1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 16 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 74 |
| 2000 | 67 |
| 2001 | 92 |
| 2002 | 120 |
| 2003 | 175 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 94 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 190 |
| 2008 | 101 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 80 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
DROVE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT, ALL WAS FIND. WHEN I RETURNED, STARTED THE TRUCK, PUSHED BRAKE PEDAL TO PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. PUMPED THE PEDAL TWICE TO SEE IF BRAKES WOULD RETURN AND THEY DID NOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151016
MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING BACK FROM A FRIENDS HOUSE WITH OUR TWO AND SEVEN YEAR OLD KIDS, AND THE BRAKES FAILED SHE WAS ABLE TO RUN THE TRUCK OFF THE ROAD AS TO NOT HIT ANYBODY OR ANYTHING, AND WAS ABLE TO STOP IT, AFTER ADDING BRAKE FLUID AND STARTING...
NHTSA ODI report, 20121001
3 of 14 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and switch/wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
THE WIPERS OF MY 1998 SUBURBAN K1500 HAVE STARTED WORKING ONLY OCCASIONALLY. THEY CAN GO MINUTES WITHOUT WORKING AND THEN WORK FINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20061231
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED OPERATING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN C1500. THEY HAVE BEEN PARKING INCORRECTLY, BUT HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY FAILED TO OPERATE. THE NEXT DAY THEY WORKED AGAIN. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20061119
2 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL FAILURE. NO PERSONAL INJURY OR CRASHES AS OF YET. FAILURE OF CIRCUIT BOARD ON BACK OF TAILLIGHT HOUSING CAUSES THE BRIGHT FEATURE OF ASSEMBLY NOT TO WORK. (NO BRAKE LIGHT OR TURN SIGNAL).
NHTSA ODI report, 20061029
1 of 14 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.