1998 GMC Envoy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1998 GMC Envoy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1998 GMC Envoy. Newest first.
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts." these vehicles have a console cover/armrest cam latch that could release at less than the required load of the standard.
Risk and remedy
Risk
During a crash, the console cover could open and the cover or items stored under it could injury an occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism.
The daytime running lights were built with a candela value greater than 2,600, are located less than 100mm from the turn signals and hazard warning lamps, and are not deactivated when the turn signal or hazard warning lamps are activated. this does not comply with fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition would make it difficult for drivers of oncoming vehicles to see the turn signal, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new body control module and reprogram the vehicle with a new calibration that will turn the daytime running lights off when the turn signal or hazard warning flasher IS activated.
Owner complaints
19 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I was driving on a 4 lane divided highway with multiple stoplights. as a light turned red, I applied the brakes. the brake pedal went to the floor accompanied by the brake warning light and I almost hit the car in front of me. I pulled off into a parking lot and discovered brake fluid leaking in…
I was driving on a 4 lane divided highway with multiple stoplights. as a light turned red, I applied the brakes. the brake pedal went to the floor accompanied by the brake warning light and I almost hit the car in front of me. I pulled off into a parking lot and discovered brake fluid leaking in the vicinity of the left rear wheel. upon further inspection, it was discovered that all of the brake lines are severely corroded and that the failure occurred in the steel brake line that goes to the rear brakes. all of the steel lines on this vehicle (brakes, fuel lines) are severely corroded along with the undercarriage of this vehicle. I've owned this vehicle since it was new and it's been located in delaware which generally has very little snow (and therefore salt) during the winter months. this brake failure and the condition of the fuel lines are a severe safety issue and warrants an immediate recall. had I been going slightly faster or had been towing, I would have been involved in an accident that would have caused substantial damage or loss of life. upon further research, this IS a known defect that needs immediate attention before more people are killed. I cannot drive this vehicle now without replacing all of these lines--the condition of the undercarriage of this vehicle IS inexcusable and I will never purchase another gm product. *tr
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 45mph, the vehicle struck a dip in the road and the rear leaf spring assembly fractured which caused the vehicle body to drop to the ground. this incident occurred near the contact's home and the vehicle was not towed to a dealer. an independent repair shop mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed the fractured leaf spring assembly. the vehicle IS waiting repair
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Wheel speed sensor
Problem with anti-lock brake sensor; anti-lock brakes kick in at low speeds 5-10 mph
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
On dec. 7, 2004, it was a very rainy day and of course my windshield wipers were not working properly. They would turn off, or they would turn on to full wiping when I had them set for intermittent wiping. They also would not turn off when I turned them off. This IS a safety issue and should be…
On dec. 7, 2004, it was a very rainy day and of course my windshield wipers were not working properly. They would turn off, or they would turn on to full wiping when I had them set for intermittent wiping. They also would not turn off when I turned them off. This IS a safety issue and should be corrected. This first happend in october of 2002. I brought it to the dealer and they didn't find anything wrong. The problem IS that it only happens once in awhile, but when you bring it to the dealer, it doesn't happen! I notified general motors about this on august 11, 2003. Confirmation number 1-128999107.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
The driver's side door did not close properly. when the door was locked, it would come off of the hinge and was partially open. the manufacturer has been contacted. *ak this would occur when the vehicle was in motion. *sc *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Wiper malfunction with exact symptoms that the newer GMC SUV are having. mechanics are using the same part on all vehicles and it occurs spiratically. dealers are saying this controlling device IS common to have this occur. the wiper motor sometimes just stop or change speed on it's own and it…
Wiper malfunction with exact symptoms that the newer GMC SUV are having. mechanics are using the same part on all vehicles and it occurs spiratically. dealers are saying this controlling device IS common to have this occur. the wiper motor sometimes just stop or change speed on it's own and it has be occuring from 96 to current and they only want to replace certain ones. I own a 98 GMC envoy and this problem IS happening. it doesn't happen all the time, but when it does it IS dangerous to be driving in the vehicle especially traveling at higher speeds when it IS raining.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
On monday, 5/3/04, my son backed our 1998 GMC envoy out of his garage. the left front end dropped to the ground. according to GMC dealer, the ball joint and cv joints failed. dealer advised us recall had been issued for GMC jimmys up to 1996 year, but nothing for 1998. had my son been driving on the highway, serious injury or worse could have resulted. *ak
- Unknown or other
When my vehicle was under warranty I did have a problem with the lights going completely out for a few seconds at night while driving. the blinked off and then on again. when I took it in for a repair and mentioning all the little things that were not working before the warrranty was up I had…
When my vehicle was under warranty I did have a problem with the lights going completely out for a few seconds at night while driving. the blinked off and then on again. when I took it in for a repair and mentioning all the little things that were not working before the warrranty was up I had mentioned that along with a few other minor complaints. the did not find any problem with the lights. I did have a problem also with the alignment and they said that was fine also and it was not fixed. But it definatly had a problem with that also. the same thing happened to me later on while driving at night when the lights went out. but they did come back on after a few seconds. it IS a very scary feeling when driving in the country at night and the light go out. it has been happening more now. my vehicle has 55,000 on it. I think that IS to premature to have such an expensive safety problem. I did call the dealer and he said that the lighting system for replacement IS like $1,200. They only made that lighting system for 2 years and I can see why. it IS faulty. has there been other problems? please let me know what I can do about this. thank you
- Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle has been well maintained. Dealer also stated that the vehicle showed no signs of neglect. Engine locked up with out warning. Manufacture IS not willing to share cost of replacment but does agree that engine has very low mileage for this type of problem.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
I was driving along at highway speeds when my 1998 GMC envoy with 43162 miles stopped accelerating. when I stepped harder on the gas, the engine would not rev and power began to run out from the engine. the motor stalled and yet the electricity was still on in the car. I began to lose braking…
I was driving along at highway speeds when my 1998 GMC envoy with 43162 miles stopped accelerating. when I stepped harder on the gas, the engine would not rev and power began to run out from the engine. the motor stalled and yet the electricity was still on in the car. I began to lose braking power and steering became harder. I was able to pull off the road, turn off and turn the car back on again. But the car stalled again and again, five (5) times in six (6) miles. this happened several years back, and has continued to happen intermittenly. I always thought it happened when I got below 1/4 of a tank of gas, but tonight I was at half a tank. the only thing I noticed was the ooil pressure gague was at slightly right of middle, like around 60 I think, which happens only occasionally. finally I got home and, with the car in park, put continuous even pressure on the accelerator but the number of rpms was varying, by up to 1000 or 1500, from 3500 down to 2000 -- up and back continuously but not on an even cycle. it's very dangerous when this happens unexpectedly at highway speeds and I have brought it to the dealer before to report this (since around 1998 or 1999) but this keeps happening. I only had those few seconds when the motor was not accelerating but the car had not yet stalled to react -- put on the hazard lights, pull off the road, come to a stop -- and luckily I knew what to do or else I could have been killed by someone rear-ending my car. please help, I am terrified of the car and have lost all confidence in it, yet again.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
When driving under rainy conditions the windshield wipers quit unexpectedly and then came back on. cause IS unknown. *ak *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
I purchased a new 1998 GMC envoy (vehicle IS based upon the GMC S-10 "jimmy" model) in january 1999. the vehicle as of 12/2003 has only 15,400 miles. from time to time the right high intensity discharge ("hid") lamp does not function and the vehicle operates with only one headlight at night.…
I purchased a new 1998 GMC envoy (vehicle IS based upon the GMC S-10 "jimmy" model) in january 1999. the vehicle as of 12/2003 has only 15,400 miles. from time to time the right high intensity discharge ("hid") lamp does not function and the vehicle operates with only one headlight at night. initially, I sought to have the right side hid lamp replaced but after doing a signficant amount of research discovered that the manufacturer of this particular hid lamp no longer produces it and there are no available "like-kind" replacements on the after-market. given the specified usage hours for hid lamps, this type of hid lamp may be latently defective as there are many reports of this problem, particularly concerning the passenger side hid lamp. further, owners/operators of vehicles with this type of hid system will not know of this headlight safety problems (e.g. Defective lamps that do not have an hourly use life as specified and inability of gmc/manufacturer to provide an adequate substitute) until years afer purchasing a vehicle. preliminary research also indicates that while a "retro-fit" may be possible, the cost of such action for both hid lamps IS in excess of $1,200 and in some instances a modification of a safety system (night time driving lights) on a vehicle may be prohibited by state law. *ak
- Wheels › Hub
Left rear wheel cap and hub came off while switch ing at 15 mph. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Tires
Left front and rear tire came off while driving. Could have causedan accident. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
While driving the vehicle started blowing out cool air.engine overheated shutting vehicle down. Took to dealer and dealer indicated radiator had rusted on inside. Need new engine and radiator. nlm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Upon purchasing vehicle, in first year, headlights had to be replaced twice in same year. Please provide any further information.*ak
- Suspension › Rear
After leaving a parking lot where the key had been left turned on we noticed a loud noise from the rear of the car. after stopping it was noticed the car had gone up in the back by 6 - 12 inches. we proceded to the dealer (1/2 mile away) and the rear suspension came down by itself. I have not taken it to the dealer for service. the day of incident was a saturday and they had no service available.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) · Wheels
Traction malfunctioned, causing rear wheels to lock up and resulting in vehicle spining which coyld have resulted in a crash. dealer could not determine cause. problem still exists. please provide further information. *ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Ignition · Exterior lighting › Headlights
No summary
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114443This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an inaccurate fuel gauge. Technician should drive the vehicle to duplicate the concern. The fuel gauge will have a tendency to falsely indicate a lower fuel level than what is actually present. The fuel gauge will take a few minutes to show the correct fuel level. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission no buffering takes place when the transmission is in park or neutral. This is a normal characteristic and no repairs are necessary. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission the fuel gauge is buffered in all gears and neutral. There is a timer which starts to count up when the clutch is depressed. When this timer reaches its calibrated value the buffering stops. This is a normal characteristic and no repairs are necessary.
- 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.
- 10032462Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement IS necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for noise, no power assist, no or low pressure and leaking conditions has indicated a high number of no trouble found results. All 1997-2010 vehicles and light trucks; 2010 and prior hummers H2/H3 and saab 9-7X vehicles.
- 10026704GMC: fuel gauge fluctuation in park or neutral, causing the low fuel light to illuminate.
- 10020462Clunk noise felt through the floor pan.
- 10016473Water leak in front floor carpet area. Gm tech link.
- 10012703Diagnostic information for intermittent vehicle no crank dead battery.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10009382Fuel gauge fluctuation in park or neutral.
- 10007905Daytime running lamps (drls) turn off temporarily while the turn signals are activated.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10004206Clunk noise felt through floor pan.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 634729Some customers may comment on an exhaust boom / groan noise in the passenger compartment.
- 634218Subject regarding rust in cooling system, heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats (flush cooling system). Nlm
- 628070Some vehicles may exhibit an exhaust noise, rattle noise at 550 rpm.
- 626507Subject regarding necessary resurfacing of the park brake drum.
- 623792Information regarding improved bus seat decliner assemblies, the handle on the recliner assembly IS attached with a number 20 torque with a shank length of 20 millimeters. *Slc
- 623086Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 619401On certain vehicles, the console cover / armrest cam latch could release at less than the 10 g vertical load requirement of the standard.
- 619027Subject regarding the new reclincer assembly.
- 618204Brief information concerning the outside rearview mirrors folding randomly.
- 617784Customer may comment that the rearview mirrors, power door locks and rear hatch do not operate.
- 615112Product recall campaign to install a new body control module and reprogram the vehicle with a new calibration that will turn the daytime running lights off when the turn signal or hazard warning flasher IS activated.
- 611277Some customers may comment that the heater IS inoperative, blows cold air, engine may exhibit an overheat condition or the coolant reservoir has rust in it.
- 609578The screw that secures the left and center insulator panels together, underneath the i/p on the driver's side may pull the one push/insert nut out of the center insulator panel causing, the instrument panel(i/p) insulator panel to rattle. Yd
- 605958Some customers may comment that the cd changer will not release when depressing the eject button.
Every GMC Envoy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.