1998 GMC Suburban Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 GMC Suburban, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes2923.8%
- Visibility1713.9%
- Electrical1613.1%
- Tires & wheels129.8%
- Transmission108.2%
- Steering75.7%
- Engine54.1%
- Fuel system54.1%
- Powertrain (other)43.3%
- Interior & seats43.3%
- Seat belts43.3%
- Heating & air conditioning32.5%
- Body & structure21.6%
- Suspension21.6%
- Other / unspecified10.8%
- Airbags10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WINDSHEILD WIPERS DON'T WORK PROPERLY WHEN SET TO INTERMITTENT. THEY WORK FINE WHEN SET TO LOW OR HIGH SPEED.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
FIRE THEN SMOKE COMING FROM WIRE HARNESS.*AK
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
GMC INFORMED US THAT OUR SUBURBAN'S FIRESTONE TIRES HAVE HAD A TREAD SEPARATION. FIRESTONE CONFIRMED THIS AND IS OFFERING TO ADJUST FOR NEW TIRES BUT NOT REFUND. I DO NOT WISH TO HAVE BRIDGESTONE / FIRESTONE TIRES. DO THEY NOT NEED TO REFUND OR REPLACE THE TIRES? THE TIRES WE PURCHASED IN 2001 AND ARE BRIDGESTONE DUELER AT LT245/75 R 16 108/104S 693. *NLM
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1998 GMC SURBURBAN FAILED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER AND ANOTHER TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST THAT THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM HAS BEEN COMMON TO THE 1997-98 GMC AND CHEVROLET SURBURBANS, TAHOES AND COMPARABLE VEHICLES. IT IS NOT FAIR TO CONSUMERS FOR AN AUTO MAKER TO KNOW ABOUT SEVERE PROBLEMS LIKE THIS WITH VEHICLES AND NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. OF THE 86 COMPLAINTS LISTED ON YOUR WEBSITE FOR THIS MODEL, 7 INVOLVED AND OTHERS INVOLVED THE DRIVETRAIN WHICH CAN BE AN ASSOCIATED PROBLEM.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL JERKS IN THE SAME DIRECTION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER AN HOUR OF DRIVING.*MR. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE CAME TO A STOP AND THEN PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AGAIN, THE VEHICLE JERKED EXTREMELY HARD. *JB *NLM
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE, ALSO THERE WAS A MOLD PROBLEM, THE DEALER TRIED TO REMEDY PROBLEM BY SPRAYING A CHEMICAL INSIDE THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE ODOR WAS STILL THERE, THE REAR TRANSFER CASE AND DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED, AND THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT WAS READJUSTED. TS *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE, ALSO THERE WAS A MOLD PROBLEM, THE DEALER TRIED TO REMEDY PROBLEM BY SPRAYING A CHEMICAL INSIDE THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE ODOR WAS STILL THERE, THE REAR TRANSFER CASE AND DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED, AND THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT WAS READJUSTED. TS *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE, ALSO THERE WAS A MOLD PROBLEM, THE DEALER TRIED TO REMEDY PROBLEM BY SPRAYING A CHEMICAL INSIDE THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE ODOR WAS STILL THERE, THE REAR TRANSFER CASE AND DOOR LOCK WAS REPLACED, AND THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT WAS READJUSTED. TS *JB
THE LOCKING MECHANISM LOCKS, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CLOSE THE DOOR. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED, DUE TO MISSING COMPONENT WHICH WAS REPLACED BY DEARLER. *YC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .