1998 Chevrolet Suburban Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 10%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- 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 Suburban, 10% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10053013, filed 2004-01, 76,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10072967, filed 2004-05, 69,588 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10135822, filed 2005-09, 70,000 miles“Consumer complained about a power steering problem. When turning left resistance increasesed all at once, driver received power assistance when turning right.”
NHTSA complaint #10053961, filed 2004-01, 75,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #727740, filed 2000-08Related service bulletins
- 10012577Aug 1, 2003Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 3 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 9% |
| 2019 | 6 | 8% |
| 2018 | 8 | 10% |
| 2017 | 6 | 4% |
| 2016 | 23 | 10% |
| 2015 | 60 | 14% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 20 | 7% |
| 2002 | 22 | 8% |
| 2001 | 29 | 7% |
| 2000 | 20 | 7% |
| 1999 | 52 | 8% |
| 1998 | 21 | 10% |
| 1997 | 105 | 25% |
| 1996 | 15 | 4% |
| 1995 | 13 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 1% |
| 1993 | 4 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1991 | 2 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 5% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
| 1985 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
63 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTires
14 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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