1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Tahoe › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe. Newest first.
Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. the affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. the date code and part number appear on the filter housing. fram racing…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. the recall began during november 2007. owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
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).
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.
Vehicle description: light duty extended-cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility trucks. the lower steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt IS "finger loose" or missing allowing the bolt to loosen and fall out. the steering shaft yoke can wear causing an off center steering wheel.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Relative movement between the chassis and cab can cause the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. this condition can result in a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation IS being arranged for owners. dealers will then inspect the vehicle for the presence of a pinch bolt and torque this bolt to proper specifications.
Owner complaints
263 complaints18 involved a crash7 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
- Electrical system
Driver side window switch caught fire shortly after use (several hours). a light rain storm came while the windows were down. some rain entered the inside of the vehicle, some water likely got into the switch assembly. this all happened while vehicle was parked on the curb and ignition was…
Driver side window switch caught fire shortly after use (several hours). a light rain storm came while the windows were down. some rain entered the inside of the vehicle, some water likely got into the switch assembly. this all happened while vehicle was parked on the curb and ignition was off. I toweled off the interior and switch assembly off, it didn't appear much water entered the switch. the vehicle was parked and "off" this whole time. I turned ignition on to roll windows back up, and promptly turned the ignition back off. some hours later, the switch assembly caught fire and the vehicle was a total loss. this fire wasn't discovered until the next day as it self-extinguished. the battery was not discharged after the fire, so it was not a dead short in the wiring. I believe the auto-down circuit board or the electric mirror switch was the cause. after the fire, the pass side mirror was fully extended away, at some point the contacts were closed causing the mirror to move, despite the ignition being "off". this happened either during the fire, or the switch was the cause of the fire. the ignition was only "on" for about 30 seconds that whole day prior to the fire, just long enough to roll up the windows.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, the brake pedal was engaged but the vehicle hesitated to respond without warning. The contact was able to avoid an accident. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 mph, the brake pedal was engaged but the vehicle hesitated to respond without warning. The contact was able to avoid an accident. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS brake system failed and the front driver and the passenger side hub bearing assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
My vehicle failed to start upon leaving the mall. After several trouble shooting procedures at my resident the next day, I found that the in tank fuel sending unit was not working. During the gently lowering of the fuel tank, the sending unit to filter fuel line that runs along the inside of the…
My vehicle failed to start upon leaving the mall. After several trouble shooting procedures at my resident the next day, I found that the in tank fuel sending unit was not working. During the gently lowering of the fuel tank, the sending unit to filter fuel line that runs along the inside of the vehicle frame just crumbled into chunks of rust. After further inspection, I can not believe that gm actually installed fuel lines made out of plain unprotected steel tubing, especially on a vehicle that was sold and operated in a snow belt state. Also while I was replacing the fuel supply and return lines, I noticed that the brake line that feeds the rear brakes that also runs along the inside of the frame was in the same sad shape, during removal of this brake line, it also crumbled into chunks of rust, how these lines did not fail prior to this incident IS beyond me. If it wasn't for being a skilled mechanic by trade, this would have cost a fortune in labor cost to repair. For a vehicle sold/operated in snow belt states, these lines should have been made out of stainless steel or some other non-ferrous alloy material.
- Steering
At highway speeds feels like truck IS hydroplaning/sliding to the right and a brief lost or loose feeling in the steering wheel..... Front end has been checked and everything IS good/tight. *tr
- Suspension · Tires · Wheels
I was driving on the IH-93 nb at 55 mph. Suddenly the car began pulling to the right. I stopped and checked the tires, but did not see any problems. All four tires were inflated to the specs (35 psi). I kept driving, and after 20-25 miles I heard a sound as if something was rubbing in the front…
I was driving on the IH-93 nb at 55 mph. Suddenly the car began pulling to the right. I stopped and checked the tires, but did not see any problems. All four tires were inflated to the specs (35 psi). I kept driving, and after 20-25 miles I heard a sound as if something was rubbing in the front passenger fender area. I began slowing down and wanted to stop. At that moment my front right tire separated. It was a primewell valera ht 235/75-15 tire, installed at a firestone shop in plaistow, nh in november, 2014 with a few hundred miles on it. *tr
- Service brakes
Driver's side rear hydraulic brake line along frame rail failure due to corrosion in line. *tr
- Service brakes
Started truck, stepped on brake to engage reverse gear, pedal dropped almost to floor. Rear brake line rusty and fluid broke through near the gas tank area. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet tahoe. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 40 mph and experienced a seizure. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch and the air bags failed to deploy. The crash caused the driver to suffer head injuries. The police were contacted and report…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet tahoe. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 40 mph and experienced a seizure. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch and the air bags failed to deploy. The crash caused the driver to suffer head injuries. The police were contacted and report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a body shop. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure and current mileages were unknown.
- Electrical system
For the past couple of weeks my tahoe will crank start but only run for about 1 second then shuts off. After doing some internet research I have found that thousands other gm owners are having the same issue. This problem IS very annoying and inconveniencing. Im sure its cost many people there jobs…
For the past couple of weeks my tahoe will crank start but only run for about 1 second then shuts off. After doing some internet research I have found that thousands other gm owners are having the same issue. This problem IS very annoying and inconveniencing. Im sure its cost many people there jobs or at minimum gotten them in trouble for being either late or unable to come in to work. I am in the military and the my car wont start doesn't come off very well with my superiors. Something needs to be done about this. *tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
1998 chevy tahoe wiring harness from brake pedal. brake wiring harness moves with brake pedal motion (i.e. When brakes are activated). Over time, this motion causes wires to break resulting in brake light failure. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
98 tahoe, has ABS braking issue. When driving at slow speeds, the ABS will engage during stopping and severely extend the stopping distance required to completely stop. Pedal IS very spongy and does not respond like it should. Multiple shops have stated the ABS IS a repeating issue with the tahoes.…
98 tahoe, has ABS braking issue. When driving at slow speeds, the ABS will engage during stopping and severely extend the stopping distance required to completely stop. Pedal IS very spongy and does not respond like it should. Multiple shops have stated the ABS IS a repeating issue with the tahoes. Have had many close accidents and do not feel safe allowing others to drive vehicle as they are not used to the stopping distance required. This needs to be addressed. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
TL* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet tahoe. At low speeds he experienced unwanted anti-lock brake (ABS) activation. The condition leads to extended stopping distances. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer for inspection. The current and failure mileages were 104000.
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer · Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer
Keep replacing my wipers blade and wires, don't know if it been recall or there something wrong, it unsafe to drive in the rain, it don't want to work. 1998 tahoe chevy. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
I was in a front end accident and my airbags didn't deploy. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 1998 chevy tahoe 2 dr 4WD. it had 114,000 miles on it when the head gasket blew and the motor was ruined requiring a complete replacement. the vehicle had not been abused. maintenance was regular. I've now found that this IS a common design defect leading to failure. I now buy mazda or toyota vehicles. *Tr
- Steering
1998 chevy tahoe loose steering at highway speed when going thru a slight curve it feels as though you hit a patch of ice. The steering wheel has a slight jerk that scares the life out of you. Replaced steering sensor, steering box, entire front end and it still does it..there needs to be a recall on this problem. *Tr
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet tahoe. the contact stated that the steering was very loose. through online research, he discovered the defect and called chevrolet and gm. he was informed that there was no recall for the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were 115,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My husband bought off a private party a 1998 tahoe, for a daughter. she has complained that at less than 10 miles an hour sometimes the brakes will fail. we have had the car checked out but they could not find a reason for the failure. I have her car and have been driving it I see also that…
My husband bought off a private party a 1998 tahoe, for a daughter. she has complained that at less than 10 miles an hour sometimes the brakes will fail. we have had the car checked out but they could not find a reason for the failure. I have her car and have been driving it I see also that at less than 10 miles an hour sometimes the brakes will fail. I called the chevy dealership and they said they have never heard of this --- something IS wrong with this vehicles braking system and no one seems to know what it IS. have you heard of this and if so what can I have done to correct this problem before an accident occurs. I am very concerned when I drive this vehicle. I believe my daughter did hit the back of another vehicle when it occurred to her -- I would say approximately 2 years ago. *Tr
- Seats
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet tahoe. while adjusting the driver's seat in the vehicle, the seat came off track around the floor bolts. the manufacturer stated that nothing could be done to assist. the current and failure mileages were 110,000.
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Outside temp below freezing so I heated up my 1998 chevy tahoe (including heated leather seats on low setting) and when I returned to my vehicle less than 5 minutes later, driver's seat was on fire. vehicle has less that 90,000 miles and has not been mistreated. I happened to have a drink in my…
Outside temp below freezing so I heated up my 1998 chevy tahoe (including heated leather seats on low setting) and when I returned to my vehicle less than 5 minutes later, driver's seat was on fire. vehicle has less that 90,000 miles and has not been mistreated. I happened to have a drink in my hand so I poured it on the seat to put it out. had I actually been sitting on the seat, I could have been seriously burned. *tr
- Steering
When turning the steering wheel to the right feels like driving on ice. when it IS cold the steering feel like this all the time till the tahoe warms up then I am back the random turning. Will not let anyone in my household drive the tahoe because of this. Found a bunch of other tahoes with this…
When turning the steering wheel to the right feels like driving on ice. when it IS cold the steering feel like this all the time till the tahoe warms up then I am back the random turning. Will not let anyone in my household drive the tahoe because of this. Found a bunch of other tahoes with this problem on the internet and it sounds like the steering evo sensor IS bad. Looks like the tahoe would send some type of message to inform the driver to have this repaired or a bypass installed in case of failure. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
1998 tahoe ABS braking problem. ABS system engages at low speed making it very hard to stop vehicle safely. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When traveling 10 mph or under the anti-lock brakes system starts making it hard to stop. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the windshield wiper/washer worked intermittently. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer, but the manufacturer was alerted.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt anchorage separation
Odi has received one (1) complaint alleging that the 2ND row passenger-side seat belt release buckle anchor detached from seat frame during a side impact crash.during the crash, the occupant was thrown from his seat, partially ejected through the rear quarter window of the vehicle.occupant sustained injury.gm has…
Odi has received one (1) complaint alleging that the 2ND row passenger-side seat belt release buckle anchor detached from seat frame during a side impact crash.during the crash, the occupant was thrown from his seat, partially ejected through the rear quarter window of the vehicle.occupant sustained injury.gm has subsequently changed seat belt anchoring design in my 2000. Odi has completed a preliminary investigation and has determined that further information IS needed to determine whether a safety defect exists.
- 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.
- 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.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10004214Poor performance from a stop in 2WD, auto or 4WD hi. 2003, 2003 cadillac ext also included.
- 100041356.5L L49 L56 L57 L65 diesel engine requiring fuel injection pump replacement. Models p32/p42 1994-1999 included.
- 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.
- 634905Some vehicles will not move when 4-wheel drive IS requested, noise, shudder, poor performance, transmission / transfer case slips, transmission will not upshift, slips in 4-wheel drive.
- 627635Information regarding security lamp illumination on the instument panel, engine stalls.
- 625163Information regarding security lamp illuminating on the instrument panel, engine stall, no start, and diagnosic trouble code b2960. *Slc
- 606576Customer may complain that the 4WD IS inoperative.
Every Chevrolet Tahoe model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.