1998 GMC Suburban Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1998 GMC Suburban, 7% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,500 miles.
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.
“This concerns NHTSA action number : ea99011. I had a steering module that failed. Prior to replacement of the module, the steering wheel would periodically jerk as if to increase the rate of turn significantly when I was in a turn, either left or right. After replacement of this module at the Gmc dealership (at about 50,000 miles, as I recall), the jerking instantly stopped. I now have about 111,000 miles, and the same jerking has begun again (at about 100,000 miles) from time to time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10106117, filed 2005-01, 50,000 miles“Steering speed sensor intermitantly failed causing unpredictable steering movement when making right turns at speed. Steering power assist would suddenly change resulting in sudden veer of vehicle. Couple of near misses when pulling trailers and entering freeway. Vehicle has been repaired and problem resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10054695, filed 2004-01, 69,000 miles“Vehicle suddenly will veer right or left when turning wheel slightly at road speed. Seems to be a surge in power steering unit. Gmc says they have issued a bulletin on this safety defect to all dealer service managers. Car must be taken to a dealer and repairs paid by customer if out of warranty. See my letter dated july 7, 2001 to coury buick, mesa, az, 85206.”
NHTSA complaint #748034, filed 2001-07“Steering gear box broken internally. Weak power steering pump. Leak in braking system at axle seal. Brake pads worn out prematurely. Vehicle pulls to left when brakes applied. Left, rear seat belt would not extend after retracting. Short circuit in wiring harness under hood - harness length too short caused inability to start vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #701351, filed 1998-12Related 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
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Suburban
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsTires
11 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 GMC Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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