1998 GMC Sierra Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 8%of 190 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the steering of the 1998 GMC Sierra, 8% of the 190 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Complaint received via e-mail. My pickup has occasional resistance when moving the steering wheel while driving. It feels like something is catching and then letting go. The steering wheel jerks a little when this happens. It's more annoying that anything. The truck has 130,000 miles on it. I bought it with 44,000 miles. The truck has been into three different shops without the problem corrected.”
NHTSA complaint #10107320, filed 2005-02, 130,000 miles“Don't have my VIN handy at the moment b/c my truck is in the shop having $1400 of transmission work done on it. It's a 1998 Gmc Sierra 2wd, and the transmission went out 8/21/03. The tranny had 84,000 miles before comlete failure. The truck was driven by an exceptionally gentle driver, never used for towing (even though it came with a towing "package") and never abused in any way. Yesterday, it wouldn't reverse or go into 1st gear. Two weeks prior it began shifting hard, emitting a loud "clank" sound...we knew the end was near!”
NHTSA complaint #10069281, filed 2004-01, 84,000 miles“Gmc 1998 Sierra p/u- steering suddenly becomes loose and steering wheel jerks to the right while decelerating and turning right. Problem also occurs when making left turns although not a drastic. There are several complaints, however no solutions from Gmc or dealership. I have had many close calls while highway driving when the steering suddenly jerks to the right. Gm dealer has no clue as to what the problem is.”
NHTSA complaint #10149521, filed 2006-02, 95,000 miles“While driving at any speed and when attempting to make a right hand turn power steering will suddenly kick in, causing consumer to oversteer. Dealership has yet to determine a cause for this problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #891072, filed 2001-06“Intermittently and momentary the steering would lose control at multiple speed while driving. Dealer replaces the evo sensor twice and the problem is reoccurring. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8023819, filed 2002-12Related service bulletins
- 10021450Mar 1, 2007Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2016 | 1 | 17% |
| 2015 | 6 | 11% |
| 2014 | 7 | 7% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 11 | 9% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 27 | 13% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 28 | 6% |
| 1999 | 18 | 3% |
| 1998 | 15 | 8% |
| 1997 | 63 | 26% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 8% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sierra
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 GMC Sierra
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