MYRModel Year Report

1998 GMC Suburban

▲ Better than typical
1998 GMC Suburban
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:32:47.523Z

This year had at least 30% fewer 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Suburban Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 8 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1989: 17 complaints 1989 1990: 22 complaints 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 80 complaints 1992 1993: 213 complaints 1994: 419 complaints 1995: 227 complaints 1995 1996: 172 complaints 1997: 200 complaints 1998: 100 complaints 1998 1999: 285 complaints 2000: 15 complaints 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 5 complaints 2004: 1 complaints 2004
1998: 100 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19810
19820
19832
19845
19853
19864
19878
19888
198917
199022
199131
199280
1993213
1994419
1995227
1996172
1997200
1998100
1999285
200015
20015
20027
20035
20041

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 32%

32% of complaints: service brakes — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH
VISIBILITY 18%

18% of complaints: visibility — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and fuses and circuit breakers.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

FIRE THEN SMOKE COMING FROM WIRE HARNESS.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040709

A FIRE STARTED IN THE ELECTRICAL MIRROR SWITCH ASSEMBLY ON DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000927

POWER TRAIN 16%

16% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

TIRES 11%

11% of complaints: tires — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and valve.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE 1998 GMC SUBURBAN: WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65-70 MPH ONE REAR FIRESTONE STEELTEX RADIAL TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL/ COLLISION WHICH RESULTED IN ONE FATALITY. TIRE SIZE R4SLT245/75R16, DOT NUMBER V611B1A377. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000720

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19980315 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

R 20030424 — visibility

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

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 GMC Suburban — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1991 ▲ 1992 ● 1996

WORST YEARS

■ 1994 ◆ 1999 ● 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 GMC Suburban reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 GMC Suburban is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Suburban?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Suburban have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.