RoadVitals

1998 Chevrolet Tahoe

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
263
Latest Apr 30, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 24, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
25
12 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 263 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, most frequently naming the brakes, visibility and steering categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 39 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E088000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 24, 2007
121,680 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The 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.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
98V033000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

Feb 17, 1998
1,137 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE01023ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION

Opened Jul 17, 2001
Closed Dec 20, 2001

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.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
EA99011ClosedEngineering Analysis

ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIV

Opened May 12, 1999
Closed Feb 27, 2001

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.

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 263
Engine
Filed Apr 30, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11657952
Incident
Apr 30, 2025
Mileage
240,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 5, 2016
Fire reported

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.

NHTSA ID
10840075
Incident
Feb 27, 2016
Mileage
145,975 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 3, 2016

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.

NHTSA ID
10839688
Incident
Sep 12, 2015
Mileage
170,000 mi
BrakesFuel system
Filed Jun 7, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID
10723888
Incident
Apr 22, 2015
Mileage
95,000 mi
Steering
Filed May 5, 2015

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

NHTSA ID
10714744
Incident
May 4, 2015
Mileage
240,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Jan 13, 2015

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

NHTSA ID
10672219
Incident
Jan 13, 2015
Mileage
172,300 mi
Brakes
Filed May 29, 2014

DRIVER'S SIDE REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE ALONG FRAME RAIL FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION IN LINE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10594760
Incident
May 28, 2014
Mileage
180,790 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 16, 2012

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

NHTSA ID
10484918
Incident
Oct 15, 2012
Mileage
240,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIP4723F

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This 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.

PIP4723D

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This 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.

PIC4696E

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This 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.

17NA073

EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIC4696D

EQUIPMENT

This 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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Tahoe by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026203054.2
2025391049.8
2024603361.0
20232055364.3
20221784364.4
202143116468.5
2020553060.8
20191022056.8
20181013056.0
20171734054.1
20162558160.3
201565714157.9
2014903150.4
20132324150.4
20121783153.8
20114465152.4
20103144254.9
20092845152.8
20085284457.8
20071,1764560.4
20061144048.5
20052937052.3
20044665050.8
20035077358.3
20024496564.7
20015128665.8
200028210665.2
19995523562.2
1998Viewing2634259.0
19974102456.2
19962835764.1
19952468864.8
1994192356.8
1993802—
1992602—
1991300—
1989000—
1988100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.