1998 Chevrolet Tahoe Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 8%of 263 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, 8% of the 263 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10840075, filed 2016-03, 145,975 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10443447, filed 2012-01, 169,324 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10419278, filed 2011-08, 322,000 miles“The battery has a side terminal post. The positive cable keeps detaching from the terminal, allowing acid to be exposed, as a result, the vehicle has to be towed . Driver believed when driving on the highway vehicle poses a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10034571, filed 2003-09, 45,065 miles“When the driver side door was open and the keys were left in the ignition, the audible warning will work intermittently, or not at all, possibly resulting in someone locking or leaving their keys inside the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10104031, filed 2004-12, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 17% |
| 2024 | 15 | 22% |
| 2023 | 40 | 17% |
| 2022 | 38 | 19% |
| 2021 | 58 | 13% |
| 2020 | 12 | 21% |
| 2019 | 16 | 15% |
| 2018 | 13 | 12% |
| 2017 | 20 | 11% |
| 2016 | 31 | 12% |
| 2015 | 135 | 20% |
| 2014 | 15 | 17% |
| 2013 | 17 | 7% |
| 2012 | 13 | 7% |
| 2011 | 17 | 4% |
| 2010 | 16 | 5% |
| 2009 | 33 | 12% |
| 2008 | 87 | 16% |
| 2007 | 142 | 12% |
| 2006 | 24 | 21% |
| 2005 | 126 | 43% |
| 2004 | 214 | 46% |
| 2003 | 193 | 38% |
| 2002 | 30 | 7% |
| 2001 | 20 | 4% |
| 2000 | 11 | 4% |
| 1999 | 47 | 9% |
| 1998 | 20 | 8% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 34 | 12% |
| 1995 | 35 | 14% |
| 1994 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
77 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
50 complaintsSteering
31 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsTires
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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