1998 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 10%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,210miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, 10% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,210 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While traversing a freeway overpass going 60 to 65 MPH the truck suddenly lurched to the left. Fortunately no immediate traffic on my left. Really frightened me. After much research I discovered that a component (circuit board) of the new speed sensitive power steering could fail, making the truck think it was going slower and increase the power steering assist, causing the lurch to the left. This was after having the entire front end of the vehicle checked for alignment, faulty or damaged parts, any adjustments out of spec. They found no cause. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311592, filed 2020-02, 165,000 miles“While driving at almost any speed the steering seems to slip especially when turning left, however this also occurs when turning to the right. This on a couple of occasions has almost got me in an accident. Dealer does not seem to either find or recognize that the problem exists.”
NHTSA complaint #10176757, filed 2006-12, 11,500 miles“Dt: steering position sensor failed for the third time when making a turn. The resistance went away, it turned free. The consumer told the dealer it happened frequently. The sensor was replaced twice and this was third time. This caused the operator to make an uncontrolled over-steer turn.”
NHTSA complaint #10125490, filed 2005-07, 55,210 miles“Steering becomes loose when driving into curves. This could cause you to lose control of vehicle. Came close to have an accident!!! Had went to the nearest Gmc dealership, their response was,there's no recall and nothing to worry about.”
NHTSA complaint #10065684, filed 2004-04“Witnessed carl black dealership cover-up safety problems too myself and many customers in my many hours in thier dealership (they routinely call safety problems as normal to their customers this includes problems with brakes and steering. Their customers should be notified that their problems where not normal”
NHTSA complaint #707988, filed 1999-06Related service bulletins
- 10032462Aug 1, 2009Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement is necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 3% |
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 7 | 2% |
| 2023 | 13 | 3% |
| 2022 | 13 | 2% |
| 2021 | 34 | 6% |
| 2020 | 38 | 8% |
| 2019 | 42 | 6% |
| 2018 | 30 | 10% |
| 2017 | 25 | 7% |
| 2016 | 38 | 11% |
| 2015 | 81 | 11% |
| 2014 | 156 | 21% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 10 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 10% |
| 1997 | 25 | 30% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500
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