Is the 1998 GMC Yukon reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Yukon have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1998 GMC Yukon

▲ Better than typical

1998 GMC Yukon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:06.049Z

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: 80
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

1998: 80 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	1
1987	1
1992	19
1993	17
1994	59
1995	90
1996	70
1997	133
1998	80
1999	204
2000	166
2001	197
2002	158
2003	204
2004	158
2005	85
2006	27
2007	428
2008	187
2009	94
2010	105
2011	158
2012	62
2013	117
2014	56
2015	529
2016	269
2017	196
2018	70
2019	55
2020	37
2021	340
2022	184
2023	243
2024	105
2025	55
2026	43
2027	1

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

30% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Bumper to bumper traffic during rush hour, brakes went to the floor causing about a 10 MPH impact into pickup in front of us. Glad we weren't up to speed when the brakes went.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-10

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that when he attempted to brake at low speeds, the ABS brake module activated and the vehicle would not stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-18

Visibility

20% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing motor and switch/wiring.

DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

About 3 hours into a long-distance trip, during heavy rain, the windshield wipers on my car quit working. I was pulling a camp trailer and had 4 children in the car with me.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-19

Steering

14% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing gear box (other than rack and pinion) and shaft sector.

Power train

10% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.

Fuel system, gasoline

6% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

FIRE

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1997-08-20Steering97V142000 Vehicle description: light duty extended-cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility trucks. The lower steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt is "Finger loose" Or missing allowing the bolt to loosen…

Remedy: Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation is being arranged for owners. Dealers will then inspect the vehicle for the presence of a…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

1998-03-15Service brakes, hydraulic98V033000 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…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" And, if found, replace the rotor.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
1999-05-12Engineering analysisClosed 2001-02-27 Erratic power steering assist while driv
I
2001-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-12-20 Seat belt anchorage separation
I
2001-12-20Engineering analysisClosed 2002-12-09 Seat belt anchorage separation
R

2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

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).

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 GMC Yukon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 24 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 16 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 97V142000 · Steering
Recall 98V033000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 GMC Yukon reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 GMC Yukon is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Yukon?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Yukon have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.