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1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems

46 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 66,000.

owner complaints
46
of this car's complaints
13%
typical mileage
66,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Hydraulic power assist system
    15
  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    4
  • Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
    4
  • Rack and pinion: pinion shaft
    1
  • Linkages: rod: relay: connecting
    1
  • Linkages: arm: idler and attachment
    1
  • Gear box: shaft sector
    1
  • Column locking: anti-theft device
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems in other years

1995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Pulling 11Power steering loss 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 25, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 230,000 miles · PA

This is an ongoing problem for several years. My battery has side mounted terminals. Each time the temperature goes up or down the positive post becomes loose. Most times it is a problem as I start the vehicle. When I turn the key the engine begins to start, then it shuts down due to lack of electrical power. Twice in the past week it has shut down while traveling down the road, once in the middle of I-83, during rush hour in downtown harrisburg, pa. Over the last few years it has, on several occasions, "hiccupped" several times while I was driving. I have tightened the screw-in post down (twice) to the point where I have rounded the hex head off and the wrench jumped off the head but, it continues to come loose. I spoke with an auto parts store and they recommended an adhesive, which I tried. It still came loose. I have even changed out the battery but, still the problem exists. This was a very popular year for chevy w/t pick up trucks. I cannot imagine these problems have not been involved in recalls before now. The obvious fix is to replace the battery with one that has top mount posts. I would also have to replace the cables. Why should I have to pay that when this is obviously a design flaw?

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 184,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 184,000. Updated 06/17/14*lj the consumer stated there was intermittent smoke coming from the steering column for a week. There was also an intermittent problem with the headlights. Updated 06/24/14

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Steering · 40,000 miles · CA

Steering bumps to left or the right due to a sensor going bad in the steering column.

Filed Feb 17, 2010 · Steering · 75,000 miles · PA

1998 chevy 4x4 silverado-- steering problem--- best described as running over marbles, as steering disappears for a second. It happens frequently in all positions and speeds. When this sudden loss of steering happens, you loose control for that split second. Was told by a certified gm mechanic that it is a common problem for that truck and a very costly repair. It just a matter of time before someone is hurt or killed by this problem.

Filed May 11, 2006 · Steering · 50,000 miles · WI

Steering is difficult then normal causing over steering. While no accident has occurred over steering can result in a serious situation especially in poor driving conditions.

Filed Aug 4, 2005 · Brakes, Engine · 5 miles · OR

My boyfriend(mario diego) and I (carmenia) purchased a 1998 chevy tahoe. From brooks motor company on april 1,2005. From april 1 to june 29,2005. The tahoe had to be returned to brooks motor service center 8 to 9 different times for repairs. Now my car rear end has broke and not drivable.

Filed Mar 25, 2005 · Steering · 55,000 miles · WA

While driving at most any speed and making a slight right hand turn, the power steering will hesitate then jerk to the right, requiring the driver to sometimes over compensate the steering to to left. At this time the problem hasn't been bad enough to cause an accident, but is getting worse. This has happened hundreds of times over the past year. I haven't fixed the problem since I can't afford the repair cost.

Filed Feb 17, 2005 · Steering · 100,000 miles · TX

I continue to experience an intermittent loss of power steering when turning which feels like hitting a patch of ice while going around a turn. I have researched this problem and know that gm has issued a recall on other models but not mine. I have not yet replaced any of the steering components but will soon due to the severity of the situation. It's unfortunate that an obvious defect is not currently under recall.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Steering · 31,000 miles · SC

I have been having power steering problems with my 1998 chevrolet silverado c1500 pickup since 2001. It will suddenly oversteer with the slightest movement of the steering wheel, and has nearly caused me serious problems at speed. It does not do it constantly, but occurs more or less several times a day down to once every two or three days. When I asked the service department at the chevy dealership in alamogordo, nm about it I was told "they all do that - don't worry about it." when I was concerned about an increase in the phenomenon I contacted the service department at jones chevrolet in sumter, sc, and was told that "they all do it," but there was a manufacturer's recall or notice of some sort, and to bring it in. When I brought it in, the service advisor said that the individual I spoke with was mistaken but refused to elaborate, and that it was not a safety issue. I disagree, and I believe it is a problem across the gm spectrum, as eveidenced by the recall regarding power steering issues identical to mine earlier this year. I have emailed gm's customer site without response, and I am now of the opinion that it will not be acknowledged by gm without some sort of stimulus. As I stated, the problems began in 2001, and continue to the present.

Filed Apr 10, 2004 · Steering · 58,788 miles · NC

Problem with steering, feels like loose wheel, like hitting ice on roadway, but no ice . Replaced idler arm assembly. Better for awhile but still jerks.

Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have steering problems?

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 13% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 66,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have bad steering?

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years with the most steering complaints are 2014 (408 complaints), 2015 (161 complaints) and 1997 (141 complaints).

Other 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

Brakes 122Visibility 59Transmission 26Electrical 23Engine 18Suspension 17Acceleration 15Body 15Fuel system 12Tires 12Seat belts 10Seats 10Airbags 7Lights 7Locks 4Wheels 3Driver assistance 1

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