# Chevrolet Tahoe power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 82
- **Most complaints:** 2015 (38)
- **Related recalls:** 4
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 82 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Chevrolet Tahoe (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (38). There are **4 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop.

## Chevrolet Tahoe power steering warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 38 | 663 | 6% |
| 2016 | 5 | 257 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 175 | 2% |
| 2018 | 9 | 105 | 9% |
| 2019 | 6 | 109 | 6% |
| 2020 | 3 | 57 | 5% |
| 2021 | 13 | 464 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 197 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 69 | 3% |
| 2026 | 1 | 28 | 4% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Chevrolet Tahoe recalls related to the power steering warning light

**[21V455000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V455000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-06-17): Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021.

**[18V586000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V586000)** (2015 models, reported 2018-09-07): If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018.

**[14V719000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V719000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-11-10): An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014.

**[14V246000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=14V246000)** (2015 models, reported 2014-05-14, **park outside / do not drive advisory**): An improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. **Remedy:** GM notified all owners, and dealers will inspect the inner tie rods to make sure that they are correctly tightened, replacing the steering gear, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2014.

Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What Chevrolet Tahoe owners report

- "The light changed and as we started to drive again the check engine light came on and I lost power steering. I was trying to navigate the car off towards the shoulder but the car was hard to maneuver, but was able to move into the right lane. I had to drive the car slowly as to not stop the engine propulsion and..." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe, complaint filed 2026
- "It is extremely dangerous because it occurs while operating the vehicle and sometimes power steering and braking are compromised. When it happens on the freeway I try to maneuver to exit but it is dangerous to myself and others driving near me. Dealer has not been able to diagnose the problems or make correction...." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, complaint filed 2026
- "A vibration/rumble was observed (unsure if it was steering assist or propulsion surging), as well as increased engine speed without vehicle acceleration and no engine speed increase while pressing the accelerator. Turns seemed to make the symptoms worse and cycling power on the truck would temporarily clear the..." -- owner of a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, complaint filed 2024

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the power steering warning light means

The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common)
2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common)
3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common)
4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Tahoe power steering light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 related recalls (21V455000, 18V586000, 14V719000, 14V246000) covering 2015-2021 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have the most power steering light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2018 and 2021 Tahoe model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 38 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Tahoe with the power steering light on?

Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash.

### How do I check if my Chevrolet Tahoe has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Chevrolet Tahoe warning lights

- [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-tahoe): 21 complaints
- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-tahoe): 32 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-tahoe): 136 complaints
- [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-tahoe): 281 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-tahoe): 21 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-tahoe): 80 complaints

## Power steering warning light on other models

- [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints
- [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints
- [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints
- [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints
- [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints
- [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints
- [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints

## Chevrolet Tahoe

- [Chevrolet Tahoe specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-tahoe)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-tahoe
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
