1998 GMC Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 15%of 100 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 GMC Suburban, 15% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1998 Gmc Suburban transmission problems. Our vehicle was special ordered from gmac in 1997. The issues in our transmission started late last summer, 2002. There is a very noticeable bump when starting from a standstill and going from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd gears. As stated in other complaints this is our family vehicle transporting or 3 small children.”
NHTSA complaint #10018538, filed 2003-05, 92,000 miles“The transmission on my 1998 Gmc surburban failed. I was told by the dealer and another transmission specialist that this particular problem has been common to the 1997-98 Gmc and chevrolet surburbans, tahoes and comparable vehicles. It is not fair to consumers for an auto maker to know about severe problems like this with vehicles and not issue a recall or correct the problem. Of the 86 complaints listed on your website for this model, 7 involved and others involved the drivetrain which can be an associated problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10038710, filed 2003-09, 99,400 miles“1998 Suburban w/ 4l60e transmission, shifting hard 1-2 and 2-3. Research shows it is a known problem of manufacturer addresses under GM tech serv bulletin 01-07-30-023b. Further, internet search indicates that problem is manufacturers design error, and that only permanent fix is to use an aftermarket suppliers re-designed replacement part. Currently, I am in the position of having to seek repair at estimated costs ranging from $1800-2800 from local service providers.”
NHTSA complaint #10081201, filed 2004-07, 97,000 miles“Began shifting hard from 1-2 and 3-4. Does so after driving. Can stop and turn off engine and it will stop for a while. I have read many similar complaints. 3 and 4 transmissions have been replaced and same thing occurs after 10-20,000 miles. Local dealer says it is a common problem, but Gmc will not cover.”
NHTSA complaint #761222, filed 2002-04“The vehicles transmission failed abruptly without warning, causing the vehicle to lose speed, the mechanic that rebuilt the transmission reported to the consumer that a technical service bulletin was issued for the problem the consumers vehicle experienced, the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of repair and the expense of the rental car her family required during the time of repair. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #564165, filed 2002-01Related 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 14% |
| 2000 | 2 | 13% |
| 1999 | 21 | 7% |
| 1998 | 15 | 15% |
| 1997 | 24 | 12% |
| 1996 | 13 | 8% |
| 1995 | 11 | 5% |
| 1994 | 10 | 2% |
| 1993 | 10 | 5% |
| 1992 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 2 | 9% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Suburban
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsElectrical system
16 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 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