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 Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1) near crashes have been caused by an erratic condition in the steering. Called GM national customer service number and gave all information and was promised someone would contact me. (never happened) 2 other families here in rochester have the same vehicle and the same problem. 2) upon turning the steering wheel, the wheel itself suddenly free-wheels several inches. This rapidly accelerates the degree of turn and makes the driver feel as if they have lost control and the entire vehicle often swerves out of control. 3) I brought it to 2 dealers here in rochester and neither was able to detect the problem on a test drive. The problem comes and goes. When it happens, it will scare the living out of you, and the driver on the other side of the road. We have all but lost control on more than one occasion. …
I am having the same trouble with my 1998 Suburban that was filed on NHTSA investigation ea99011. I also notice that it happens worse when driving in winter when temperatures are colder. It seems once vehicle has been driven for awhile its not as bad. But still seem to loose steering control as indicated in the report mentioned above. A very serious problem and scary. Loss of steering for split second causing vehicle to jerk in both directions when the loss occurs.
Steering sensor failed, causing steering wheel to skip when turning and feels like control of steering is lost momentarily. Sensor was replaced once and problem was cured for a time, but it is now recurring.
1998 Suburban almost wrecked several times to do faulty electronic variable orifice (evo) sensor located under steering column. When in a right hand turn vehicle will suddenly lunge to the right to do sudden increase in power steering. This is very dangerous and GM or anyone for that matter is doing anything about it. I think it should be a recall immediately. There are plenty of documented cases of this problem and GM knows it too... But they refuse to fix the problem.
Vehicle was delivered to me with a noticeable pull to the right. Repeated trips back to the dealer for service and repeated talks with various levels of management at the dealership have not corrected the problem. In fact, the service personnel refuse to acknowledge the problem at all. An independent repair shop has also been unable to correct the problem. I have given up on trying to get the problem fixed, but still consider it to be a serious safety issue.
Power steering pump also powers the braking system. Brakes fail at panic stops and pedals go to floor. Power steering system causes the vehicle to wander at hwy speeds. Requires constant readjustments. At times will lose control. GM says normal. Have contacted them and refused assitance in these issues but received only standard corporate no assistance/form answers.
Vehicle veers to left / right, counter clockwise from the way its swings. This happens at 55 to 60 MPH. Dealer has been contacted. Vehicle has had continued component replacements in the suspension and steering due to defect. Also power steering sensor was replaced/nuts:bolts that hold tire together sheared off, causing tire to fall off.
When turning to right vehicle will make a sharper turn, like steering wheel is being jerked in that direction. Took vehicle to dealer, and they changed steering sensor. Consumer felt that this was very dangerous, car could tip over. Please provide any further information.
When driving at almost any speed steering slips and jerks to right or left. The tires don't move with the slip. It started out as just a right shift, and now it is jerking both to the right and left.
Consumer complained about a power steering problem. When turning left resistance increasesed all at once, driver received power assistance when turning right.
NHTSA investigations
Erratic power steering assist while driv
The office of defect investigation (odi) has investigated allegations of power steering assist fluctuations in the subject vehicles.for details and a basis for the investigation conclusions, please see the closing report in the ea99-011 public file.odi has not identified a safety-related defect trend in the subject vehicle population.futher expenditure of agency resources on this subject does not appear to be…
Steering complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban, 10% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Suburban steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 2 recalls for other components. 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 Suburban steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 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.