Owners filed 263 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. It has been recalled 4 times.
When it fails
08500085,000 milesMedian miles at failure
89 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
41
5
0
2
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
21
0
0
0
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
18
0
0
0
Steering
14
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
10
0
0
0
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
9
0
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
8
0
0
0
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
7
0
0
0
Electrical System
7
0
3
0
Tires › Tread/Belt
5
0
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Equipment07E088000
Filed Oct 24, 2007121,680 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.
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.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
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.
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).
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.
Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)97V142000
Filed Aug 29, 19973,957 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY EXTENDED-CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 4-DOOR UTILITY TRUCKS. THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT TO STEERING GEAR PINCH BOLT IS "FINGER LOOSE" OR MISSING ALLOWING THE BOLT TO LOOSEN AND FALL OUT. THE STEERING SHAFT YOKE CAN WEAR CAUSING AN OFF CENTER STEERING WHEEL.
Risk. RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CHASSIS AND CAB CAN CAUSE THE STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS ARE ARRANGING TO HAVE THE VEHICLES INVOLVED TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION IS BEING ARRANGED FOR OWNERS. DEALERS WILL THEN INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR THE PRESENCE OF A PINCH BOLT AND TORQUE THIS BOLT TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Apr 30, 2025240,000 milesKS
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.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 5, 2016145,975 milesOR
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.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 3, 2016170,000 milesNJ
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 7, 201595,000 milesIL
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.
Steering
Filed May 5, 2015240,000 milesNJ
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
Tires
Filed Jan 13, 2015172,300 milesNH
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
Service Brakes
Filed May 29, 2014180,790 milesMD
DRIVER'S SIDE REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE ALONG FRAME RAIL FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION IN LINE. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Nov 16, 2012240,000 milesMD
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
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 7, 2012TX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH AND EXPERIENCED A SEIZURE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A DITCH AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CRASH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SUFFER HEAD INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 11, 2012169,324 milesTX
FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS MY TAHOE WILL CRANK START BUT ONLY RUN FOR ABOUT 1 SECOND THEN SHUTS OFF. AFTER DOING SOME INTERNET RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND THAT THOUSANDS OTHER GM OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY ANNOYING AND INCONVENIENCING. IM SURE ITS COST MANY PEOPLE THERE JOBS OR AT MINIMUM GOTTEN THEM IN TROUBLE FOR BEING EITHER LATE OR UNABLE TO COME IN TO WORK. I AM IN THE MILITARY AND THE MY CAR WONT START DOESN'T COME OFF VERY WELL WITH MY SUPERIORS. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 13, 2011322,000 milesNC
1998 CHEVY TAHOE WIRING HARNESS FROM BRAKE PEDAL. BRAKE WIRING HARNESS MOVES WITH BRAKE PEDAL MOTION (I.E. WHEN BRAKES ARE ACTIVATED). OVER TIME, THIS MOTION CAUSES WIRES TO BREAK RESULTING IN BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 3, 2010WI
98 TAHOE, HAS ABS BRAKING ISSUE. WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, THE ABS WILL ENGAGE DURING STOPPING AND SEVERELY EXTEND THE STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIRED TO COMPLETELY STOP. PEDAL IS VERY SPONGY AND DOES NOT RESPOND LIKE IT SHOULD. MULTIPLE SHOPS HAVE STATED THE ABS IS A REPEATING ISSUE WITH THE TAHOES. HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE ACCIDENTS AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE ALLOWING OTHERS TO DRIVE VEHICLE AS THEY ARE NOT USED TO THE STOPPING DISTANCE REQUIRED. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 7, 2009104,000 milesMA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE. AT LOW SPEEDS HE EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION. THE CONDITION LEADS TO EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 104000.
Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Sep 9, 2009KS
KEEP REPLACING MY WIPERS BLADE AND WIRES, DON'T KNOW IF IT BEEN RECALL OR THERE SOMETHING WRONG, IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN, IT DON'T WANT TO WORK. 1998 TAHOE CHEVY. *TR
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 1, 2009168,000 milesPA
I WAS IN A FRONT END ACCIDENT AND MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed May 19, 2009113,500 milesNM
I OWN A 1998 CHEVY TAHOE 2 DR 4WD. IT HAD 114,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE HEAD GASKET BLEW AND THE MOTOR WAS RUINED REQUIRING A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN ABUSED. MAINTENANCE WAS REGULAR. I'VE NOW FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON DESIGN DEFECT LEADING TO FAILURE. I NOW BUY MAZDA OR TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TR
Steering
Filed Nov 10, 200898,000 milesFL
1998 CHEVY TAHOE LOOSE STEERING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN GOING THRU A SLIGHT CURVE IT FEELS AS THOUGH YOU HIT A PATCH OF ICE. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A SLIGHT JERK THAT SCARES THE LIFE OUT OF YOU. REPLACED STEERING SENSOR, STEERING BOX, ENTIRE FRONT END AND IT STILL DOES IT..THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering
Filed Oct 24, 2008115,000 milesTN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS VERY LOOSE. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED THE DEFECT AND CALLED CHEVROLET AND GM. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Sep 15, 2008ID
MY HUSBAND BOUGHT OFF A PRIVATE PARTY A 1998 TAHOE, FOR A DAUGHTER. SHE HAS COMPLAINED THAT AT LESS THAN 10 MILES AN HOUR SOMETIMES THE BRAKES WILL FAIL. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR CHECKED OUT BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND A REASON FOR THE FAILURE. I HAVE HER CAR AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT I SEE ALSO THAT AT LESS THAN 10 MILES AN HOUR SOMETIMES THE BRAKES WILL FAIL. I CALLED THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS --- SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLES BRAKING SYSTEM AND NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHAT IT IS. HAVE YOU HEARD OF THIS AND IF SO WHAT CAN I HAVE DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. I AM VERY CONCERNED WHEN I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. I BELIEVE MY DAUGHTER DID HIT THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN IT OCCURRED TO HER -- I WOULD SAY APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO. *TR
Seats
Filed Aug 14, 2008110,000 milesMT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE ADJUSTING THE DRIVER'S SEAT IN THE VEHICLE, THE SEAT CAME OFF TRACK AROUND THE FLOOR BOLTS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 110,000.
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: Oct 24, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.