Power steering failures dominate these complaints—owners lose steering assist or encounter completely locked steering wheels, usually without warning, at speeds ranging from parking-lot crawls to 70 mph. Some regain power after restarting; others find the steering fails again within minutes. Multiple owners have been nearly or fully involved in crashes because they couldn't turn.
The second major failure pattern is total electrical shutdown: the truck's entire electrical system dies while driving, killing the engine, shutting down the dash, and locking both the steering wheel and brakes. One owner hauling a trailer nearly went over a 100-foot embankment. Owners describe the truck coasting to a stop with zero steering or braking capability, no warning beforehand. This affects vehicles from early ownership through 180,000 miles.
Battery cables and ground connections appear frequently in repair attempts, with costs ranging $492 to $1,300, but fixes often fail to stick. Dealers struggle to diagnose either failure—some cannot replicate the problems, others find loose grounds or bad batteries, yet the steering and electrical issues return.
GM's 2018 EPS recall (18V586000) software update has backfired in multiple cases: immediately after the dealership flash, owners report worse steering loss, stability control errors, flickering lights, and braking problems. Independent mechanics have flagged the recall software as introducing module communication failures.
Steering stiffness and locking during turns (especially right turns) are reported repeatedly, as is the "Chevy Shake"—a violent cabin vibration above 55 mph that persists despite tire service and alignment. One owner with a leveling kit was denied warranty coverage for a failing steering rack when the dealership blamed the modification, even though a similar 2014 model was under 800,000-unit recall for the same part.
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of Power Steering—Intermittent or Complete
Electronic power steering fails with or without warning, sometimes during turns or highway driving. Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or impossible to turn, or power returning after restart. Failures occur at various speeds and often recur.
When: Reported from 10,000 to 180,000 miles; many incidents within first few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes stiff or impossible to turn; Loss of power steering assist without warning or with 'Service Power Steering' warning light; Power steering returns temporarily after restart; Intermittent failure during turns or highway driving at 35–70 mph; Steering wheel jerks or pulls back toward center
Codes mentioned: P0A03 (EPS module failure), 18V586000 (EPS recall campaign)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced power steering control modules, steering racks (reported $3,000 replacement cost), and in some cases diagnosed defective EPS modules. Repairs often unsuccessful; failures persist after intervention.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued NHTSA Campaign 18V586000 (EPS software update/flash). Owners report the recall did not resolve the issue; some failures actually worsened after the recall. Service bulletin issued but marked as out-of-pocket expense in some cases. GM offered monetary assistance in at least one case.
Complete Electrical Power Loss—Steering and Brakes Lockup
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, causing the steering wheel to lock, brakes to become inoperable, and engine to shut off. Dash goes dark and all power is lost. Described as a potential design flaw in the ignition or electrical system.
When: Occurs randomly; reported at various mileages, sometimes triggered by road bumps, rough surfaces, or downhill maneuvers with trailers
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power—dash goes dark, radio shuts off, headlights fail; Steering wheel locks; unable to turn; Brakes become inoperable or lock up; Engine stalls while driving; No warning lights displayed before shutdown; Vehicle becomes a coasting liability on roadways; Power loss triggered by road jolts, bumps, or rough surfaces (especially with trailer loads)
Codes mentioned: Theft deterrent system false activation (message: 'Turn driver side window down and up'), No diagnostic codes stored (system completely offline)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery cables and negative battery terminals have been replaced (reported $492–$1,300 repair costs); some dealers found loose ground connections. Fuse block replacement and wiring diagnostics attempted with mixed results. Multiple dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers have requested $1,000+ diagnostic deposits (non-refundable). No recall issued for this failure mode. Owners report GM and dealers deny awareness of the widespread issue despite online documentation (e.g., Bulletin No. 18-NA-161, Reference N172085440).
Post-Recall EPS Software Update Causing New Failures
After dealership applied the EPS recall fix, owners report the system malfunctioned severely—steering loss, stability control errors, braking issues, and electrical problems appeared immediately or within days of the recall service.
When: Immediately after recall service or within days; one reported worsening over weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of steering assist 2 seconds or longer during highway turns; Manual steering required after power assist cuts out; Power steering warning light illuminates; Dashboard lights blink and flicker; Stabilitrac and tow-haul error warnings appear; Steering wheel jerks out of hand, causing loss of control; Brakes feel unresponsive or spongy; Engine struggles to stay running at stops; Multiple warning lights cycling on and off
Codes mentioned: 18V586000 (EPS recall flash), Stabilitrac error, Tow-haul error, Calibration error, Communication errors between modules (per independent mechanic)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer claimed bad battery cables caused the problem and charged out-of-pocket for a service bulletin. Independent mechanics reported the recall flash caused module communication failures. Dealers denied liability, stating the recall flash could not have caused the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V586000 (recall). Service bulletin issued after recall (marked as out-of-pocket for owners in some cases). Dealerships refused to address the connection between recall flash and subsequent failures, stating the recall could not be responsible.
Steering Stiffness or Locking During Turns—Right-Hand Turns Predominant
Steering wheel becomes stiff, locks up, or resists turning, most often during right-hand turns. Occurs at low speeds (parking lots, drive-throughs) or highway speeds (55–70 mph). Requires significant effort to force the wheel back to center.
When: Low to high speeds; reported intermittently or repeatedly over short periods
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely stiff during right-hand turns; Steering wheel sticks in the turned position at highway speed; Requires manual force to return wheel to center; Jerky steering motions and grinding/clicking noises from steering column; Momentary lock-ups lasting 1–2 seconds before releasing
Codes mentioned: Power steering warning light (sometimes illuminates, sometimes absent), 18V586000 (EPS recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate issue during diagnostic visits. No repairs offered when problem cannot be reproduced. One owner reported replacement of rack and pinion being required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 18V586000 (EPS recall). Dealers deny the recall applies in some cases where VIN is not listed. Chevrolet customer service claims no report of this issue.
Vibration or 'Chevy Shake'—Shaking at Highway Speeds
Vehicle shakes or vibrates throughout the cabin at highway speeds (55–80+ mph). Vibration is felt in the steering wheel, seats, center console, doors, and gas pedal, and increases with speed.
When: Approximately 12,000–15,000 miles; persists despite multiple dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration starts around 55–60 mph and increases beyond 80 mph; Shaking felt throughout cabin: steering wheel, seats, console, doors, gas pedal; Vibration severe enough to cause headaches on long drives; Intermittent at certain speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have performed tire rotations, wheel balancing, tire replacements, and road force balancing. Dealers claim truck is operating within spec despite ongoing vibration. No defective parts identified or replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technicians assured owners vibration is 'normal.' No recalls issued. Owners report online forums indicate this is a widespread known issue ('Chevy Shake') possibly related to driveshaft wobble, but dealers continue to deny the problem.
Vehicle Pulling to One Side (Usually Right)
Vehicle pulls consistently to the right while driving straight, affecting handling and requiring constant steering input. Occurs on new trucks and persists despite wheel alignment and tire service.
When: Early in ownership (reported at 15,000 miles on new truck)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to the right while driving straight; Constant steering input required to maintain straight line; Problem present on new vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealers performed alignments and confirmed tires are in good condition. Alignment paid for by owner did not resolve the issue. No defective parts identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None stated. Dealerships unresponsive to concern; no recalls identified.
Sudden Steering Failure Without Warning During Normal Driving
Steering system suddenly fails without prior symptoms or warning lights during normal driving, requiring extreme effort to control vehicle. No diagnostic codes or fault indicators appear before failure.
When: At various speeds, often during turns or maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and nearly impossible to turn; Sudden loss of control of vehicle; No warning lights or alerts before failure; No prior symptoms; Abrupt onset during turns or routine maneuvers
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required towing and declared unsafe to drive. Failure attributed to EPS system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None stated.
Synthesized from 171 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.