This technical 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 ↗2017 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems
severe 66 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
66
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
5crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 66 steering complaints filed for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 66 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.
This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a conditionwhere a tick noise may be present inside a vehicle while driving. This may be the result of a deformed or improperly seated steering shaft seal allowing engine compartment sounds into the vehicle. Dealers are instructed to replace or reinstall the boot as needed and are informed the condition is being reviewed by engineering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle with Service ABS and/or Traction control lights/message on, Service Power Steering System, Service Suspension System, and or Loss of communication with EBCM, SWPS, PSCM, and/or SCM. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes U0077, U0121, U0126, U0131, U0139, U0401, U0415, and/or U0428. Technician should remove the driver and passenger sill plate to gain access to the wire harness. If any open, damaged, or corroded wires should be repaired.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates a customer concern ofIPC gauges inoperative or fluctuate, No Start,No Crank,SIR Light / Service Airbag Message, Service Suspension Message,Radio display blank, Steering Wheel Controls (SWC) not illuminated, Turn Signal no audible feedback,HVAC controls inoperative. During diagnostics a technician may find any of the following DTC's: B1011, B1370, B3980, U0020, U0029, U007D, U0073, U0078, U0100, U0101, U0102, U0104, U0140, U0151, U0155, U0164,U0184, U0186, U0198, U0422. Dealer is instructed to check Serial Data Gateway Module X2 connector for terminal concerns and repair as needed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have hard or unable to rotate ignition key concern. When the concern is present the steering wheel will need to be rotated in either direction to alleviate the pressure between the steering column lock pin and lock plate. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.
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 truck that intermittently loses all electrical power—engine dies, lights cut out, steering and brakes go limp—sometimes multiple times in a few thousand miles while driving at any speed and in any condition. The loss happens most often during turns or low-speed maneuvers, leaving drivers coasting to a stop or fighting a wheel that feels like it weighs 100 pounds. Power steering fails or locks solid without warning; some report the wheel jerks violently the wrong direction when they try to turn. Stabilitrak, traction control, and ABS warnings light up together, often accompanied by the actual systems shutting down—one owner had brake lockup on a trailer despite disabling trailer brakes. Dashboard gauges drop to zero, radios cut out, door locks cycle, and chimes sound. Dealerships cannot replicate the failures and have replaced Body Control Modules, ground connections, power steering modules, and software—nothing sticks. One owner visited shops in three states over four years with no fix. Multiple owners mention finding similar complaints online and reference a recall (campaign 18289) for 2015 Silverados with the same symptoms, suggesting Chevrolet identified this problem years ago but did not address the 2017 model. At least one person had airbags deploy during a steering failure, totaling the truck. Crashes and near-misses are common in the narratives—head-on near-miss, light pole collision, intersection incidents. The intermittent nature frustrates shops: no active fault codes show up, tests pass, and owners leave still unsafe.
Same Chevrolet Silverado steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic/electrical power loss during driving
Vehicle loses electrical power and engine power while driving, causing complete shutdown or near-shutdown with loss of power steering and braking capability. Occurs intermittently at various speeds and conditions, sometimes during turns or gear changes. Vehicle may restart after turning off and on, or power may return after a few seconds. Owners report this has happened multiple times over short mileage intervals.
When: Intermittent; reported at 30k to 170k miles; some owners report multiple incidents in short timeframes (e.g., 7 times in 4000 miles, 15+ times in recent weeks)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power and engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering assist; Loss of brake power assist; Dashboard lights and gauges go dark or flicker; Radio cuts out or display goes blank; Door locks cycle on and off; Chimes and warning sounds activate; Vehicle coasts to a stop or must be shifted to neutral to restart; Loss of visibility and control on roadways
Codes mentioned: C0545 (steering wheel torque sensor malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacements include Body Control Module (BCM), Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM), Brake Control Module. Owners report ground connections cleaned and reconnected. Power steering module calibration updates attempted. Multiple repairs have not resolved issue for some owners. No permanent fix confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners report Chevy support provided limited assistance; dealers unable to diagnose intermittent issues. Service bulletins may exist (one owner references bulletin 18289 for 2015 models with similar symptoms). No widespread recall issued for 2017 Silverado.
Power steering loss or lockup during turns
Power steering fails, locks up, or becomes extremely difficult to turn at low and highway speeds, often during turns. Steering wheel may jerk violently in opposite direction of intended turn. Failure can occur suddenly without warning or with 'Service Power Steering' message. Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult.
When: Low speeds (10 mph, 15 mph, 25 mph) and highway speeds (35-70 mph); primarily during turning maneuvers; reported from under 10k miles to 170k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist loss or severe stiffness; Steering wheel locks up or becomes nearly immovable; Steering wheel jerks violently to opposite direction of turn; Abrupt steering response requiring heavy physical effort; Steering wheel turns opposite direction momentarily; Difficulty or inability to turn vehicle at intersections and parking maneuvers; 'Service Power Steering Assist' or 'Service Power Steering' warning message displays; Dashboard instruments flicker or go dark when steering fails
Codes mentioned: C0545 (steering wheel torque sensor malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacements and repairs cited: power steering control module reprogramming/updating, torque input sensor replacement in rack pinion, power steering assist replacement, steering rack and steering box replacement, steering column unlocking/calibration update. Clicking noises reported in steering (diagnosed as rack and pinion noise). Multiple repairs and dealer visits have not resolved issue for many owners; some report problem recurs after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to replicate intermittent failures; no permanent fix guarantee provided. One owner cited service bulletin reference (18289 for 2015 models, suggesting 2017 may have related design issue). Power steering module updates attempted but effectiveness unclear. No recall issued specifically for 2017 Silverado steering issues.
Stabilitrak, traction control, and brake system warning lights with functional failures
Stabilitrak warning light illuminates along with traction control, ABS, and brake-related warnings. When these warnings occur, braking and stability control systems may malfunction or become unavailable. Occurs both while driving and when parked. Intermittent pattern makes service diagnosis difficult.
When: Intermittent; at various speeds and road conditions; can occur while parked; reported from early ownership through 114k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak warning light illuminates; Traction control disabled warning; ABS warning light illuminates; Service brake system warning; Actual braking function loss or malfunction; Vehicle unable to start or crank when warnings present while parked; Complete electrical shutdown alongside these warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report Brake Control Module replacement and reprogramming attempted. Electrical connections cleaned and reconnected. Dealerships often unable to pinpoint cause or provide permanent fix. One owner reports attempt to complete recall programming failed due to these warning lights remaining on.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Limited manufacturer response reported. One owner mentions case file opened by Chevrolet but resolution unclear. Some dealerships suggest issue is separate from or unrelated to brake recall updates.
Steering wheel vibration and wobble at highway speeds
Vehicle exhibits severe vibration, wobble, or shake at highway speeds (60-75+ mph), creating sensation that control is being lost. Driver must reduce speed to regain confidence. Issue persists despite multiple dealer service attempts and replacements.
When: Highway speeds (60-75+ mph); began around 500 miles after purchase on new vehicle; persists with ~10k miles after multiple repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Severe wobble, vibration, or shake at highway speeds; Sensation that vehicle control is being lost; Steering becomes difficult to manage
Repairs/costs cited: Front left wheel replaced (original tire unable to be balanced), field force balancing performed 3 times, left front axle boot replaced. Issue persists despite these repairs. One complaint mentions possible torque converter involvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed multiple attempted repairs; no recall or TSB cited.
Dashboard instrument cluster malfunction and loss of transmission communication
Dashboard gauges go to zero, transmission gear indicator goes dark, vehicle cannot be started reliably, and all dash lights and radio go black. Loss of communication between transmission, electronic brake system, trailer brake system, and other modules occurs while driving, forcing immediate stop.
When: Since 2020-2021; intermittent occurrences over years of ownership across multiple states; multiple month-long shop stays without resolution
Symptoms owners cite: All gauges drop to zero on instrument cluster; Transmission gear indicator does not illuminate; Dashboard goes completely dark when attempting to start; Vehicle does not crank or start when warnings present; No clicking noise from starter; Loss of communication to transmission while driving; Loss of communication to electronic brake system; Loss of communication to trailer brake system; Vehicle cannot be restarted reliably after communication loss; Transmission overheating due to being stuck in gear
Repairs/costs cited: Body Control Module (BCM) replaced, Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM) replaced, Brake Control Module replaced. Issue persists after multiple replacements across different shops and states (Colorado, Idaho, California). Mechanics and certified GM shops unable to identify root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or resolution provided despite multiple repair attempts across certified GM dealers.
Steering wheel lock-up on startup
Steering column lock does not release on startup, making steering wheel immovable whether pushed forward or reverse. Occurs on multiple startup occasions. Vehicle becomes undriveable until resolved.
When: On startup; occurred twice on starting vehicle; reported at 10k miles; one incident at 57 miles out of warranty
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column remains locked on startup; Steering wheel cannot be turned in any direction; Steering wheel immovable no matter forward or reverse movement
Repairs/costs cited: Steering module software update performed; owner charged $186 after 57 miles out of warranty despite no guarantee update resolves issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership identified steering module needing update but charged customer out-of-warranty fee without guarantee of permanent fix.
Airbag deployment without warning or during loss of vehicle control
Front driver and passenger side airbags deployed without warning or appropriate trigger, or deployed during incident caused by steering failure. One case reports airbags deployed while vehicle was experiencing steering seizure and loss of electrical power.
When: One reported incident at unknown speed; timing correlates with electrical shutdown event in another complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Front driver and passenger airbags deploy without warning; Airbag light illuminated; Airbag deployment during separate steering/electrical failure event
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled in crash resulting from airbag deployment and subsequent steering seizure. No repair information available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Police report filed; manufacturer not contacted by officer. Unknown dealer called but provided no information.
Synthesized from 66 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Complete loss of electrical system power and engine power, vehicle stalls and Coast to a stop. This has happened seven different times in the last 4000 miles driven. Possibly due to faulty ground connection electric power steering system and or stabilitrak I don't know but it is very dangerous. And there has been many other people experiencing this on Silverado Facebook groups.
Truck was dropped off at the dealership, for loss and sticking of power steering. They completed some tests replaced a part and did a full test drive. I picked up the truck, drove halfway home barely made it complete loss of power steering again.
Had steering trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 66 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 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 29,000 and 87,000 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 87,000. 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/2017/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.