1998 Chevrolet Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 9%of 201 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,574miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban, 9% of the 201 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,574 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“Transmission failure at 32000 miles - radiator replaced at 54000 - water pump- differential and transmission mounts replaced now driver side door will not open from inside and windshield wipers do not work .”
NHTSA complaint #10039261, filed 2003-09, 32,000 miles“Chevrolet has brushed me off severerl times by saying I never brought the vehicle in to a GM dealer for brakes the first time I ddidnt feel I was obligated to go to GM I went to brake max this is a big problem and chevy wont fess up and help the public the truck is to big for the brake system made for this application.”
NHTSA complaint #765233, filed 2002-08Related service bulletins
- 10016707Sep 28, 2005Four wheel drive inoperative and the 4wd service light will illuminate. Diagnosis may reveal that the atc fuse could be open, possible dtc c0308, or various u codes may be set…
- 10014809May 10, 20054wd inoperative and diagnostic trouble code (dtc) u1026 atc fuse open.
- 10013496Apr 20, 20054l80e output carrier thrust washer changes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 16% |
| 2023 | 19 | 14% |
| 2022 | 32 | 26% |
| 2021 | 39 | 19% |
| 2020 | 10 | 23% |
| 2019 | 38 | 49% |
| 2018 | 19 | 23% |
| 2017 | 39 | 27% |
| 2016 | 45 | 20% |
| 2015 | 48 | 11% |
| 2014 | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 | 6 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 9% |
| 2005 | 15 | 12% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 23 | 8% |
| 2001 | 33 | 8% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 47 | 7% |
| 1998 | 19 | 9% |
| 1997 | 47 | 11% |
| 1996 | 40 | 11% |
| 1995 | 25 | 5% |
| 1994 | 14 | 2% |
| 1993 | 11 | 2% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 9 | 17% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 5 | 8% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1985 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban
63 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
48 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsTires
14 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsExterior lighting
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 Oct 31, 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