Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have been having power steering problems with my 1998 Chevrolet Silverado c1500 pickup since 2001. It will suddenly oversteer with the slightest movement of the steering wheel, and has nearly caused me serious problems at speed. It does not do it constantly, but occurs more or less several times a day down to once every two or three days. When I asked the service department at the Chevy dealership in alamogordo, nm about it I was told "they all do that - don't worry about it." when I was concerned about an increase in the phenomenon I contacted the service department at jones Chevrolet in sumter, sc, and was told that "they all do it," but there was a manufacturer's recall or notice of some sort, and to bring it in. When I brought it in, the service advisor said that the individual I spoke with was mistaken but refused to elaborate, and that it was not a safety issue. …
This is an ongoing problem for several years. My battery has side mounted terminals. Each time the temperature goes up or down the positive post becomes loose. Most times it is a problem as I start the vehicle. When I turn the key the engine begins to start, then it shuts down due to lack of electrical power. Twice in the past week it has shut down while traveling down the road, once in the middle of I-83, during rush hour in downtown harrisburg, pa. Over the last few years it has, on several occasions, "hiccupped" several times while I was driving. I have tightened the screw-in post down (twice) to the point where I have rounded the hex head off and the wrench jumped off the head but, it continues to come loose. I spoke with an auto parts store and they recommended an adhesive, which I tried. It still came loose. I have even changed out the battery but, still the problem exists. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 184,000. Updated 06/17/14 the consumer stated there was intermittent smoke coming from the steering column for a week. There was also an intermittent problem with the headlights. Updated 06/24/14
1998 Chevy 4x4 Silverado-- steering problem--- best described as running over marbles, as steering disappears for a second. It happens frequently in all positions and speeds. When this sudden loss of steering happens, you loose control for that split second. Was told by a certified GM mechanic that it is a common problem for that truck and a very costly repair. It just a matter of time before someone is hurt or killed by this problem.
I continue to experience an intermittent loss of power steering when turning which feels like hitting a patch of ice while going around a turn. I have researched this problem and know that GM has issued a recall on other models but not mine. I have not yet replaced any of the steering components but will soon due to the severity of the situation. It's unfortunate that an obvious defect is not currently under recall.
While driving at most any speed and making a slight right hand turn, the power steering will hesitate then jerk to the right, requiring the driver to sometimes over compensate the steering to to left. At this time the problem hasn't been bad enough to cause an accident, but is getting worse. This has happened hundreds of times over the past year. I haven't fixed the problem since I can't afford the repair cost.
My boyfriend(mario diego) and I (carmenia) purchased a 1998 Chevy tahoe. From brooks motor company on April 1,2005. From April 1 to June 29,2005. The tahoe had to be returned to brooks motor service center 8 to 9 different times for repairs. Now my car rear end has broke and not drivable.
I own a 98 Chevy pick up, as well as a 96 GMC suburban, and have had numerous problems with the power steering on both vehicles. The pick up has been exceptionally bad with the "harder" left turns, and the "overly" easy right turns, or jerks. Travelling on the highway with either vehicle, if you adjust the steering for a crosswind, they will fight going left (this is not constant, which makes it worse as it is unexpected) and launch to the right with the slightest touch (also not constant). I believe that these vehicles could easily be included in the recall. I had spoken with a local dealer after hearing of a power steering related recall pending (in October 2003) and was assured no such thing was going on, and my vehicles would not be involved anyway. I have shown jan. 10th 2004 as an incident date, as the form could not be completed without that information. …
We are a used auto dealer in north carolina. We sell several Chevrolet trucks; mainly 4wd pick-ups, tahoes and suburbans we have in the last three years replaced steering speed control units, not sure of exact part name. The problem we have noticed is at between 20 to 40 MPH in a curve usually to the left the and keeping constant and consistant pressure on the steering wheel the vehicle will abruptly turn deeper into the curve. We have replaced several of these units at our expense both for vehicles in inventory and previously sold vehicles. When the steering input pressure changes that rapidly an unsuspecting driver is forced from his lane of traffic. The dealers in our area are very aware of this problem and have plenty of replacement parts in stock. To my knowledge this is affecting 1997 and 1998 models.
When driving under normal road conditions, the vehicle dangerously wanders either way when driver takes eyes off the road momentarily. The vehicle does not maintain the position on the road, unless driver's total focus is on the road. Dealer notified and informed the consumer that a special speed control module on the steering is suppose to be a new improvement, but endangers all those who drive this vehicle without taking their eyes off the road. This condition needs to be investtigated.
Steering complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 13% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.