1998 GMC Envoy: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Suspension · May 2006
“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”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2004
“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.”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Suspension · May 2004
“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”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2003
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2003
“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”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2002
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2001
“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”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 1999
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.
How other years compare
Check your exact Envoy by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 GMC Envoy reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 GMC Envoy. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Does the 1998 GMC Envoy have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.