GM Power Steering Problems: Is There a Lawsuit?

Based on reports from consumers, attorneys have begun investigating whether there is enough evidence to bring a lawsuit against GM for manufacturing defective power steering systems.

While no lawsuit is currently ongoing, evidence could lead to lawsuit being filed. This lawsuit would likely be a class action lawsuit, meaning that owners of impacted vehicles could join the class of plaintiffs if they qualify and obtain compensation.

Alternatively, an individual might choose to pursue a lemon law claim for a more personalized legal process.

In this article, we discuss the GM power steering problems plaguing several of their vehicles as well as what you need to know to be caught up on the legal developments regarding those problems.

Which GM Models and Years Have Steering Issues 

According to consumer complaints, the impacted vehicles are 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 year Chevrolet Silverado vehicles and GMC Sierra vehicles.

If it is the case that a defect is causing the power steering issues, GM could be liable for selling the defective cars to consumers. Since GM manufactures all of the impacted cars, they would be the target for the lawsuit.

What GM Owners Have Been Saying

The GM power steering issues were largely discovered through consumer complaints about their power steering not functioning.

Below is a collection of some of these complaints directly from consumers about the issues they were facing.

• NHTSA Complaint

“With just under 900 miles the Steering wheel is turned to the left. There is a knocking noise when turning corners which the truck is now at the dealership for the 2nd time since I bought it.

• NHTSA Complaint

“Steering wheel has excessive play. I have had it looked at by two different dealerships and they are trying to convince me that this is normal. There is about 1 inch of dead band in the straight-ahead position. The dead band movement of the steering wheel shaft does not move the pitman arm at all. The last time I took it to the dealership I asked if they could check the over center preload on the steering gear. They said they checked it and it could not be tightened any further without causing secondary problems. I have driven similar trucks and there is very little if any free play. This issue has been present since new.”

• Cars.com Complaint

“I purchased pre-owned 2020 1500 SLT in February of this year. The truck rides comfortable and has plenty of room front and rear. My and I both enjoy it. My only drawback is the turn radius (lock to lock). It lacks compared to my wife’s 2018 Yukon SLT, or the 2016 Ram I traded in. Have to many times maneuver twice to park it going forward or reverse. Otherwise happy with our purchase.”

Is There a GM Power Steering Recall?

GM has not announced a recall for their vehicles having faulty power steering systems. However, there have been previous recalls for the same vehicles impacted by this power steering problem that related to steering.

It is possible that investigation will reveal these recalls were all connected to the same root issue.

Recall for 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 Vehicles

GM announced a recall for certain Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles in August 2023. This recall involved the steering gear shaft, which could fracture and disconnect from the steering arm and leave the driver unable to properly steer their vehicle.

This is a very dangerous problem that could result in serious accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall Campaign ID for this recall is 23V549000.

Steps to Take if Your Vehicle Experiences Power Steering Failure

If your GM vehicle is experiencing power steering issues, the first thing to do is to take the vehicle to the shop and have it inspected. If repairs are possible, repairing the issue is also crucial.

If repairs do not solve the problem, the vehicle should be driven very carefully and you should be careful when making turns, especially sharper turns.

If you try to get your vehicle repaired multiple times and repairs do not solve the problem, you might be dealing with a lemon and could be eligible for compensation.

When to Contact a Lawyer for GM Power Steering Problems

When a consumer purchases a defective vehicle, there are two main legal avenues often available to seek relief: pursuing an individual lemon law claim or joining a class action lawsuit.

While both options are designed to hold manufacturers accountable, the procedures and potential outcomes are different, and understanding these differences can help consumers choose the path that best fits their circumstances.

The lemon law process is designed to provide an individual remedy for consumers who have purchased or leased a vehicle with recurring problems that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

Each state has its own lemon law, but the general framework requires the vehicle to be under warranty and for the defect to significantly impair its use, value, or safety.

The consumer typically starts by giving the manufacturer or dealer an opportunity to repair the issue. If the problem continues despite repeated repair attempts, the consumer may file a lemon law claim, which can lead to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement.

This process is relatively direct and focuses on the individual’s specific vehicle and experience, allowing for a resolution that addresses that person’s unique situation.

A class action lawsuit, on the other hand, is pursued when a large group of consumers experiences similar problems with the same make or model of vehicle.

Instead of each person filing an individual claim, affected consumers join together to file one collective lawsuit against the manufacturer.

The case is led by a few representative plaintiffs and handled by specialized attorneys, with the results applying to all members of the class.

Class actions are often chosen when the defect is widespread and when the cost of bringing an individual case may outweigh the potential recovery.

The outcome is usually a negotiated settlement or court judgment that provides compensation, extended warranties, or repair programs for the entire group, but individual consumers have less control over the process and the remedies are not as tailored to personal circumstances.

Comparing the two, lemon law claims are more individualized and can potentially lead to a faster and more specific resolution, while class actions are broader in scope and may provide relief to thousands of people at once but often involve lengthy litigation and compromise settlements.

Lemon law claims generally focus on vehicles that remain under warranty and that meet state requirements for repeated repair failures, whereas class actions can extend to consumers who might not otherwise qualify for lemon law protections but still suffered from the same defect.

Get in Touch with the Lemon Law Experts Now! 

If your car has spent more time in the repair shop than on the road, it may qualify as a lemon. Manufacturers have a responsibility to stand behind their products, and the law ensures they do.

With skilled legal guidance, you can pursue the compensation you deserve, and the Lemon Law Experts are here to be that guidance for you.

Call us at (877) 885-5366 or fill out an online form today to find out if you have a claim!