1998 GMC Suburban Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 16%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,100miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 GMC Suburban, 16% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,100 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The positive battery terminal post broke loose from the battery, spilling battery acid on the brake tubing. Discussed battery failure with GM and they refused to replace battery due to the fact the vehicle was out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10016514, filed 2003-04, 68,100 miles“Wiring to the electric fuel pump can over heat (and possibly cause a fire) when the fuel pump fails. This would occur when the fuel pump is in a failed (locked) condition while power is applied to the pump. The electrical current draw is higher than the rating of the wiring.”
NHTSA complaint #10142512, filed 2005-11“Battery is leaking acid from around the positive terminal down to the brake line at the front passenger's side, in the area of the front tire. Consumer feels it may eat a hole though brake line, and cause the brakes not to work properly. Dealer replaced battery, but only cleaned the other parts affected by the leaking battery acid, even though there are signs of corrosion on these parts.”
NHTSA complaint #856174, filed 2000-02“Steering gear box broken internally. Weak power steering pump. Leak in braking system at axle seal. Brake pads worn out prematurely. Vehicle pulls to left when brakes applied. Left, rear seat belt would not extend after retracting. Short circuit in wiring harness under hood - harness length too short caused inability to start vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #701351, filed 1998-12“Left rear brake light socket had a short for second time. Whole socket has to be replaced. Worked for 2 weeks, and it shorted out again. Part cost $60 each time. Dealer informed consumer that there was not a recall, however they had been replacing a lot of these parts.”
NHTSA complaint #889925, filed 2001-06Related 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…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 14% |
| 1999 | 23 | 8% |
| 1998 | 16 | 16% |
| 1997 | 21 | 11% |
| 1996 | 18 | 10% |
| 1995 | 18 | 8% |
| 1994 | 11 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 5% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Suburban
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsTires
11 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 GMC Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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