2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Steering Problems

Your 2021 Tahoe has three serious issues: the engine is burning excessive oil (5 quarts every 3,000 miles), causing thick white smoke to pour from the exhaust unexpectedly—a frightening situation that caused panic among your passengers. The transmission jerks harshly when shifting gears, and the steering wheel has become unstable. A Chevrolet dealer determined the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to the transmission and engine problems. These issues will likely require engine rebuild or replacement, transmission repair or replacement, and steering system diagnosis.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the steering was difficult to turn. The vehicle was driven to a dealer and determined that the vehicle had lost power steering assist functionality. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (STEERING); and associated the failure with the recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,725

Electric Power Steering system issue after battery died and had to be jump started.

While driving and turning left and right, and while cold and turning It does a grinding/groan noice, and recently while driving it did that, and It started losing speed and the grinding worsening and I was losing control of the vehicle. Putting the vehicle in Auto makes the groan/grind worse.

The rear differential makes a rubbing or humming noise when turning left/right at slow speed especially when it’s cold.

At low speeds the steering wheel locks up and become very difficult to turn. This has been an issue for a few years and only happens randomly. Reviewing N212333901 it is the same symptoms but for some reason my VIN is not covered in the recall while is the same year as affected vehicles (2021 Tahoe Z71)

• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering column lock system malfunctioned, triggering a “Service Steering Column Lock” alert. This failure caused a sudden loss of steering control. The vehicle and components remain available for inspection upon request. In addition, the incident appears to have caused damage to the trailer harness wiring. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The malfunction placed my safety and the safety of others at significant risk. When the alert appeared, I lost steering control of the vehicle and nearly collided, which could have resulted in a serious accident. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The problem has not yet been reproduced or formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I am prepared to make it available for immediate inspection. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. A “Service Steering Column Lock” message appeared at the time of the incident, immediately prior to the sudden loss of steering control and the resulting issue with the trailer harness wiring.

The safety system needs serviced/repaired and the alert has been present for months, and investigated by GM licensed dealership but not repaired, after several requests. The safety of drivers and passengers has been neglected and the high risk for injury and death while occupying the 2021 Chevy Tahoe. Also on 06/11/2025 the EPS Power Steering system failed, with the system alert showing up on the driver's dash. This is a cause for major concern and is noted that 2021 Chevy Tahoe vehicles have an outstanding recall for those affected. The licensed GM dealership was contacted on 06/12/2025 and again, denied the repair and/or ability for the vehicle to be operated safely. The Tahoe has been taken to the shop over the last 12-16 months and as of this day, occupants of this vehicle are at very high risk for injury and death due to the service safety system alert and the failed EPS system. I am compelled to take additional action, to prevent injury and death unless these issues are able to be immediately resolved.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the warning message "service restraint system" was displayed and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electrical wiring under the front driver’s side seat was damaged from moving the seat back and forth. In addition, the contact also indicated that while operating the vehicle the message "Power Steering" was displayed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Power steering has failed completely, can not turn at all unless its slightly.

While driving on a residential street during daylight hours, on a clear day at approximately 20 miles per hour the right wheel on my car dislodged.  This caused me to lose control of steering the vehicle and strike a parked car.  There were people walking about on the sidewalk at the time and other cars traveling.  When I exited the car I saw that the passenger side was completely on the ground and there were broken pieces and liquid coming from underneath the car.  The axel was broken with a clean break.  The car was then towed to the dealership where I was informed it could not stay.  My insurance company then towed it to their repair shop where upon assessing the damage they could tell that this was not caused by a collision.  General Motors along with our independent investigator examined the parts and vehicle. Leaving me without a vehicle for 4 months.  Our Insurance investigator determined this was a defect in manufacturing and GM did not agree.  General Motors will not communicate with us any further on this matter.  Some of the repairs that were made was the left front and CV axel, also the left front aluminum steering knuckle was missing.  This should be investigated for metallurgical discrepancies by an independent lab.  While the car was being inspected there was a recall to the power steering that may apply to the vehicle.  I would like for the NHTSA to investigate this issue.  The car has been repaired and is in my possession and my insurance company has all of the reports, documents, and parts regarding the investigation.  I also have pictures immediately following and a witness to the incident. Had a been traveling on a highway at a higher rate of speed this could have been fatal.  Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

2021 Chevy Tahoe/ Service Steering Column Lock contnues to message after each start.milage 900 miles.My concern is that steering failure could occur while in transit. Dealer was unable to resolve issue.

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR NEW TAHOE (5,101 MILES) DOWN A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET, STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND HIT GAS TO PROCEED INTO A TURN AND ENGINE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. SHE WAS ABLE TO GLIDE TO A STOP IN FRONT OF A HOUSE, BUT IS TERRIFIED WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED IF SHE WAS TRAVELING FAR FROM HOME OR ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH SPEED WITH THE SAME OCCURRING. CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER/START AFTER STOPPING AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. OCCURRED ON A NEIGHBORHOOD STREET (ASHLEIGH ROAD IN FAIRFAX, VA)