1998 GMC Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Suburban › 1998
These records cover every 1998 GMC 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 GMC 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
100 complaints9 involved a crash3 involved a fire7 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
While sitting.. Standing still.. Parked.. The spare tire in the rear of the suburban exploded.. I discovered this several days later.. The explosion caused approximately $650 in damage.. Not including the cost of the tire itself.. I contacted b.f. Goodrich and was assigned a claim number .. A case number.. 2983357.. I submitted informationtto b.f. Goodrich with no reply at this time..
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
I have a 1998 GMC suburban just purchased and I experienced the same problem described in recall #05v379000. Result was my wife slammed into the back of another car in our driveway. Damage was minimal but I sure don't want her driving this vehicle until it IS fixed! I called gm and they said this year (1998) IS not effected! Yeah, right! *tr
- Tires › Tread/belt
Previous separation of the tread on passenger rear tire, replaced with spare on july 18, 2006. Checked all other tires showed good condition. july 24, 2006 while driving freeway separation of driver side tire tread caused major car accident. summit premium plus tires. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 10 mph, the ABS would pump and grab. as a result, the brake pedal needed excessive pressure to stop. the dealership determined the driver side front hub and bearing needed to be replaced. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the anti-lock…
Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 10 mph, the ABS would pump and grab. as a result, the brake pedal needed excessive pressure to stop. the dealership determined the driver side front hub and bearing needed to be replaced. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the anti-lock brakes. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. The consumer was informed the ABS sensors needed to be replaced. Updated 03/17/06. 8JB
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Dt: the contact stated while the engine was warming up, and a few minutes later while getting in to the vehicle, the passenger's seat was smoking. The heater in the seat burned a hole in the seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. The dealership told the contact if the seat heater was turned on again it would short out. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the contact states there IS a nhtsa recall campaign 05v379000 concerning the anti lock brakes. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it IS not included in the recall due to vin and the model year. the contact repaired the vehicle at her own expense.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring · Fuel system, other › Delivery › Fuel pump
Wiring to the electric fuel pump can over heat (and possibly cause a fire) when the fuel pump fails. this would occur when the fuel pump IS in a failed (locked) condition while power IS applied to the pump. The electrical current draw IS higher than the rating of the wiring. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS locked at low speeds. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the consumer stated that the ABS locked up at low speeds. the consumer stated that this happens every time she slowed down. the problem would occur at 10 mph and slower when pulling into parking spots. there was a recall on this for other GMC vehicles. recall campaign #05v379000…
Dt: the consumer stated that the ABS locked up at low speeds. the consumer stated that this happens every time she slowed down. the problem would occur at 10 mph and slower when pulling into parking spots. there was a recall on this for other GMC vehicles. recall campaign #05v379000; anti-lock. the manufacturer had been contacted. the dealer was called but they have no information on the recall yet. *jb (11/17/05) the consumer stated that she almost went through the store window as a result of this problem. *sc
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Consumer disappointed with the lack of recalls on the defective windshield wiper circuit board on his 1998 GMC suburban. *nm artemis down until july,05 aae the consumer recently heard about recall of several vehicle which have the same wiper component. the wipers failed while driving in a rain storm at 70 mph. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt: the contact owns a 1998 GMC suburban. He states that on june 1, 2005 vehicle was in a accident and was hit in the front end. upon impact, none of the air bags deployed.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Brakes do not stop the vehicle properly. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Consumer request for reimbursement of repairs on GMC 1998 suburban. *bf the consumer learned of a recall regarding the rotors, however the dealer informed the consumer the recall was only for c type trucks not k and the only difference being a c IS a two wheel drive and the k type IS four-wheel drive. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
Crash
- Steering
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…
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. if a driver unfamiliar to the propensity to jerk in turns was driving, I could definitely see where the unexpected jerking may cause them to lose control. the latest jerking comes and goes and IS not very consistent from week to week yet. when it gets more consistent, I will ask the dealership to replace the module. I don't presently recall for sure, but I think I may have paid for having the sensor module replaced the first time. the incident date below IS an estimate, since I don't have my records of the first steering module replacement with me as I am filling out this form. also, the purchase date was in january, 2000, but I don't recall the exact purchase date and don't have my purchase records with me.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery · Interior lighting · Power train · Seat belts · Seats · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Suspension · Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered axle assembly · Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Nar 04/28/2003. mr the consumer experienced problems with his vehicle. the vehicle leaked oil, engine idled roughly, coolant system leaked, there was a problem with the dome light, steering, the rear axle, the left rear glass rattled, the air condition, battery, suspension were all inoperative. the fuel filter, mirror transmission seat, seat belts, wipers, alternator, brakes, fuel pump. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1998 suburban w/ 4l60e transmission, shifting hard 1-2 and 2-3. Research shows it IS a known problem of manufacturer addresses under gm tech serv bulletin 01-07-30-023b. Further, internet search indicates that problem IS manufacturers design error, and that only permanent fix IS to use an…
1998 suburban w/ 4l60e transmission, shifting hard 1-2 and 2-3. Research shows it IS a known problem of manufacturer addresses under gm tech serv bulletin 01-07-30-023b. Further, internet search indicates that problem IS manufacturers design error, and that only permanent fix IS to use an aftermarket suppliers re-designed replacement part. currently, I am in the position of having to seek repair at estimated costs ranging from $1800-2800 from local service providers. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
While applying the brake pedal the brakes failed. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. consumer inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion. this information was provided helen's boy friend erick wunk.*ak front…
While applying the brake pedal the brakes failed. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. consumer inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion. this information was provided helen's boy friend erick wunk.*ak front passenger brake rotor separated from lug bolt hub. drivers side rotter also ready to separate. GMC recalled this part but not for the serial number of the consumers vehicle. consumer replaced parts at his own expense. consumer states that if this incident happened while driving at a high rate of speed he would have loss control of the vehicle. *tc
- Electrical system › Wiring
Fire then smoke coming from wire harness.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic
Rotors on 4WD sububan rusted out at the weld between the cast rim and the stamped steel interwheel. The stamped part has the lug holes, the cast rim IS the what the brake pads grip.
- Steering
While driving and when turning steering wheel jerks in the same direction. *Ak
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
My 1998 suburban has had two new fuel pumps installed by the dealer within four months.after a short time, approx.2 months. The fuel pump still makes a buzzing noise.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windsheild wipers don't work properly when set to intermittent. they work fine when set to low or high speed.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
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. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While driving in a rainstorm windshield wipers failed.*ak
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.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
- 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.
- 10001595Electric outside rearview mirror switch short circuit.
- 10001110Slips in 4-wheel drive, noise, vibration, leaks, hot odor.
- 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
- 608388Brake lead/pull and front brake wear. *Mjs
- 606765Some cab chassis, crew cab, and pickup models may exhibit a brake lead / pull and front brake wear.
- 602774Vehicles leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes, and premature front brake wear, especially vehicles that have been used to tow a heavy load.
- 601128Vehicle leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes or front brake wear not meeting expectations.
Every GMC Suburban model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.