The Chevrolet SS Years To Avoid
We've identified three Chevrolet SS years to avoid. Read on to learn which ones, so you can narrow your car shopping experience down to only the most reliable models.
The Chevrolet SS, a true sleeper in the world of performance sedans, graced the automotive scene for a fleeting moment. This unassuming four-door packed a serious punch, offering blistering acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and impressive stopping power that rivaled far more expensive sports sedans.
However, during its brief production run, not all SS models were created equal. Some years saw the introduction of unwanted quirks or the omission of desirable features, leaving potential buyers wondering which iterations to steer clear of regarding reliability.
In this post, we’ll shed light on the Chevrolet SS years to avoid and help you make a well-informed decision when seeking out this long-lost performance machine.
Which Chevrolet SS Years to Avoid?
If you’re in a hurry, below is a quick list of the SS years to avoid due to consumer complaints and known issues:
- 2014 Chevrolet SS
- 2015 Chevrolet SS
- 2016 Chevrolet SS
2014 Chevrolet SS
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2014 Chevy SS is the worst iteration of the performance car. The overall number of complaints are low (likely due to its lack of popularity), but it has 9 recalls under its belt. It struggled with steering problems and safety equipment issues.
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Power Steering Issues
The 2014 Chevrolet SS has been plagued by a recurring power steering issue that has left many owners feeling unsafe behind the wheel. Numerous complaints have surfaced, detailing sudden losses of power steering assist while driving, often accompanied by alarming messages like “Service power steering, drive with care” displayed on the dashboard.
One owner reported the problem occurring at highway speeds, making it nearly impossible to control the vehicle safely. Another driver narrowly avoided a collision with a car carrying children when their steering failed during a turn.
Despite a recall addressing the issue, many owners have experienced failures even after the prescribed remedy was performed, suggesting a deeper, unresolved problem with the SS’s steering system.
Safety Equipment Problems
The 2014 Chevrolet SS has encountered grave problems with its seat belts, which have caused significant safety concerns among its owners. One particularly unsettling complaint details a situation where the driver’s seat belt cable snapped during adjustment, leaving them to drive without any restraint. Another owner reported that their seat belt came off from its anchor point, causing them to realize with horror that they had unknowingly put their family’s lives at risk.
Even after taking their vehicle in for a recall (15822) intended to fix faulty seat belt anchor cables, the owner experienced an unfortunate incident. These occurrences have caused car owners to question the effectiveness of such recalls and the safety of their automobiles overall.
Moreover, there have been reports of the SS’s airbags failing to deploy during severe crashes, which has only added to the safety risks associated with these problems.
2015 Chevrolet SS
The 2015 SS has fewer complaints and recalls, but still is one of the Chevrolet SS years to avoid. For instance, it inherited some of the major issues from the debut model year, including the dreaded power steering failure.
Power Steering Failure
Like its predecessor, the 2015 Chevrolet SS has been marred by recurring power steering problems that have left drivers feeling vulnerable on the road. One owner reported losing power steering functionality while driving at various speeds, with the issue persisting even after replacing the steering gear and rack.
One complaint stated that the steering wheel got locked up at the time of start-up due to a corroded torque sensor. Surprisingly, another driver almost hit the parked cars because the power steering failed during a turn, even though they had already performed the related recall (17V382000) earlier.
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Safety Equipment Issues
In another case of inherited issues, the 2015 Chevrolet SS has experienced significant safety issues related to its seat belts and airbags, which pose a serious risk to the safety of the car’s occupants. In a particularly alarming incident, a driver’s knee became trapped behind the hand controls during a turn, causing a crash that destroyed the vehicle. Shockingly, despite the severity of the impact, none of the airbags were deployed, making it worse for the safety of the driver and passengers.
Another complaint from Crosby, TX, highlights the inadequacy of the recall (GM#2031340) meant to address fatigued seat belt tensioner cables. The owner pointed out that the issue also extends to the inside seat belt clip, with the sleeves being cut due to abrasion against the trim. If driver safety is your priority, the 2015 model is undoubtedly one of the Chevrolet SS years to avoid.
2016 Chevrolet SS
The 2016 SS continues the tradition of troubled power steering and safety equipment from the previous model years.
Faulty Power Steering (Again)
As mentioned, owners of the 2016 Chevrolet SS also struggled with a series of power steering problems that have left them grappling with unexpected and potentially dangerous situations on the road.
In one alarming incident, a driver questioned the safety of their vehicle after discovering that it was omitted from a critical recall (N192285350) addressing steering racks without gold-plated contacts despite all other 2016 SS sedans being covered. Another owner from San Jose, CA, reported turning on their car only to be greeted by a “service power steering” message and a stiff, unresponsive steering wheel, which miraculously resolved itself after restarting the vehicle.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE CHEVROLET SS
What about its reliability? We discuss the most reliable Chevy SS year and which ones you should probably pass on.
Seat Belt Troubles
Like in previous years, the 2016 Chevy SS has encountered significant issues related to its seat belt mechanism following a recall to address these concerns. Owners, including one from Warren, Michigan, have reported that the recall repairs have been inadequate and problematic. Specifically, the seat belt tensioner cable was left exposed and deteriorating after the recall service.
This led to further damage and the dispersal of metal fragments and pieces around the seat and carpet area. The repair attempts, which included multiple visits to the dealership and the wrong parts being ordered, failed to resolve the underlying safety concern. An independent mechanic confirmed the visible deterioration and exposure of the cable wires, pointing to a persistent risk despite the recall’s intent to secure passenger safety.
Overall, the first three model years of SS shared some major issues and are considered safety hazards, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
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