1998 GMC Suburban: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 100 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (23% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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..”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2011
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2007
“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”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2006
“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”Owner report · Seats · Nov 2005
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2005
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2005
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2005
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2004
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
How other years compare
Check your exact Suburban 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 Suburban reliable?
NHTSA has 100 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 GMC Suburban. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Suburban problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 92,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 GMC Suburban have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.