1998 Chevrolet Silverado Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 8%of 279 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, 8% of the 279 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1998 Chevrolet Silverado (k1500) - the tension required to turn the steering wheel momentarily becomes very loose while making right-hand turns. Driver gets the sensation there is no control of the vehicle during this time. Dealer says there is no recall but the mechanic at the same dealership told me that he has replaced hundreds of steering wheel speed sensors . I had no choice but to fork out $200 to have it replaced. Seems to be ok now, but for how long?”
NHTSA complaint #10013544, filed 2003-03, 26,500 miles“The steering wheel on my 1998 Silverado was able to turn without the wheels turning. Taking my truck to a local garage for a cause it was detected that the bolt in the steering column was missing. I had the bolt installed and the problem was solved. I contacted the customer service department of GM and did not receive a reason why did could happen in a car I bought and was the sole owner. I also told them that I believe it to be a safety item and that a notice should be issued to other owners. …”
NHTSA complaint #10132699, filed 2005-08, 39,000 miles“Returning from deliveries, backing into drive to reload, steering completely failed. No steering at all. You can spin the steering wheel in either direction with no response.”
NHTSA complaint #10465609, filed 2012-07, 179,420 miles“Dt: the contact stated the steering was stiff and difficult to control. When the problem first occurred the service dealer said the steering would become easier to use. The steering proceeded to get worse. While traveling at higher speeds the steering became more difficult. Had the power steering pump disconnected; this did not correct the problem, but made the steering easier. The service dealer has not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10141633, filed 2005-11, 6,478 miles“When the vehicles steering wheel was turned to the left while driving about 20 MPH there was a spot where it felt like the steering wheel was slipping.”
NHTSA complaint #10020128, filed 2003-05, 51,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021450Mar 1, 2007Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 8 | 6% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 13 | 17% |
| 2014 | 19 | 15% |
| 2013 | 8 | 13% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 9 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 5% |
| 2005 | 24 | 8% |
| 2004 | 44 | 7% |
| 2003 | 80 | 12% |
| 2002 | 39 | 5% |
| 2001 | 37 | 4% |
| 2000 | 73 | 6% |
| 1999 | 69 | 4% |
| 1998 | 21 | 8% |
| 1997 | 59 | 22% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 5% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado
89 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsTires
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology