Power Steering Defect In GMC Pickup Results In Jury Verdict For Wisconsin Man

David Mittleman

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According to a GM company bulletin, Chevrolet Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado Classic; GMC Sierra Classic and Yukon; Cadillac Escalade; and Hummer H2 are prone to power steering failures during low speed turns. Yet, GM considers this a “normal characteristic” of these vehicles. The problem is a result of a lack of pressure in the power steering system, and can be triggered by low tire pressure and worn or over-sized tires.

Customers have been complaining about the problem since 1999, saying that the problem makes it difficult to navigate in tight spots. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has said that this issue does not rise to the level of a safety threat.

While the issue may have not caused injury yet, it has landed GM in court. A Wisconsin jury awarded $120,000 to Todd Van Natta who was unable to steer his GMC pickup. GM was also required to pay $259,000 in attorney’s fees in this case. These types of verdicts will likely continue because GM seems content to throw money into their legal department, instead of into the research and development department.

For $379,000, GM probably could have hired one, two, or three more engineers who could have solved the power steering dilemma. GM has list prices in excess of $50,000 on these models, and claims that they are the best vehicles in the world. GM also seems more content to fight legal battles with loyal customers, than it is to produce the top quality products that we all grew up with. What is the thought process here? Are GM managers content to fight this losing battle?

“What made me bitter was listening to these people [GM] make me out to be the bad guy when they have a product they know is bad from the beginning. What did I do? All I did was purchase the truck,” he said. “I think it’s just absolutely ridiculous the amount of money they wasted.”