SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems
severe 425 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
425
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
16crashes
1fire
6injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 425 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Of the 21 model years of Chevrolet Silverado we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 425.
Owners have filed 425 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GM: THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE CAN DISABLE THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. THIS COULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT AT LOW SPEEDS, A POWER STEERING DIC MESSAGE, AND COULD SET DTC C056D. THIS INFORMATION IS THE PROCEDURE NECESSARY TO REPROGRAM THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHEVROLET/GMC: PRODUCT RESTRICTION FOR THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GEAR.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a dangerous pattern of electrical failures and steering loss, primarily at low speeds and during turning maneuvers. The most common scenario involves the truck losing power steering without warning during parking lot turns or driveway maneuvers, sometimes accompanied by violent jerking of the steering wheel that yanks it out of the driver's hands. Simultaneously, drivers report total or near-total loss of electrical power—dash lights dim or go black, radio cuts out, and the "Service StabiliTrak" or "Steering Assist Reduced" warnings appear.
Many incidents occurred after GM performed recall 17V414000 (power steering software reprogramming), with owners alleging the recall made things worse. Electrical system collapses are sporadic and often intermittent, making dealer diagnosis difficult; technicians frequently cannot replicate the problem. When the truck's electrical system fails completely while driving, steering locks, brakes fade, and the engine stalls—creating life-threatening situations on highways and city streets. Several owners identified a loose or defective ground wire (G218) under the front left dash as a root cause.
Battery cable corrosion, poor connections, and low-voltage faults are recurring themes. Owners cite defects in manufacturing (fabric trimming caught under ground posts) and say GM has acknowledged the issue internally via service bulletins but refuses full recalls. At least one owner's truck caught fire due to an alternator and battery cable failure. Vibration complaints—some dating to delivery—persist across multiple repair attempts including tire balancing, drive shaft replacement, and suspension overhaul, with GM declaring the vibration "inherent to design."
The failures pose genuine collision risks and have resulted in accidents. Owners feel abandoned by dealerships that cannot or will not diagnose root causes and by GM, which denies coverage after warranty expiration despite widespread reports of identical problems.
Same Chevrolet Silverado steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of electrical power and steering assist during low-speed turns
Complete or near-complete loss of electrical power (including dashboard, lights, radio, climate control) combined with loss of power steering assist, typically occurring during parking lot turns, driveway maneuvers, or backing up. Steering wheel may jerk violently or lock. Engine may stall. Systems usually restore after sitting idle a few minutes.
When: Low speeds (5–15 mph), during turning or backing; also reported during reverse transitions; some incidents on highway after recall 17V414000 applied
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks violently or locks; Complete loss of power steering assist; Dashboard lights dim or go black; Radio cuts out; Engine stalls or nearly stalls; 'Service StabiliTrak' or 'Steering Assist Reduced' warning illuminates; Brake fade or loss of brake assist; Vehicle becomes immobile; windows and door locks unresponsive
Codes mentioned: Service StabiliTrak, Power Steering Assist Reduced, Low voltage codes, Communication loss to steering module, Communication loss to brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Loose or corroded battery cables (positive and negative), ground wire defects (G218 under front left dash), alternator failures, and battery terminal corrosion cited by owners and dealers. One owner had fabric material blocking ground post during assembly. Repairs range from battery replacement ($100–$300), cable replacement ($500–$700), to complete alternator replacement. Dealers often unable to pinpoint exact cause. One incident resulted in engine fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V414000 (power steering software reprogramming, 2017); some owners report condition worsened after recall. Service Bulletin PIT5405C addresses dashboard fabric interference with ground post. GM has issued low-voltage service bulletins but stopped short of full recall. One owner cited PI (Problem Investigation) number for known issue with no known resolution. Some dealers acknowledge internal GM awareness but claim no recall coverage.
Violent steering wheel jerking during parking and low-speed maneuvers
Sudden, uncontrolled jerking of the steering wheel toward or away from the driver's intended turn direction, occurring primarily during low-speed parking, backing, and turning. Wheel may jerk multiple times or lock in place. Often accompanied by electrical anomalies and StabiliTrak warnings.
When: Parking lot turns, driveway maneuvers, backing up, reversing into parking spaces; speeds 5–20 mph; some instances on highways after recall applied
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks violently out of driver's hands; Steering wheel locks or resists turning; Multiple jerks in opposite direction of intended turn; Vehicle veers into unintended path (parking spaces, traffic, curbs, ditch); Dashboard and lights flicker simultaneously; StabiliTrak light and power steering warnings illuminate
Codes mentioned: Service StabiliTrak, Power Steering Assist Reduced / Off, Low voltage codes, Steering position sensor faults (some dealers replaced sensor; owner later reported issue returned)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced steering wheel position sensors (~$1,000), transfer case actuators, battery cables, alternators, and batteries. Repairs often ineffective or temporary. One owner had $2,900 rack-and-pinion replaced; another spent $800 on multiple dealer visits without resolution. Ground wire (G218) repair—cutting away fabric and loosening ground post—resolved some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V414000 (steering software, July 2017); multiple owners report condition persisted or worsened post-recall. Some dealers cite Service Bulletin PIT5405C. One owner stated GM issued a PI (internal problem investigation) number but stated no solution exists. Dealers often unable to replicate problem and deny warranty coverage or charge diagnostic fees.
Complete vehicle electrical shutdown while driving
Total loss of all electrical functions (engine, lights, steering, brakes, ignition) occurring while vehicle is in motion, most often during turns or lane changes on highways. Vehicle becomes completely unresponsive. Typically restarts after 1–10 minutes or following key cycling.
When: Highway driving at speeds 30–75 mph; during turns and lane changes; some instances after recall 17V414000 or software updates
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off without warning; All lights and dashboard go dark or blank; Complete loss of power steering (wheel locks); Complete loss of power brakes; Radio and HVAC shut down; All communications and ignition functions dead; Vehicle coasts to a stop; Restart is delayed (up to 10 minutes) or requires key cycling; No error codes displayed; vehicle acts 'dead' with no electrical response
Codes mentioned: No codes displayed (total electrical loss), StabiliTrak error (post-restart in some cases), Low voltage codes (some dealers found), Service Steering Assist (post-restart)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers identified loose or corroded battery cables (particularly negative cable), dashboard fabric blocking ground points (PIT5405C), loose ground wires (G218), defective battery terminals, and failed alternator-cable connections. Replacements: negative battery cable ($500–$1,000), positive and negative cables rerouted, alternator and alternator cables replaced, battery replaced. At least one truck experienced engine fire due to alternator/cable failure. Most repairs temporary; many recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin PIT5405C (dashboard fabric interference, issued Jan 27, 2017). No widespread recall for electrical shutdown despite owner reports of widespread similar complaints. One owner found GM issued a PI number but stated no known solution. Dealerships unable to diagnose or deny warranty coverage. One owner was told by GM district manager to hire attorney—the only way to get buyback.
Cruise control disengagement and electrical glitches during turn signal use
Cruise control cuts off when turn signal is activated; simultaneously dashboard lights flicker, radio glitches, or electrical systems briefly reset. Occurs while driving at highway speeds.
When: Highway driving with cruise control set (40–75 mph); upon turn signal activation; also triggered by power window switches or brake pedal application
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control disengages when turn signal activated; Dashboard lights flicker or dim; Radio cuts out or resets; Gauge cluster resets as if vehicle were being started; Turn signal indicator lights flicker
Codes mentioned: Low voltage codes (some cases), Electrical communication glitches (not always captured in codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers blamed battery cables, alternator, or battery. Some replaced negative battery cable or charged battery. Repairs often did not resolve the underlying issue. One owner reported dealer replaced steering wheel position sensor at $1,000+ with no lasting effect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for this specific complaint. Service bulletins on low voltage issued but not a full recall.
Persistent vibration at multiple speed ranges
Constant vibration felt in steering wheel, seat, gas pedal, and throughout truck body at certain speeds. Varies in amplitude and frequency. Occurs across multiple speed ranges. Dealers unable to isolate root cause after numerous repair attempts.
When: At speeds 5–20 mph, 40–50 mph, 68–78 mph; present from new in many cases; some escalated after multiple service visits
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration in steering wheel; Vibration in seat and pedals; Whole-truck vibration; Vibration varies in amplitude and frequency; Vibration may increase or decrease sporadically
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed tire balancing, tire rotation/replacement (including full tire set swaps from 2015 Silverado), drive shaft rotation 180 degrees, drive shaft replacement, rear differential service, shock and strut replacement. After 12+ dealer attempts on some vehicles, vibration persisted. One dealership even swapped tires and rims from a 2015 model; did not help. Parts replaced had no effect on vibration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated vibration is 'inherent to design' and no further action will be taken. One dealer quoted the district manager as saying the only recourse is to hire an attorney for buyback. No recalls issued for vibration defect.
Power steering loss after recall 17V414000 application or worsened intermittent loss
Power steering suddenly lost or severely reduced during low-speed maneuvers (parking, turning, backing) either newly occurring after the recall was performed or escalating in frequency. Warning 'Steering Assist Reduced—Drive with Caution' appears. Condition often intermittent, making diagnosis difficult.
When: Low speeds (parking, reversing, turning); post-recall (July 2017 onward for affected vehicles); instances both before and after recall reported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist during slow maneuvers; 'Steering Assist Reduced, Drive with Caution' warning; Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn; Intermittent recurrence—may work fine for days then fail again; No warning prior to failure
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Reduced, Low voltage codes, Service Steering Assist
Repairs/costs cited: Post-recall: one owner had rack-and-pinion replaced ($2,535 at independent shop vs. $2,900 at dealership); owner stated part was 'remanufactured' suggesting GM knew of the problem. Dealers cited battery cable voltage resistance. One owner charged $300 diagnostic fee; another $507 for loose battery terminal repair (which failed after 10,000 miles). Multiple owners paid for repairs dealers claimed were not covered under any recall despite owning nearly identical trucks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V414000 (July 2017) addressed power steering loss at low speeds via software reprogramming. Many owners report condition persisted or worsened post-recall. Dealers refused to re-run recall, citing the VIN was not in the recall scope or claiming the problem was unrelated. No official acknowledgment of post-recall failures from GM.
Engine fire due to alternator and battery cable defect
Engine fire ignited, traced to defective alternator and battery cable installation or connection failure.
When: Approximately January 2017; preceded by months of electrical issues (dimming headlights, cruise control cutoff, electrical resets)
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from engine compartment (reported weeks prior); Engine fire outbreak
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reported alternator cable and negative battery cable were replaced multiple times during troubleshooting prior to fire. Fire occurred on 01/10/2017 after cable replacement attempt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or safety announcement identified in narratives. Owner had to manage fire incident privately.
Headlight moisture intrusion and flickering
Moisture accumulation inside headlamp housings when truck is washed. Lights also flicker or dim when brakes are applied or turn signals used.
When: Upon washing truck; flickering and dimming during brake/turn signal use throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Moisture inside headlamp lenses; Headlights flicker or turn on/off intermittently; Headlights dim when brakes applied or turn signal activated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced left headlamp; moisture problem recurred. One owner reported multiple electrical incidents and light flickering tied to same vehicle with vibration and steering issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced one headlamp but did not address root cause (seal defect).
Transmission shifting glitches and clunks (early delivery issues)
Transmission does not shift smoothly; exhibits clunking or jerking at lower gears. Occurred within first days of truck ownership. Vehicle also exhibited unintended neutral shift while accelerating from stop.
When: Approximately 40–55 mph in Hi-2 mode, drive mode; also at 0 mph when attempting to accelerate from stopped position; reported within first week of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Mild clunk during shifts at lower gears; Transmission jumps into neutral without driver input while accelerating; Shift lever indicates drive; vehicle revs without moving (drifts into intersection); Strong 'thunk' feeling when transmission re-engages after neutral slip
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially attributed symptoms to alignment issues. Vehicle towed to dealership before official service appointment completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information on manufacturer response in this narrative.
Synthesized from 425 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
While driving today, the power steering stopped working while trying to turn at the traffic light. I had to go straight and park the truck on the side of the street. The warning light came on while this happened, stating “steering assist is reduced, drive with care”. Taking to dealership tomorrow morning.
Having issues with power steering going out lights flickering dash lights flickering cruse control turning off bluetooth shutting off stabletrac coming up on dash and other problems flashing on and off had my head lights go off and on
Had steering trouble with your 2014 Chevrolet Silverado?
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 2014 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 425 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 308 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 41,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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/2014/Chevrolet/Silverado.
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.