1998 Chevrolet Suburban Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban, 2% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10152482, filed 2006-03, 100,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10065662, filed 2004-04, 98,000 miles“Wires keep getting cut by the car harness, why are the wires located in the harness? This is getting dangerous driving without brake lights is a hazard. The fuel line / pump has never worked correctly, and who ever heard of a transmission going out at 50,000 miles. Please note I have never towed anything with this car and I am a very careful female driver without any accidents or speeding tickets, oil is changed every 3,000 miles, all highway driving. Please help! This car is a disaster and a hazard. The leaking fuel line could have killed me, no brake lights...obvious issue. Thank you! …”
NHTSA complaint #738749, filed 2001-01“All brake lights failed for unknown period. No warning or other indication given that brake lights were inperative until a near miss accident and we discovered brake lights were inoperative. Dealer found a worn connection on two wires in turn signal switch. Resoldered wires to correct the problem. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #769177, filed 2002-11Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 1 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% |
| 1999 | 15 | 2% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 0% |
| 1996 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 4 | 1% |
| 1994 | 9 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
63 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
48 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTires
14 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology