1998 Chevrolet Suburban
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 9 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 30 |
| 1989 | 62 |
| 1990 | 54 |
| 1991 | 52 |
| 1992 | 189 |
| 1993 | 500 |
| 1994 | 876 |
| 1995 | 457 |
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 414 |
| 1998 | 201 |
| 1999 | 634 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 440 |
| 2002 | 286 |
| 2003 | 301 |
| 2004 | 204 |
| 2005 | 129 |
| 2006 | 23 |
| 2007 | 292 |
| 2008 | 213 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 117 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 101 |
| 2013 | 118 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2015 | 428 |
| 2016 | 218 |
| 2017 | 141 |
| 2018 | 81 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 187 |
| 2022 | 113 |
| 2023 | 117 |
| 2024 | 39 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: service brakes — 78 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
BRAKE LINE FAILED AFTER MED TO HEAVY BRAKING, LEAVING LITTLE TO NO BRAKE AS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160205
26% of complaints: visibility — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
INJURY11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
10% of complaints: steering — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and pump.
10% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
STOPPED ON ROADWAY TO PICK UP A PART THAT HAD FALLEN OUT OF THE TRUCK TRAVELING IN FRONT OF ME. I PUT MY 1998 CHEVY SUBURBAN IN PARK AND POPPED THE REAR HATCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050511
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OR BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTOR/HUBS WERE BUILT WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION GRAY IRON THAT CAN FAIL DURING THE LIFE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
Campaign 98V033000 — check if this car was fixed
ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIV
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON A
Campaign 03V093000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Chevrolet Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (78 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (52 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V033000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V093000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.