1998 Chevrolet Suburban

Above average

Owners filed 201 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Suburban years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
77,000 milesMedian miles at failure

56 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Chevrolet Suburban problems

57 of the 201 complaints (28%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes23
203
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer12
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor11
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes11
000
Tires › Tread/Belt7
000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System7
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring6
000
Tires5
100
Suspension5
000
Steering5
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

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.

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).

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior03V093000
Filed Mar 7, 2003507,171 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor98V033000
Filed Feb 17, 19981,137 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Feb 5, 2016MN

BRAKE LINE FAILED AFTER MED TO HEAVY BRAKING, LEAVING LITTLE TO NO BRAKE AS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 24, 2014182,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE ABS SENSOR, THE INNER AND OUTER BEARINGS AND THE CALIBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 2, 201238,528 milesNJ

I PURCHASED ON 11/1997 A NEW 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 3/4 TON 2500 SERIES. THE SUBURBAN HAS 38,528 ORIGINAL MILES AND HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE NEW. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN USED PRIMARILY AS A SECONDARY VEHICLE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. THE SUBURBAN HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN SNOW CONDITIONS ONLY 12-14 TIMES. I AM EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE BRAKE AND FUEL LINE CORROSION ON THE STEEL BRAKE/FUEL LINES, FLEXIBLE BRAKE HOSES AND CONNECTIONS. I AM VERY CONCERNED OVER THE BRAKE/FUEL LINE CORROSION ISSUEA AND HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN INITIATED BY THE NHTSA ON 1/5/11, NHTSA INVESTIGATION FILE NO. EA11001. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 11, 201090,000 milesMA

1. HARD STOP TO AVOID HITTING WILDLIFE. GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. 2. AFTER THE BRAKES HOLDING FOR A SECOND OR TWO THE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR. AFTER THAT ONLY 1/4 BRAKE POWER. ONCE HOME, OBSERVED BRAKE FLUID COMING FROM CORRODED BRAKE LINES. 3. I WILL NEED TO REVIEW COST OF SERVICE. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 20, 200972,083 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LINKAGE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY AND THE INTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE HANDLE WAS DEFECTIVE. CHEVROLET STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE WARRANTY ALERTS ON THE DOORS, INCLUDING ONE FOR THE DOOR KNOB REMAINING OPEN DUE TO THE DETAIL BRACKET NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND A NOTICE REGARDING THE SUBURBAN DOOR HANDLES BEING DIFFICULT TO OPEN BECAUSE THE STRUCTURE WAS PRODUCED INCORRECTLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,083.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 6, 2007103,000 milesVA

SPEED VARIATION, AND SOMETIMES CEASE, OF OPERATION OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS. POSSIBLE DISCREPANCY WITH TURN SIGNAL LEVER, SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED BY, AND SOMETIMES CORRECTED WITH WIGGLING WITH THE LEVER. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 8, 2006144,000 milesMN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND APPLYING THE BRAKES UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES INCREASED IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A NHTSA RECALL # 05V379000 REGARDING SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 12, 2006FL

WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT AT VARIOUS TIMES. SOMETIMES WORK SOMETIMES NOT, SOMETIMES QUIT IN MIDDLE OF USE. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed Mar 11, 2006100,000 milesGA

EACH REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CIRCUIT BOARD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THESE OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT TIMES (APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS APART). NOW, ABOUT A YEAR LATER, THE RIGHT REAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THIS WAS FOUND DUE TO THE BLINKER AND BRAKE LIGHT FAILING, SO I SWITCHED THE BULB FROM THE OTHER SIDE, WITH THE EXACT SAME RESULTS, SO I KNOW IT IS THE CIRCUIT AND NOT A BAD BULB. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Nov 22, 200556,000 milesMI

MY 1998 SUBURBAN HAD SAME REPAIR DONE ON THE ABS BRAKES THAT CURRENT RECALL IS OUT FOR 1999-2002 AND GM IS SAYING THE PART ON 99-2000 RECALL IS NOT THE PART ON MY 98 SUBURBAN. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS THE SAME RECALL PART AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO REIMBURSE ME FOR REPAIRS I PAID FOR BEFORE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 14, 2005114,000 milesCT

CATASTROHIC LOSS OF ENTIRE BREAKING SYSTEM DUE TO BURSTING OF BRAKE LINES WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE; DEALER REQUIRED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM OWING TO SERVELY RUSTED PARTS THROUGHOUT; MECHANICAL EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM REQUIRED SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS TO STOP VEHICLE; VEHICLE HAD BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED SINCE NEW WITH MOST RECENT SERVICE JUST 2 MONTHS BEFORE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE; HAD VEHICLE BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED POSSIBLE FATAL CONSEQUENCES; POSSIBLE ISSUE OF DESIGN/COMPONENT DEFECT

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Oct 12, 2005100,000 milesRI

DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT ABS BRAKES KICKING IN AT LOW SPEEDS. THE SERVICE BRAKES AND ABS WILL NOT HOLD WHEN THE ABS KICKS IN. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ON GOING SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2004. THE DEALERSHIP CLEANED AND GREASED THE BRAKES. THEY MACHINED THE ROTORS AND REPLACED THE LEFT UPPER ARM BUSHING. AND THEY CHECKED THE ABS SENSORS. THE PROBLEM RECURRED. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THEM THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. IT STARTED GETTING WORSE IN JULY OF 2005. SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR BUSHINGS AND AN IDLE ARM. THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. SHE TOOK IT BACK TO THEM. THEY REPLACED TWO REAR DRUMS, THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, THE U JOINTS, AND T TIGHTENED THE TRANSFER CASE. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. A RECALL FOR THE 2000 MODELS WAS ISSUED. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY SAID THAT THIS MODEL YEAR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD TO HAVE THE SERVICE BRAKES REPLACED BEFORE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ROTORS AND THE PADS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT IT WAS A RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. . *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 28, 2005OH

ABS BRAKE SYSTEM ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEGAN HAVING FAILURES AT VERY LOW SPEEDS(UNDER 10 MPH) WHEN THE VEHICLE(1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE) WAS COMING TO A FULL STOP AT THE END OF THE DRIVE OR WHEN PULLING TO A STOP. THIS WAS OCCURRING OVER & OVER MORE MORE THAN A MONTH. I CONTACTED WHITE-ALLEN CHEVOLET IN DAYTON OHIO AND THE SERVICE MANAGER CONTACTED THE GM ZONE MANAGER AND GM WOULD NOT WARRANTY THIS REPAIR SAYING THAT MY VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL YEARS FOR THIS PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE RECALL ISSUED FOR THE SAME VEHICLE 1999-2002 ( MINE IS 1998). I FINALLY HAD TO HAVE IT DONE STRICTLY BECAUSE OF MY CHILDREN'S SAFETY THE DAY I MADE THE APPOINTMENT MY DAUGHTER AND I ALMOST GLIDED INTO TRAFFIC COMING TO A STOP WHILE TAKING HER TO SCHOOL. THE ZONE MANAGER RESPONSE TO OUR CLAIM WAS THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THEY WILL NOT HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE AS PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE FAILURE IS THE SAME DEFECT ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE MANAGER. SERVICE WAS SUPPLIED ON 9/26/2005 AT WHITE-ALLEN SERVICE ORDER READS "CHECKED ABS SYSTEM RIGHT FRONT SENSOR FAILURE DUE TO LOW VOLTAGE OUTPUT ACTION TAKEN : REPLACED LEFT FRONT HUB AND BEARING PARTS: OWNER HAS THE OLD REPLACED PARTS. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 26, 200558,000 milesMN

I EXPERIENCED THE BRAKING ISSUE DESCRIBED IN RECALL 05V379000. ON THE DATE BELOW, I NARROWLY AVOIDED A CRASH WITH CHILDREN IN THE VICINITY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN MN SINCE PURCHASE TO ME AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS BRAKING ISSUE 3 OR SO TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. *NM

Steering › Electric Power Assist System
Filed Sep 8, 200570,000 milesMN

1) NEAR CRASHES HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY AN ERRATIC CONDITION IN THE STEERING. CALLED GM NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND GAVE ALL INFORMATION AND WAS PROMISED SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT ME. (NEVER HAPPENED) 2 OTHER FAMILIES HERE IN ROCHESTER HAVE THE SAME VEHICLE AND THE SAME PROBLEM. 2) UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE WHEEL ITSELF SUDDENLY FREE-WHEELS SEVERAL INCHES. THIS RAPIDLY ACCELERATES THE DEGREE OF TURN AND MAKES THE DRIVER FEEL AS IF THEY HAVE LOST CONTROL AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE OFTEN SWERVES OUT OF CONTROL. 3) I BROUGHT IT TO 2 DEALERS HERE IN ROCHESTER AND NEITHER WAS ABLE TO DETECT THE PROBLEM ON A TEST DRIVE. THE PROBLEM COMES AND GOES. WHEN IT HAPPENS, IT WILL SCARE THE LIVING OUT OF YOU, AND THE DRIVER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE HAVE ALL BUT LOST CONTROL ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. A FRIEND OF MINE WHO ALSO HAS A SUBURBAN SAID HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND FINALLY SOMEONE SUGGESTED REPLACING SOMETHING CALLED THE POWER STEERING ASSIST? WE HAVE A 98' SUBURBAN AND HAVE HAD IT SINCE IT WAS 7,000 MILES OLD. IT HAS A 350 AND IS AN LT AND HAS 3RD SEAT AND FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. I THINK THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS MOST IF NOT ALL SUBURBAN'S IN OUR YEAR CLASS. CHEVY IS NOT RESPONDING TO MY QUESTIONS. PLEASE HELP. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash3 injured
Filed Jun 4, 2005WA

BRAKES SHAKE AND VIBRATE WHEN BRAKING. ON OCCASION, BRAKES FAILED AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. MECHANIC INSPECTED FOUND "NO PROBLEM" WITH BRAKES. THE LAST INCIDENT WITH THE BRAKES RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN MORE THAN ENOUGH DISTANCE WAS GIVEN FOR STOPPING.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission1 injured
Filed May 11, 2005MO

STOPPED ON ROADWAY TO PICK UP A PART THAT HAD FALLEN OUT OF THE TRUCK TRAVELING IN FRONT OF ME. I PUT MY 1998 CHEVY SUBURBAN IN PARK AND POPPED THE REAR HATCH. I REMEMBER HEARING THE REAR HATCH CLICK AND NOW REALIZE THAT THE HATCH WON'T RELEASE UNLESS THE TRUCK IS IN PARK. I WALKED BEHIND MY TRUCK TO PICK UP THE PART. AFTER I PICKED IT UP, I WAS KNOCKED DOWN BY THE FORCE OF MY TRUCK. THE TRUCK MUST HAVE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AFTER I'D PUT IT IN PARK. I RECENTLY READ ABOUT A SIMILAR INCIDENT IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER, WHERE THIS HAPPENED TO SOMEONE ELSE WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE TRUCK ROLLED OVER ME, AND I WAS TRAPPED UNDER IT. A MAN CAME AND DROVE THE TRUCK OFF ME. I SUFFERED A DEEP CUT TO THE BACK OF MY HEAD, THE MEAT WAS RIPPED OFF MY LEG, I SHATTERED THE T-12 VERTEBRA IN MY BACK AND THE DISKS ABOVE AND BELOW WERE COMPRESSED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed May 10, 200560,595 milesMI

BRAKE PEDAL GOES DOWN OR GETS SPONGEY AT SLOW STOPPING SPEEDS UNDER 5 MPH. IT FEELS LIKE AN ABS EVENT IS OCCURING! NO ABS LIGHT COMES ON. INCIDENT OCCURS AT NEARLY EVERY STOP. STOPPING DISTANCE IS LONGER. IT FEELS LIKE THE VEHICLE IS NOT GOING TO STOP. IT IS NOT A SAFE SECURE FEELING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. I HAVE HEAR (ON THE RADIO) THAT THIS IS PROBABLEY THE SAME KIND OF PROBLEM OCCURING AS OCCURING ON 1999 TO 1005 VEHICLES. I BELIEVE MY VEHILCE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE REPAIR.

TiresCrash
Filed Apr 25, 2005TX

1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN SUFFERED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WHEN A BLOWOUT OCCURRED.*MR *JB *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 19, 200575,600 milesOH

THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ON MY 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS .IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WHERE STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED A CRASH COULD OCCUR..THIS IS A FOR REAL SAFETY ISSUE AND IS DOCUMENTED IN NHTS ITEM NUMBER 10000062. NOTICED ON THE INTERNET SOMEONE POSTED IN ONTARIO CANADA THERE IS A GM RECALL FOR THE SPEED SENSORS AND CORROSION.. I CAN NOT BELIEVE A ISSUE INVOLVING BRAKES IS NOT ON A RECALL..... I ASKED A SERVICE MANAGER ABOUT THE PROBLEM I'M HAVING AND HE QUOTED THE SPEED SENSOR RIGHT AWAY...COME ON GM KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM....GOING TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO GM NEXT WEEK AND ASK TO TALK TO THE ZONE MANAGER . *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 9, 2005MN

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE DROVE ERRATICALLY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT SUN GEAR REACTION SHELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Feb 9, 200550,000 milesSC

(1) DRIVING IN RAIN. (2) WIPER FAILURE. CONSEQUENCES ARE OBVIOUS! (3) STOP, OPEN HOOD OF VEHICLE, AND SMACK THE WIPER CONTROL! NOTE! DUE TO FACT THAT A FRIEND OF MINE HAS A 1996 GMC SIERRA TRUCK WHICH WAS RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM, I REFUSE TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIXED! MY VEHICLE IS A 1998 (ORDERED IN 1997 BEFORE THEY HIT THE PRODUCTION LINE) CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE PROBLEM IS BAD SOLDER JOINTS ON THE BOARD! I AM AN EET BY DEGREE FOR 25 YEARS AND I KNOW THE PROBLEM WELL AND I ALSO KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM WITH MY FRIEND'S TRUCK AND MINE ARE THE SAME PROBLEM! I GOT ABSOLUTELY NO HELP FROM CHEVROLET CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVES! THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT WAS INDEED THE SAME WIPER CONTROL AND COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY THE RECALL CUTOFF STOPPED WHEN IT DID! BUT, THEY ALSO WOULD NOT GIVE ME A GUARANTEE THAT I WOULD NOT BE CHARGED TO HAVE IT FIXED! IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS FAILURE, GMC WILL PAY THAT BLOODY MONEY! *JB

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Feb 6, 2005110,890 milesWA

1998 CHEVY TAHOE WONT START, SPONTANEOUSLY. IT WILL TURN OVER, BUT WONT START. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WASN'T SURE WHAT WAS WRONG, TRIED IT AGAIN AFTER 10-15 MINUTES AND IT STARTED. I FIGURED IT WAS JUST COLD. SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, IT WAS ABOUT 45 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTED, AND I WAS TOLD BY THE GUY AT THE TIRE DEALER, THAT HIS AND A FRIENDS TAHOE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, I SHOULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I DID THIS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE THEFT DETERRENT MODULE. AFTER SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS AND A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK I GOT THE TRUCK BACK. IT WAS ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. SAME THING, COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS, A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK AND I GOT IT BACK AFTER 3 DAYS. 3 DAYS LATER, THE SAME THING. I DO NOT HAVE MY TRUCK NOW, I HAVE A RENTAL AGAIN. I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS AGAIN, BECAUSE IT IS A "....TOTALLY DIFFERENT SET OF CODES THAN READ THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES..." *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Nov 11, 200484,000 milesWI

I DRIVE A 1998 SUBURBAN AND MY HUSBAND DRIVES A 1997 GMC 2500 TRUCK. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE (USED TO OPEN THE DOOR) HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES IN HIS TRUCK AND IT HAS DIFFICULTY CATCHING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN MY SUBURBAN. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Oct 11, 200427,000 milesNJ

I OWN A 1998 CHEVY SUBURBAN 2200 4WD. ON 7/10/00, AT 13.000 MI THE FRONT ROTORS AND PADS AND REAR SHOES WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. ON 9/13/00 AT 15,000 MI THE FRONT DISC PADS, MASTER CYLINDER PROPORTION VALVE AND CALIPER BRAKE HOSES WERE REPLACED PER SERVICE BULLETIN. ON 8/21/03 AT 22,500 MI I HAD THE FRONT ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED WITH FACTORY OEM PARTS. ON 10/11/04 AT 27,00 MI I HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT ROTORS CUT BECAUSE OF OVERHEATING OF THE ROTORS. ROTORS DISPLAYED HOT SPOTS. THERE SEEMS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT RECURRING PROBLEM/DEFECT WITH THE FRONT BRAKES. *NM

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 24, 2004110,470 milesAL

WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE FAILED AT LEAST ONCE ALMOST EVERY TIME USED FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW. USUALLY COULD BE THUMPED & RESTARTED. TODAY THEY FAILED SEVERAL TIMES AND THEN QUIT ALTOGETHER, IN LIGHT TO HEAVY RAIN, ON THE INTERSTATE. DROVE TO MCCONNELL IN MOBILE AND THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG.. HAD OBVIOUSLY SEEN IT PLENTY BEFORE. I HAD TO PAY $158.46 FOR THE REPAIR AS THEY INFORMED ME THE RECALL ONLY COVERED '94 - '97. '98 SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED!! GM IS VERY LUCKY THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NO TRAGEDIES BECAUSE OF THIS... AT LEAST, THAT ANYBODY KNOWS ABOUT. I THINK IT'S VERY POSSIBLE THAT THERE ARE UNREPORTED ACCIDENTS OR DEATHS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. VISIBILITY GOES TO ZERO ALMOST IMMEDIATELY! REIMBURSE ME, GM, YOU'RE GETTING OFF CHEAP!!*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jun 11, 2004NC

1998 CHEVY SUBURBAN-WIPERS STOP WORKING AT RANDOM INTERVALS, MUST FORCE TO WORK BY HAND UNTIL THEY START WORKING AGAIN, NEED TO REPLACE WIPER MOTOR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 1, 2004133,000 milesIN

IN HEAVY RAIN, WINDSHIELD WASHERS FAILED COMPLETELY WITH NO WARNING. HUMMING IN THE MOTOR BUT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK. EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS CONDITION. COULD NOT SEE ROAD NOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *AK

Steering › Electric Power Assist System
Filed May 21, 200469,588 milesNC

STEERING SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO SKIP WHEN TURNING AND FEELS LIKE CONTROL OF STEERING IS LOST MOMENTARILY. SENSOR WAS REPLACED ONCE AND PROBLEM WAS CURED FOR A TIME, BUT IT IS NOW RECURRING.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 20, 2004PA

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CONTROL BOARD FAILED DUE TO FAULTY SHOULDER JOINT. *PH THIS WAS THE SAME FAILURE AS IN THE 1997 SUBURBAN RECALL. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION DURING THE RAIN. *SC *JB

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed Apr 6, 200498,000 milesMD

RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO OPERATE; IN-DASH INDICATOR PROPERLY INDICATED FAILURE BY RAPID FLASH. WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY, OPENED TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY; FOUND LIGHT BULB NOT FAILED; CAN NOT PROPERLY RE-ASSEMBLE AND GASKET IS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY TO PERMIT RE-ASSEMBLY. HAD TO REPLACE 'CIRCUIT BOARD' WHICH CONNECTS TO WIRING HARNESS TO SOCKETS; COST IS $70 (SEVENTY DOLLARS) ALTHOUGH 'CIRCUIT BOARD' IS WIRING ONLY AND HAS NO COMPONENTS; DEALER PARTS CLERK HELPFULLY ADVISED "THE CIRCUIT BOARDS FAIL ALL THE TIME -- THERE ISN'T A RECALL, BUT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL." SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO VIRTUALLY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE TURN SIGNAL/BACKUP/TAILLIGHT UNIT FOR $127 (ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-SEVEN DOLLARS) WITH DEALER-ONLY PARTS, PRECLUDING ANY FIELD REPAIRS ON TRIPS, ETC; CAUSING GREAT LIKELIHOOD THAT TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT FUNCTION FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME BECAUSE OF TROUBLE AND COST OF REPLACING THE UNIT. *LA

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Mar 9, 200493,000 milesGA

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER ENTERED THE VEHICLE, AND THE DRIVER SEAT RECLINED BACKWARDS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Suspension › Front › Hub
Filed Feb 20, 2004301 milesWA

WHEN FIRST TAKING VEHICLE FROM THE SALES LOT IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO BALANCED THE TIRES, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED VEHICLE SHOOK SEVERELY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOUR TIMES, AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WHEEL HUB WAS WARPED FROM THE FACTORY. *AK

Seats
Filed Feb 18, 200493,000 milesGA

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME SNAPPED. THIS CAUSED THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Feb 18, 200442,000 milesNJ

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD STOP SUDDENLY. I WOULD HAVE TO GET OFF THE ROAD SHUT CAR OFF, THEN AIT 5-10 MINUTES BEFORE WIPERS WILL WORK AGAIN. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Feb 12, 200489,000 milesMD

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL DURING USE; WILL NOT OPERATE IN TIMED MODE; STOP AT INCORRECT LOCATIONS

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Feb 5, 2004120,000 milesOH

MY 1998 1500, 2 WD CHEVY SUBURBAN LOST A BOLT IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. BOLT HELD A PIN, WHEN THE PIN WORKED LOOSE, THE REAREND LOCKED UP, PUTTING MY CAR INTO A SPIN. FORTUNATELY I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH, AND NO ONE WAS HURT. *JB

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Feb 5, 2004GA

MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD STOP WORKING FROM TIME TO TIME. IT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME DEFECT AS IN EARLIER YEAR SUBURBANS, BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. GENERAL MOTORS HAS PLENTY OF NOTICE THAT THE SAME DEFECT EXISTS IN SUBURBANS OLDER THAN THOSE ALREADY RECALLED, AND SHOULD INCLUDE OTHERS IN THE RECALL AS WELL. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jan 15, 200460,000 milesTX

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A FAULTY WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON MY 1998 SUBURBAN, THE WIPER WOULD QUIT WORKING PERIODICAL AND YOU WOULD HERE A BUZZING NOISE BUT NO WIPER MOVEMENT. BY OPENING THE HOOD AND HITTING OR TAPPING ON THE WIPER MODULE THEY WOULD WORK AGAIN TEMP FOR SOME TIME. I TAKE THE SUBURBAN IN WITH MY RECALL NOTICE, BUT THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE SINCE THEY SHOW THIS MODEL IS NOT AFFECTED OR FALL WITH THE VIN #'S THAT SHOW EVEN THOUGH THE EXACT SYMPTOMS EXIST. THIS IS A MAJOR SCAM!!!! *CB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 15, 2004PA

WHILE OPERATING CONTINUOUSLY FOR AN HOUR OR MORE IN HEAVY RAIN, THE WIPERS STOPPED. *PH HEN THE CONSUMER PULLED ON THE WIPER ARM, THE WIPERS WORKED FOR AWHILE. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL, HOWEVER IT ONLY INCLUDED THE 1995 TO 1997 MODELS. *JB *NM

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 200445,148 milesVT

THE SECOND TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AT 85,939 THOUSAND MILES, OUT OF WARRANTY. IS IT NORMAL FOR TWO TRANMISSIONS TO FAIL AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE. I DON'T THINK SO. MY SUBURBAN IS IN FANTASTIC CONDITION. IT IS EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT LIKE NEW. NOW I HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER 2000 $ ON TOP OF JUST HAVING THE BRAKES DONE??

Wheels
Filed Jan 15, 200483,000 milesNC

WINDSHIELD WIPER/MOTOR PROBLEM IS THE SAME AS WITH THE EARLIER SUBURBANS ON THE RECALL LIST. THE RECALL ONLY ADDRESSES '97 AND BACK, NOT 1998. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT GETTING THIS YEAR ADDED. THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND LATER.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200440,195 milesCA

WE STILL NEED OUR VEHICLE FIXED!!! WE GOT THE RUNAROUND AND WERE DISCOURAGED FROM PURSUING THE PROBLEM AS THE GM & GMPP CUSTOMER SERVICE? EMPLOYEES KEPT TRYING TO BEAT US DOWN SO WE WOULD GIVE UP. GM & GMPP EMPLOYEES HAVE DONE THEIR BEST TO DISCOURAGE US FROM PURCHASING ANOTHER GM PRODUCT. THANK YOU, [XXX] VIN #[XXX] [XXX] 87 TOTAL PROBLEMS NEVER FIXED. SUMMARY OF REPAIRS (CONTINUED) 1)OIL LEAKS14 TIMES, NEVER FIXED 2)ENGINE ROUGH IDLE10 TIMES NEVER FIXED 3)WIND NOISE RIGHT FRONT WINDOW6 TIMES NEVER FIXED 4)COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS\T4 TIMES 5)DOME LIGHT\T4 TIMES 6)STEERING\T4 TIMES NEVER FIXED 7)TAILGATE CARPET\T4 TIMES\EVER FIXED 8)DOOR (LEFT REAR) GLASS RATTLE3 TIMES NEVER FIXED 9)GRAB HANDLES COVER CAPS3 TIMES NEVER FIXED 10)REAR AXLE 3 TIMES 11)SUSPENSION CLUNK (LEFT FRONT)3 TIMES 12)AIR CONDITIONING 2 TIMES 13)BATTERY2 TIMES AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED, WAS REPLACED BY A BETTER COSTCO BATTERY 14) DOOR (RIGHT FRONT) GLASS 2 TIMES 15)FUEL FILTER 2 TIMES FIXED FOR NO REASON 16) MIRROR 2 TIMES 17)SIGNAL (RIGHT REAR) 2 TIMES NEVER FIXED 18) SEAT BELT 2 TIMES 19) SEATS 2 TIMES 20) TAILGATE ALIGNMENT2 TIMES 21)TRANSMISSION2 TIMES 22)WINDOW STRUT (REAR)2 TIMES 23)WIPERS2 TIMES 24)ALTERNATOR OUTPUT CABLE1 TIME 25)2 HIGH SWITCHES1 TIME 26)AXLE LEAKS1 TIME 27BRAKE SYSTEM1 TIME 28)DOOR (RIGHT REAR) GLASS CHANNEL\T1 TIME 29)FUEL PUMP\T1 TIME 30) SUN VISOR1 TIME HISTORY MISFIRE (ROUGH IDLE) WARRANTY DISPUTE 1)THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO GUY SCHMIDT SIX (6) TIMES FOR MISFIRE (ROUGH IDLE). 2)THE VEH

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jan 15, 200477,000 milesPA

WHILE OPERATING CONTINUOUSLY FOR AN HOUR OR MORE IN HEAVY RAIN, THE WIPERS STOPPED. *PH

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jan 13, 200475,000 milesWA

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A POWER STEERING PROBLEM. WHEN TURNING LEFT RESISTANCE INCREASESED ALL AT ONCE, DRIVER RECEIVED POWER ASSISTANCE WHEN TURNING RIGHT.*AK

Steering
Filed Jan 12, 200476,000 milesNC

I AM HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE WITH MY 1998 SUBURBAN THAT WAS FILED ON NHTSA INVESTIGATION EA99011. I ALSO NOTICE THAT IT HAPPENS WORSE WHEN DRIVING IN WINTER WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE COLDER. IT SEEMS ONCE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR AWHILE ITS NOT AS BAD. BUT STILL SEEM TO LOOSE STEERING CONTROL AS INDICATED IN THE REPORT MENTIONED ABOVE. A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND SCARY. LOSS OF STEERING FOR SPLIT SECOND CAUSING VEHICLE TO JERK IN BOTH DIRECTIONS WHEN THE LOSS OCCURS. *LA

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Dec 7, 2003VA

1998 SUBURBAN ALMOST WRECKED SEVERAL TIMES TO DO FAULTY ELECTRONIC VARIABLE ORIFICE (EVO) SENSOR LOCATED UNDER STEERING COLUMN. WHEN IN A RIGHT HAND TURN VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY LUNGE TO THE RIGHT TO DO SUDDEN INCREASE IN POWER STEERING. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND GM OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I THINK IT SHOULD BE A RECALL IMMEDIATELY. THERE ARE PLENTY OF DOCUMENTED CASES OF THIS PROBLEM AND GM KNOWS IT TOO... BUT THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *LA

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 29, 200378,000 milesCT

HYDRAULIC VALVE LIFTERS IN 7.4L ENGINE CAME APART UNDER NORMAL DRIVING AT 78,000 MI. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED REGULARLY SINCE NEW. *AK

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Nov 20, 2003CO

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL NOT PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR LEAVING THE FRONT PASSENGER IMPROPERLY RESTRAINED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *PH

Child Seat
Filed Oct 27, 200383,000 milesLA

CONSUMER OWNED TWO GRACO CHILD SEATS ,AND ONE TIME OR ANOTHER SHIELD HAD FALLEN OFF DUE TO LOOSENING OF THE SCREWS. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 201, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1994
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202445110Routine
2023132300Routine
2022124410Routine
20212051210Above average
202044410Do not drive
201978310Do not drive
201884400Do not drive
2017142530Do not drive
2016220610Do not drive
20154311182Do not drive
201459310Routine
2013118400Routine
2012101420Routine
2011148300Routine
2010117310Routine
2009106500Routine
2008213400Above average
2007292460Above average
200623110Routine
2005129710Routine
2004204660Above average
2003301741Fatalities reported
2002286450Above average
2001440850Above average
20002821171Fatalities reported
19996342120High concern
1998 — this page201330Above average
19974143130Above average
199636041210Fatalities reported
1995457781Fatalities reported
19948586102Fatalities reported
1993499220High concern
1992189570Routine
199152460Routine
199054470Routine

Compare every Suburban year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 19, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.