1998 Chevrolet Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Suburban › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Chevrolet Suburban. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban. Newest first.
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
Certain sport utility vehicles, MINI vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. owner notification began on april 24, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. one or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Owner complaints
201 complaints9 involved a crash3 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Brake line failed after med to heavy braking, leaving little to no brake as pedal went to the floor.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the brake pedal failed. The contact mentioned that the ABS and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated the ABS sensor, the inner…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the brake pedal failed. The contact mentioned that the ABS and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated the ABS sensor, the inner and outer bearings and the caliber needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic
I purchased on 11/1997 a new 1998 chevrolet suburban 3/4 ton 2500 series. the suburban has 38,528 original miles and has been garage kept since new. the vehicle has been used primarily as a secondary vehicle for recreational purposes. The suburban has been driven in snow conditions only 12-14…
I purchased on 11/1997 a new 1998 chevrolet suburban 3/4 ton 2500 series. the suburban has 38,528 original miles and has been garage kept since new. the vehicle has been used primarily as a secondary vehicle for recreational purposes. The suburban has been driven in snow conditions only 12-14 times. I am experiencing excessive brake and fuel line corrosion on the steel brake/fuel lines, flexible brake hoses and connections. I am very concerned over the brake/fuel line corrosion issuea and have since learned that an investigation has been initiated by the nhtsa on 1/5/11, nhtsa investigation file no. Ea11001. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
1. Hard stop to avoid hitting wildlife. going approximately 40 mph. 2. After the brakes holding for a second or two the pedal dropped to the floor. after that only 1/4 brake power. once home, observed brake fluid coming from corroded brake lines. 3. I will need to review cost of service. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet suburban. the driver's side linkage connection between the door latch assembly and the interior driver's side handle was defective. chevrolet stated that there was no recall for this failure. the mechanic stated that there were warranty alerts on the doors…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet suburban. the driver's side linkage connection between the door latch assembly and the interior driver's side handle was defective. chevrolet stated that there was no recall for this failure. the mechanic stated that there were warranty alerts on the doors, including one for the door knob remaining open due to the detail bracket needing to be replaced. through online research, the contact found a notice regarding the suburban door handles being difficult to open because the structure was produced incorrectly. the current and failure mileages were 72,083.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Speed variation, and sometimes cease, of operation of windshield wipers. possible discrepancy with turn signal lever, seems to be affected by, and sometimes corrected with wiggling with the lever. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 mph on normal road conditions and applying the brakes under normal braking conditions, the brakes increased in stopping distance. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who determined that the left front brake sensor needed to be replaced. after the vehicle was…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 mph on normal road conditions and applying the brakes under normal braking conditions, the brakes increased in stopping distance. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who determined that the left front brake sensor needed to be replaced. after the vehicle was repaired, the contact noticed a nhtsa recall # 05v379000 regarding service brakes hydraulic:antilock. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers quit at various times. sometimes work sometimes not, sometimes quit in middle of use. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal
Each rear tail light assembly circuit board had to be replaced. these occurred at different times (approximately 6 months apart). now, about a year later, the right rear needs to be replaced again. this was found due to the blinker and brake light failing, so I switched the bulb from the other side, with the exact same results, so I know it IS the circuit and not a bad bulb. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
My 1998 suburban had same repair done on the ABS brakes that current recall IS out for 1999-2002 and gm IS saying the part on 99-2000 recall IS not the part on my 98 suburban. The dealership says it IS the same recall part and they are refusing to reimburse me for repairs I paid for before the recall was issued. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Catastrohic loss of entire breaking system due to bursting of brake lines without prior notice; dealer required complete replacement of entire brake system owing to servely rusted parts throughout; mechanical emergency brake system required several hundred yards to stop vehicle; vehicle had been…
Catastrohic loss of entire breaking system due to bursting of brake lines without prior notice; dealer required complete replacement of entire brake system owing to servely rusted parts throughout; mechanical emergency brake system required several hundred yards to stop vehicle; vehicle had been regularly serviced since new with most recent service just 2 months before brake system failure; had vehicle been traveling at highway speed possible fatal consequences; possible issue of design/component defect
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Dt: the consumer complained about ABS brakes kicking in at low speeds. the service brakes and ABS will not hold when the ABS kicks in. the problem has been on going since november of 2004. the dealership cleaned and greased the brakes. they machined the rotors and replaced the left upper arm…
Dt: the consumer complained about ABS brakes kicking in at low speeds. the service brakes and ABS will not hold when the ABS kicks in. the problem has been on going since november of 2004. the dealership cleaned and greased the brakes. they machined the rotors and replaced the left upper arm bushing. and they checked the ABS sensors. the problem recurred. when she contacted them they said they could not find the cause of the problem. it started getting worse in july of 2005. she took vehicle to the dealership again. they replaced the sensor bushings and an idle arm. the problem IS still occurring. she took it back to them. they replaced two rear drums, the sway bar bushings, the u joints, and t tightened the transfer case. however, the problem recurred. a recall for the 2000 models was issued. when she contacted the manufacturer, they said that this model year vehicle was not included in the recall. the contact had to have the service brakes replaced before. the dealership replaced the rotors and the pads. the contact felt that it was a result of normal wear and tear. . *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS brake system on the front driver's side wheel began having failures at very low speeds(under 10 mph) when the vehicle(1998 chevrolet tahoe) was coming to a full stop at the end of the drive or when pulling to a stop. This was occurring over & over more more than a month. I contacted…
ABS brake system on the front driver's side wheel began having failures at very low speeds(under 10 mph) when the vehicle(1998 chevrolet tahoe) was coming to a full stop at the end of the drive or when pulling to a stop. This was occurring over & over more more than a month. I contacted white-allen chevolet in dayton ohio and the service manager contacted the gm zone manager and gm would not warranty this repair saying that my vehicle did not fall under the recall years for this problem even though the problem was exactly the same as the recall issued for the same vehicle 1999-2002 ( mine IS 1998). I finally had to have it done strictly because of my children's safety the day I made the appointment my daughter and I almost glided into traffic coming to a stop while taking her to school. the zone manager response to our claim was that my vehicle was not part of the recall and they will not have the repairs done as part of the recall even though the failure IS the same defect according to the service manager. service was supplied on 9/26/2005 at white-allen service order reads "checked ABS system right front sensor failure due to low voltage output action taken : replaced left front hub and bearing parts: owner has the old replaced parts. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I experienced the braking issue described in recall 05v379000. on the date below, I narrowly avoided a crash with children in the vicinity. the vehicle has been registered in mn since purchase to me as the original owner. I have experienced this braking issue 3 or so times over the last year. *nm
- Steering › Electric power assist system
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…
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. 3) I brought it to 2 dealers here in rochester and neither was able to detect the problem on a test drive. the problem comes and goes. when it happens, it will scare the living out of you, and the driver on the other side of the road. we have all but lost control on more than one occasion. a friend of mine who also has a suburban said he had the same problem and finally someone suggested replacing something called the power steering assist? we have a 98' suburban and have had it since it was 7,000 miles old. it has a 350 and IS an LT and has 3RD seat and four wheel drive. I think this problem affects most if not all suburban's in our year class. chevy IS not responding to my questions. please help. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Brakes shake and vibrate when braking. On occasion, brakes failed and pedal went to the floor. Mechanic inspected found "no problem" with brakes. The last incident with the brakes resulted in an accident when more than enough distance was given for stopping.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Stopped on roadway to pick up a part that had fallen out of the truck traveling in front of me. I put my 1998 chevy suburban in park and popped the rear hatch. I remember hearing the rear hatch click and now realize that the hatch won't release unless the truck IS in park. I walked behind my…
Stopped on roadway to pick up a part that had fallen out of the truck traveling in front of me. I put my 1998 chevy suburban in park and popped the rear hatch. I remember hearing the rear hatch click and now realize that the hatch won't release unless the truck IS in park. I walked behind my truck to pick up the part. after I picked it up, I was knocked down by the force of my truck. the truck must have slipped out of gear after I'D put it in park. I recently read about a similar incident in the local newspaper, where this happened to someone else with this type of vehicle. the truck rolled over me, and I was trapped under it. a man came and drove the truck off me. I suffered a deep cut to the back of my head, the meat was ripped off my leg, I shattered the T-12 vertebra in my back and the disks above and below were compressed.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Brake pedal goes down or gets spongey at slow stopping speeds under 5 mph. it feels like an ABS event IS occuring! no ABS light comes on. incident occurs at nearly every stop. stopping distance IS longer. it feels like the vehicle IS not going to stop. it IS not a safe secure feeling when…
Brake pedal goes down or gets spongey at slow stopping speeds under 5 mph. it feels like an ABS event IS occuring! no ABS light comes on. incident occurs at nearly every stop. stopping distance IS longer. it feels like the vehicle IS not going to stop. it IS not a safe secure feeling when coming to a stop. I have hear (on the radio) that this IS probabley the same kind of problem occuring as occuring on 1999 to 1005 vehicles. I believe my vehilce should be included in the repair.
- Tires
1998 chevrolet suburban suffered damage to vehicle when a blowout occurred.*mr *jb *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The antilock brakes on my 1998 chevrolet suburban activate at low speeds .if this condition occurs where stopping distance IS limited a crash could occur..this IS a for real safety issue and IS documented in nhts item number 10000062. Noticed on the internet someone posted in ontario canada there…
The antilock brakes on my 1998 chevrolet suburban activate at low speeds .if this condition occurs where stopping distance IS limited a crash could occur..this IS a for real safety issue and IS documented in nhts item number 10000062. Noticed on the internet someone posted in ontario canada there IS a gm recall for the speed sensors and corrosion.. I can not believe a issue involving brakes IS not on a recall..... I asked a service manager about the problem I'm having and he quoted the speed sensor right away...come on gm knows they have a problem....going to take the vehicle to gm next week and ask to talk to the zone manager . *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving vehicle drove erratically. the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer, and mechanic determined that sun gear reaction shell needed to be replaced from the transmission. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
(1) driving in rain. (2) wiper failure. Consequences are obvious! (3) stop, open hood of vehicle, and smack the wiper control! note! Due to fact that a friend of mine has a 1996 GMC sierra truck which was recalled for this problem, I refuse to pay hundreds of dollars to have it fixed! My vehicle…
(1) driving in rain. (2) wiper failure. Consequences are obvious! (3) stop, open hood of vehicle, and smack the wiper control! note! Due to fact that a friend of mine has a 1996 GMC sierra truck which was recalled for this problem, I refuse to pay hundreds of dollars to have it fixed! My vehicle IS a 1998 (ordered in 1997 before they hit the production line) chevrolet suburban. The problem IS bad solder joints on the board! I am an eet by degree for 25 years and I know the problem well and I also know that the problem with my friend's truck and mine are the same problem! I got absolutely no help from chevrolet customer representatives! They acknowledged that it was indeed the same wiper control and could not explain why the recall cutoff stopped when it did! But, they also would not give me a guarantee that I would not be charged to have it fixed! if I have an accident due to this failure, GMC will pay that bloody money! *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
1998 chevy tahoe wont start, spontaneously. It will turn over, but wont start. First time it happened wasn't sure what was wrong, tried it again after 10-15 minutes and it started. I figured it was just cold. Second time it happened, it was about 45 minutes before it started, and I was told by the…
1998 chevy tahoe wont start, spontaneously. It will turn over, but wont start. First time it happened wasn't sure what was wrong, tried it again after 10-15 minutes and it started. I figured it was just cold. Second time it happened, it was about 45 minutes before it started, and I was told by the guy at the tire dealer, that his and a friends tahoe had the same problem, I should take it to the dealer. I did this and was told it was the theft deterrent module. After several hundred dollars and a rental car for a week I got the truck back. It was about 2 months later, it happened again. Same thing, couple hundred dollars, a rental car for a week and I got it back after 3 days. 3 days later, the same thing. I do not have my truck now, I have a rental again. I was told I would have to pay for this again, because it IS a "....totally different set of codes than read the first couple of times..." *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While operating continuously for an hour or more in heavy rain, the wipers stopped. *ph
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
I drive a 1998 suburban and my husband drives a 1997 GMC 2500 truck. the interior door handle (used to open the door) has broken three times in his truck and it has difficulty catching and needs to be replaced in my suburban. *Jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Erratic power steering assist while driv
The office of defect investigation (odi) has investigated allegations of power steering assist fluctuations in the subject vehicles.for details and a basis for the investigation conclusions, please see the closing report in the ea99-011 public file.odi has not identified a safety-related defect trend in the subject…
The office of defect investigation (odi) has investigated allegations of power steering assist fluctuations in the subject vehicles.for details and a basis for the investigation conclusions, please see the closing report in the ea99-011 public file.odi has not identified a safety-related defect trend in the subject vehicle population.futher expenditure of agency resources on this subject does not appear to be warranted at this time.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.the engineering IS closed.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10027804General motors corp: special coverage adjustment; analog onstar deactivation. Updated 2/17/09.
- 10026805Buick\chevrolet\gmc service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment-analog onstar deactivation. Csc letter was received.
- 10026586Buick\cadillac\chevrolet\gmc\hummer\oldsmobile\pontiac\saab\saturn service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment-analog onstar deactivation. Fcc ruled in 2002 wireless carriers would no longer re required to support analog wireless network starting in 2008. Csc letter was received. Updated 12/1/08.
- 10020874Left front axle shaft difficult to remove. Axle differential leak seal shaft.
- 10016707Four wheel drive inoperative and the 4WD service light will illuminate. Diagnosis may reveal that the atc fuse could be open, possible dtc c0308, or various u codes may be set. The encoder motor may also be shorted or the tccm may be damaged.
- 10014959Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
- 100148094WD inoperative and diagnostic trouble code (dtc) u1026 atc fuse open.
- 100134964L80e output carrier thrust washer changes.
- 10012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 1000888393-00 full size utilities (gmt 400 old style only) ac blows warm and the high side pressure IS too high.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 100072374L60e, 4l65e forward and low reverse waved steel clutch plate appearance change.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10005439Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including 1996 - 1999 P32 models. Sit bulletin 1416475.
- 10004223Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including the 1996-1999 P32 and the 1996-2002 GMC c/k truck.
- 100041356.5L L49 L56 L57 L65 diesel engine requiring fuel injection pump replacement. Models p32/p42 1994-1999 included.
- 10001916Installing a fuse jumper harness to correct a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
- 10001595Electric outside rearview mirror switch short circuit.
- 10001110Slips in 4-wheel drive, noise, vibration, leaks, hot odor.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
Every Chevrolet Suburban model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.