1998 GMC Suburban

▲ Better than typical

1998 GMC Suburban
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:10:56.677Z

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

1998: 100 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1981	0
1982	0
1983	2
1984	5
1985	3
1986	4
1987	8
1988	8
1989	17
1990	22
1991	30
1992	80
1993	212
1994	411
1995	227
1996	172
1997	200
1998	100
1999	285
2000	15
2001	5
2002	7
2003	5
2004	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 15%

15% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

CRASH

NHTSA ODI report, 20050327

VISIBILITY 10%

10% of complaints: visibility — 10 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.

TIRES 7%

7% of complaints: tires — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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, hydraulic issues (15 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for visibility issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (9 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

▲ 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, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Suburban have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.