This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet 3500 steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet 3500 have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 37,844 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 17 steering complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet 3500, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Steering accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners across 17 complaints describe loose, sloppy steering that emerges early and persists despite repairs. The core issue is the pitman arm lash adjustment screw backing out of the steering gearbox, creating 3–8 inches of free play in the steering wheel. One owner at 1,700 miles experienced the adjustment screw backed out 3/8 inch with steering box leakage. Another at highway speed suddenly had 6–8 inches of play, forcing an emergency pullover. Steering response becomes unpredictable: some owners report tight handling below 45 mph, dangerously loose steering from 46–74 mph, then tightness again at 75+ mph. Towing a heavy trailer amplifies the problem—owners cite exhaustion and concentration demands during interstate hauling at wind speeds.
Dealers have replaced steering gearboxes multiple times on single vehicles with no permanent fix. GM has issued at least five TSBs (PIT5501C through PIT5501E), with later ones recommending loctite on the adjustment bolt. One owner reports this loctite fix failed after two months. A separate serpentine belt failure at 55,000 miles—well below the 150,000-mile service interval—disabled power steering and power brakes simultaneously. Owners cite this as a systemic design or engineering flaw, not a manufacturing outlier.
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Gearbox Pitman Arm Lash Backing Out
The pitman arm lash adjustment screw on the steering gearbox backs out over time, creating excessive play in the steering wheel and loss of steering control authority. This is the primary structural failure documented across multiple narratives.
When: 1,700–70,000 miles; frequently early in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: 3–8 inches of free play at steering wheel; Loose, sloppy steering feel; Highway wander or lane-keeping difficulty; Vehicle crosses centerline without driver input; Intermittent tightness and looseness depending on speed (0–45 mph tight, 46–74 mph loose, 75+ mph tight); Excessive steering effort required, especially when towing; Steering box leaking power steering fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gearbox replacement (multiple attempts often required); TSB-referenced loctite application on adjustment bolt (temporary fix); replacement of pitman arm shaft with updated part number 84240812
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM TSB #PIT5501C (steering box replacement); GM TSB #PIT5501D (pitman arm shaft replacement with updated design); GM TSB #PIT5501E (referenced in narratives); loctite lock application recommended in later TSB
Steering Response Lag and Dead Spot
Steering becomes unresponsive when input is applied; the wheel must be turned several inches before the vehicle reacts. This represents loss of steering control authority.
When: 39,500 miles (documented case)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel must be turned several inches before vehicle responds; Delayed or absent steering response; Vehicle does not turn as expected
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear assembly replacement
Power Steering System Loss (Serpentine Belt Failure)
Serpentine belt breaks prematurely, causing immediate loss of hydraulic power steering assist on diesel models. This leaves the vehicle with manual steering only, creating a critical safety hazard.
When: 55,000 miles (documented); service interval 150,000 miles or 10 years
Symptoms owners cite: Serpentine belt breakage; Loss of power steering assist; Loss of power brake assist; Nearly impossible to steer or stop the vehicle; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt replacement; no root cause determined by dealer
Power Steering Intermittent Loss
Power steering assistance cuts out intermittently, particularly during hot weather, low-speed driving, and cornering maneuvers.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering intermittently unavailable; Loss of assist during slow-speed cornering; Condition worsens in hot weather
Pitman Arm and Idler Arm Wear
The pitman arm and idler arm wear prematurely and require replacement even on lightly used vehicles not driven off-road.
When: 37,844 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excess play in steering; Loose and worn pitman arm; Loose and worn idler arm; Sloppy steering feel
Repairs/costs cited: Pitman arm and idler arm replacement
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
I bought this truck in october 2019. While out on the test drive, I noticed 2 to 3 inches of free play in the steering wheel. I asked them to look into it and they found a bolt in the steering box had backed out about a half inch on it's own. They found a tsb from gm saying to use loctite on the bolt. They fixed it and everything has been good for two months. I am now starting to feel free play…
I reported to my dealer charper Chevrolet nov. 2018,I had roughly 23k miles,that my 2016 Chevy 3500 had developed a wobble, shake whatever you could call it. They investigated and told me my tires possibly had broken belts the tires had plenty of tread left. I was told if I could deal with the shake till I get new tires so be it. I rode them till july 2019 got 6 new michelin 235/80/17 ltx…
New truck had lose steering when I took delivery, requiring over correction. With just 4529 in mileage on it I took it back to my dealer. Was told they already had made repairs to four other trucks with the same issue. They replaced the hydraulic recirculating ball steering gear. Steering gear adjuster way too far out, leaking at shaft seals. Replaced gear and the new one was bad as well, with…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became different and had to be turned a few inches before the vehicle would respond and turn. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to laramie gm auto center (3600 grand ave, laramie, wy 82070 (307) 460-4761) where it was diagnosed that the steering gear…
At 54,000 miles, noticed 2-3 inches in play in the steering wile driving the vehicle. Now that the steering has loosened, it is a continual issue. I have not had it diagnosed yet. However, in reading other complaints on this site, this seems to be a design error. As this is dangerous. The NHTSA should force gm to issue a recall.
Steering is always a bit loose. At only 70,000 the ABS and stabilitrak warnings came on. Took the vehicle to the dealer and learned that the pitman shaft is backing itself out of the steering assembly. Not covered by warranty. Yet, Chevy has 6 tsbs on this issue (the latest saying to use some lock-tite on it); they had a newly designed part; and, checking inventory you learn that dealers have…
Had steering trouble with your 2016 Chevrolet 3500?
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 2016 Chevrolet 3500?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 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 13,000 and 54,000 miles, with the median around 37,844. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 54,000. 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/2016/Chevrolet/3500.
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.