1998 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
- Complaints
- 201filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 76,500miles, 56 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write in about windshield wipers that quit or behave erratically in rain, and about braking that feels weak or grabs at low speed. Complaints span a wide mileage range, from relatively low-mileage trucks to well past 100,000 miles, and many are filed on vehicles that are well maintained.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers stop or act erratically
- 29 complaints (14%)
- median 72,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- filed 2002–2006
Complaints describe wipers that quit mid-stroke in rain, sometimes restarting after a pause or after tapping the wiper motor housing, and sometimes running at the wrong speed or failing to park when switched off. Several owners say a dealer told them the wiper control module or motor relay board was at fault and that a redesigned part was available, while others say they were told the vehicle was not covered by the earlier wiper recall. Some owners report paying for the repair themselves. Reported from roughly 30,000 to over 100,000 miles, typically while driving in rain.
What to check: Test the wipers on every setting, including intermittent, and look for a pause or failure to park. Ask whether the wiper motor control module has been replaced with the updated part.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Windshield wipers quit working during a strong storm on I-75. Luckily I was able to get over to the right lane and pull off the road...a buzzing noise was coming from a black motor casing, so I tapped it and the wipers began to work again. This has happen on numerous occasions. The car is dangerous to drive in the rain.”
NHTSA complaint #10036639, filed 2003-08, 63,000 miles“I have a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 5.7l v8, 4x4 with the lt package. I am experiencing windshield wiper problems where the wipers fail approximately 50% of the time when needed. There is currently a recall on 94-97 model Chevrolet pickups/SUV's on this issue but the 98 models are not included. I believe I am experiencing the same problem and the issue should be GM's responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #10025459, filed 2003-07, 95,000 miles - Brakes
ABS activates at low speed; long stopping distance
- 39 complaints (19%)
- median 90,000 mi at 7.9 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2016
Owners describe the brake pedal feeling soft or dropping at very low speeds as the antilock system engages when it should not, which they say lengthens stopping distance at nearly every stop. Complaints mention wheel speed sensors, bearings and calipers being replaced, and some owners note the vehicle was not included in a later antilock brake recall because of its VIN. Others describe corroded steel brake lines and hoses leaking fluid. Reported across a wide range, from about 50,000 to over 140,000 miles, and often described as a recurring condition.
What to check: Drive slowly and brake firmly in a safe area to see whether the pedal pulses or drops unexpectedly, and have the brake lines and hoses inspected for corrosion.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10143501, filed 2005-11, 56,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10137702, filed 2005-09, 58,000 miles - Steering
Steering wheel slips or resists momentarily
- 16 complaints (8%)
- median 72,500 mi at 6.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 1998–2005
Complaints describe the steering wheel suddenly free-wheeling a few inches or losing assist for a moment, which makes the vehicle swerve or feel briefly out of control. Some owners link it to a steering wheel position sensor, and others say it is worse in cold weather or during the first part of a drive. Some report the sensor was replaced and the problem later returned. Reported between roughly 45,000 and 76,000 miles, and several owners note it is more noticeable in cold temperatures.
What to check: Turn the wheel slowly while parked and at low speed and feel for a skip or dead spot. Ask whether the steering wheel position sensor has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10053013, filed 2004-01, 76,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10072967, filed 2004-05, 69,588 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission and driveline fluid leaks, failures
- 13 complaints (6%)
- median 45,148 mi at 5.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2005
Complaints describe transmission fluid leaks at the tail shaft seal, transfer case leaks, and in some cases a second transmission failing at relatively low mileage. Other reports mention the differential locking up after an internal bolt came loose, and 4WD systems becoming inoperative with the service light on. Reported between roughly 32,000 and 120,000 miles, with several complaints around 70,000 to 90,000 miles.
What to check: Check for fluid weeping around the transmission tail shaft and transfer case, and confirm 4WD engages and disengages. Ask for transmission service history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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??”
NHTSA complaint #10068996, filed 2004-01, 45,148 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10056580, filed 2004-02, 120,000 miles
Buying note. These are older vehicles, so condition and service records matter more than mileage. Before buying, check wiper operation in all modes, brake feel at low speed, brake line corrosion, and steering for any skip or dead spot, and ask what has been replaced.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 201 consumer complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban. 56 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 76,500 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 27 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes63 31%
- Steering21 10%
- Transmission and drivetrain19 9.4%
- Engine cooling17 8.5%
- Electrical system14 7.0%
- Suspension14 7.0%
- Tires14 7.0%
- Fuel system11 5.5%
- Equipment5 2.5%
Also reported: Exterior lighting (5), Latches, locks and linkages (5), Seat belts (5), Air bags (4), Other or unknown (4), Body and structure (4), Seats (3), Wheels (3), Vehicle speed control (2).
Example complaints
Brakes: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453780, filed 2012-04, 38,528 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “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!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10053297, filed 2004-01, 60,000 milesSteering: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10135822, filed 2005-09, 70,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Windshield wipers experienced the same defect as stated in recall 03 v 159 000, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. The wipers had become inoperative at times, the brakes were soft, the wheel cylinders were found leaking, and the shoes cracked. Transmission fluid leaked, and the tail shaft seal was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10034437, filed 2003-09, 100,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
18% of the 56 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,595 and 97,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 03V093000Mar 7, 2003Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › ExteriorCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 1997–1998, GMC Suburban 1997–1998, Chevrolet Blazer 1997 +5 more
Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
- 98V033000Feb 17, 1998Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › RotorCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 1998, Tahoe 1998, GMC Yukon 1998 +12 more
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.
Recall details for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA99011Erratic power steering assist while drivClosed · May 12, 1999
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 27 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10232287Feb 21, 2023Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022Fuel system, Brakes. 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…
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020Electrical 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…
- 10168979Nov 22, 2019Equipment. 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…
- 10166638Sep 18, 2019Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876Sep 5, 2019Equipment. 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…
- 10154641Feb 15, 2019Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381May 31, 2018Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017Fuel system, Equipment, Tires, 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…
- 10138060Mar 15, 2017Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 45 | 16,600 | 1 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 131 | 47,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 89 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 124 | 58,166 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 204 | 69,224 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 44 | 30,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 78 | 67,000 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 84 | 42,000 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 142 | 53,333 | 5 | 4 | 19 | 85 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 220 | 59,963 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 431 | 62,000 | 11 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 59 | 55,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 118 | 60,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 101 | 66,300 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 148 | 70,000 | 3 | — | — | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 117 | 90,000 | 3 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 85,000 | 5 | — | — | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 213 | 85,000 | 4 | — | — | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 292 | 85,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 23 | 90,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 129 | 83,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 204 | 63,200 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 301 | 76,731 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 286 | 64,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 440 | 60,650 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 282 | 70,975 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 634 | 85,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 201 | 76,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 414 | 100,858 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 360 | 93,100 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 457 | 113,450 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 858 | 122,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 499 | 120,000 | 0 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 189 | 30,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 52 | 106,744 | 3 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 54 | — | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 127,500 | 3 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 30 | 112,500 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 7 | 200,000 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Suburban model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban?
Owners of this model year most often write in about windshield wipers that quit or behave erratically in rain, and about braking that feels weak or grabs at low speed. The issues reported most often: Windshield wipers stop or act erratically; ABS activates at low speed; long stopping distance; Steering wheel slips or resists momentarily.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA recorded 201 consumer complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 63 complaints (31% of the total), followed by visibility with 48.
Has the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban reported?
Among the 56 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 76,500 miles and the middle half falls between 60,595 and 97,000 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.