MADISON, Wis. — Several popular models of General Motors trucks and sport utility vehicles are liable to lose their power steering as drivers make slow turns in parking lots, according to testimony and company documents.
The problem has forced GM to settle lawsuits and led one state police force to briefly label the condition a hazard, but the automaker considers it a “normal characteristic” of the vehicles.
Some drivers complain they struggle to parallel park and navigate into tight spots. Others say they end up occupying two parking spaces because of difficulty turning the wheel. They say they were never told about the condition before buying the vehicles.
GM has told its technicians the problem occurs when drivers apply the brakes and turn the wheel at the same time.
An internal company bulletin shows that the Chevrolet Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado Classic; GMC Sierra Classic and Yukon; Cadillac Escalade; and Hummer H2 are at risk for the steering lockups. The problems affect various model years dating to 1999. The Associated Press
