by clicking and grinding, with dealers stating no remedy exists.
Popping noises during turns are equally common. Multiple owners cite front-end pops that return after suspension repairs, tie-rod bushing installations, and shaft replacements. One vehicle needed eight dealer visits and still has the problem; another's noise is loud enough for bystanders to hear.
One owner encountered front-end wandering and leftward pull the day after delivery, with three dealerships confirming the defect but declining to fix it. A separate issue involves excessive power steering fluid loss from the hydraboost system at 149,000 miles; the owner claims a related recall exists but Chevrolet refused service.
Steering column rattling, steering chamber vibration at 45 mph, and steering lockup due to power steering pump failure round out the field. Across all complaints, owners express frustration at temporary repairs, manufacturer inaction, and safety concerns.
Failure modes owners describe
Intermediate steering shaft clunking, rattling, and knocking
Owners report persistent clunking, rattling, and knocking noises from the intermediate steering shaft, particularly during turns or over bumps. The noise originates from the driver's side front end and transmits through the steering wheel. Multiple owners report the problem returns after dealer greasing, typically lasting 5,000 to 15,000 miles before reoccurring.
When: From new through high mileage; one owner reports initial occurrence at 58,000 miles with worsening by 96,600 miles; another at 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking and clunking feel in steering wheel, especially when turning; Knocking noise in front driver's side; Rattling in steering column; Noise reoccurs months after repair; Noise worsens over time; Vibrations transmitted through steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers apply grease to intermediate shaft as a temporary fix (costs owner $135 in one case); some dealers later replaced the intermediate shaft entirely (~$300 reported); shaft replacement performed multiple times at 2-year intervals on one vehicle; local auto shop greasing did not resolve the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued service bulletins with multiple fixes since 2003 (greasing, new grease types, shaft replacement); one owner references Service Bulletin #050235003; recall mentioned for steering issues but owner claims selling dealership never performed it
Steering wheel lockup and loss of steering control
Two owners report instances where the steering wheel suddenly locked during driving, preventing vehicle maneuvering. One incident involved clicking and grinding noises accompanying the lockup.
When: First failure reported July 25, 2007 at 39,574 miles; second failure July 7, 2009 at 86,494 miles; another owner reports lockup at approximately 77,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks without warning during low-speed driving; Clicking and grinding noise when steering locks; Loss of steering control and inability to maneuver vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed failure twice but stated no remedy was available; parts replaced by dealer after second failure; one dealer advised power steering pump replacement but vehicle was not repaired
Popping noise in front end during turns and maneuvers
Multiple owners report a popping noise that occurs when turning corners, entering and exiting driveways, or turning at various speeds. The noise is loud enough to be heard from other vehicles and is accompanied by vibrations. Repeated repairs address multiple components but the problem returns and worsens.
When: Starts shortly after purchase (June 2005); reported at 35,000 miles and continuing through higher mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Popping noise in front end during turns; Noise during cornering, entering and exiting driveway; Vibration in front and rear tires; Huge vibrations from exhaust throughout vehicle; Noise progressively worsens
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced steering shaft, changed upper and lower actuators, replaced spring rubbers, regreased front end, replaced tie rod bushings (which were not installed at factory), replaced front suspension components; problems recurred despite multiple repairs
Power steering fluid loss from hydraboost system
One owner reports the hydraboost system is failing and leaking an excessive amount of power steering fluid. Owner adds 2 quarts per week and is unable to drive family due to intermittent brake failure concerns related to the compromised system.
When: At 149,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hydraboost system pouring power steering fluid; Excessive loss of power steering fluid requiring 2 quarts per week; Sporadic brake failure due to system compromise; Safety concern preventing family driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hydraboost recall mentioned by owner, but Chevrolet refused to perform work or acknowledge affected status
Steering chamber malfunction with vibrations
One owner reports steering chamber malfunctioning, shaking while driving at 45 mph, with accompanying tire vibration and exhaust vibrations. Problem occurred at very low mileage.
When: Failure mileage 250 miles; current mileage 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering chamber shaking while driving 45 mph; Tire vibration in front and rear; Huge vibrations from exhaust throughout vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Steering shaft changed after eight dealer visits
Front-end wandering, pulling, and alignment issues
One owner reports the vehicle pulled to the left and the front end wandered, evident the morning after purchase. Tires were also rubbing into the front fenders. Multiple dealerships verified the problems existed but stated there was no fix available.
When: Morning after purchase (June 12, 2005)
Symptoms owners cite: Front end wanders; Vehicle pulls to the left; Tires rubbing into front fenders
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships acknowledged problems but did not repair; second dealership also verified problems but stated no fix was available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall noted as unperfomed by selling dealership; GM Corporate complaint filed but they declined to help
Steering column rattling and noise under steering shaft
Multiple owners report rattling in the steering column, along with noise heard under the steering shaft during turns. One owner had the column rattling greased three times with temporary relief.
When: 85,279 miles on one vehicle; others not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling in steering column; Noise under steering shaft during low-speed left turns; Rattle and bumping noise transmitted through steering wheel while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Greasing performed three times, providing relief for about 6 months each time; one owner reports steering column replacement needed at 66,000 miles
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Rattling in steering column...have had greased 3 times and it stops for about 6 months. 2 friends drive 3/4 ton Chevrolet pickups and have the same problem. *tr
Rattle and bumping noise transmitted through the steering wheel while driving. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 8,000 and 77,000 miles, with the median around 20,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,000; a quarter make it past 77,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Chevrolet/Avalanche.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.