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 Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When turning the steering wheel to the right feels like driving on ice. When it is cold the steering feel like this all the time till the Tahoe warms up then I am back the random turning. Will not let anyone in my household drive the Tahoe because of this. Found a bunch of other tahoes with this problem on the internet and it sounds like the steering evo sensor is bad. Looks like the Tahoe would send some type of message to inform the driver to have this repaired or a bypass installed in case of failure.
1998 Chevy Tahoe loose steering at highway speed when going thru a slight curve it feels as though you hit a patch of ice. The steering wheel has a slight jerk that scares the life out of you. Replaced steering sensor, steering box, entire front end and it still does it..there needs to be a recall on this problem.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the steering was very loose. Through online research, he discovered the defect and called Chevrolet and GM. He was informed that there was no recall for the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 115,000.
The vehicle experienced problems with the steering mechanism. The vehicle lost power steering. The 2nd issue involved the windshield wipers which worked intermittently. The steering wheel position sensor was replaced.
The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall #97V142000, however the vehicle identification number was not incuded in the recall. Steering wanders 1/4 turnor so and makes vehicle slightly jerk.
While driving steering wheel locked up, causing the vehicle to go into a ditch. But when the investigator checked the vehicle steering wheel was loose. Please provide further information and VIN#.
Steering problem- I suddenly lost steering while driving. According to the dearorship this was caused by a malfunction of the power steering sensor. I almost lost control of the car while driving at 55 MPH, and luckily there were no vehicles around and I was able to pull off the road. I asked the dealer if there was a recall on this, and they said there was not. The vehicle was not under warranty either. Brakes- while my husband was driving, he lost brakes on the car. According to the dealer service dept, the real axel seals were leaking, and the front calipers were stuck. Seals and gaskets were replaced along with the master cylinder. This item was covered under warranty. We've had on-going problems with the vehicle braking very roughly and "skipping". The rotors have been replaced twice due to them warping due to overheating. The brakes are still giving us problems. …
Recently I sent my Chevrolet Tahoe (1998) to the dealer in rochester, new york. We had concerns due to the fact that the truck steering was extraordinarily narrow in turning radius since we bought it. Within the last few months we noticed that while the truck was stationary, or in park, if we tried to turn the wheel it would stick until we moved a little and then it would free itself.
When turning slightly to the right at speed (at 30+MPH - never from a stop), vehicle suddenly oversteers like it suddenly has increased power assist. This occurs at the same steering position each time - aprox 30 degrees off center, and is somewhat erratic in frequency, but occurs about twice per day.
Steering wheel at first would move on its own to right at high speeds, resulting in momentary loss of control. This problem has advanced, and steering wheel will move to right and left at various speeds. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: light duty extended-cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility trucks. The lower steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt is "finger loose" or missing allowing the bolt to loosen and fall out. The steering shaft yoke can wear causing an off center steering wheel.
Remedy: Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation is being arranged for owners.
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 Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, 12% of the model year's 263 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 97V-142 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Aug 29, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.