1998 CHEVROLET Suburban Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
279
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
54 complaints
1. HARD STOP TO AVOID HITTING WILDLIFE. GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. 2. AFTER THE BRAKES HOLDING FOR A SECOND OR TWO THE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR. AFTER THAT ONLY 1/4 BRAKE POWER. ONCE HOME, OBSERVED BRAKE FLUID COMING FROM CORRODED BRAKE LINES. 3. I WILL NEED TO REVIEW COST OF SERVICE. *TR
Sep 11, 2010
UPON LOW SPEED BRAKING, BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND LOSS OF STEERING AT THE SAME TIME. TRUCK IS K2500 SUBURBAN WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER WITH FLUID SUPPLIED BY STEERING PUMP. WILL COME & GO AS IT PLEASES-NO WARNING WHEN. *TR
May 29, 2010
1998 SUBURBAN K1500, ~126,000 MILES, ORIGINAL OWNER. ABS ENGAGES AT LOW SPEEDS ON DRY PAVEMENT WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, I.E. CONSTANT PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL. WEATHER WAS SUNNY, DRY, LOW HUMIDITY WITH TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 50 AND 70 F. VEHICLE DOES NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AS QUICKLY WHEN THIS OCCURS. THREE INCIDENCES HAVE OCCURRED OVER THE LAST TWO WEEKS (FIRST TIME EXPERIENCED WAS TWO WEEKS AGO). NO REPAIRS ATTEMPTED YET. *TR
Nov 16, 2009
ABS SYSTEM ENGAGES AT SLOW SPEEDS, ON DRY PAVEMENT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS SLOWS BREAKING, CAUSES INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE, AND COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO CRASH. THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED ON LATER MODELS...APPARENTLY THIS IS ALSO A PROBLEM ON THE 1998 AND 1999. WHEN I GOOGLED "ABS ENGAGES AT SLOW SPEEDS SUBURBAN" I REALIZED THAT MY PROBLEM IS FAR FROM UNIQUE. MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM, AND I THINK THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER YEARS THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS IN KEEPING US ALL SAFE! JENNIFER ROSENBERG *TR
Oct 28, 2009
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS AND APPLYING THE BRAKES UNDER NORMAL BRAKING CONDITIONS, THE BRAKES INCREASED IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A NHTSA RECALL # 05V379000 REGARDING SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Nov 08, 2006
+ 49 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
51 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACTIVATED. USUALLY WHEN SHE RESTARTS THE VEHICLE, THE WIPERS WILL BEGIN TO FUNCTION, BUT FAIL SHORTLY AFTER OPERATION. SHE HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP OR SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000.
Oct 15, 2009
SPEED VARIATION, AND SOMETIMES CEASE, OF OPERATION OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS. POSSIBLE DISCREPANCY WITH TURN SIGNAL LEVER, SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED BY, AND SOMETIMES CORRECTED WITH WIGGLING WITH THE LEVER. *JB
Jan 06, 2007
THE WIPERS OF MY 1998 SUBURBAN K1500 HAVE STARTED WORKING ONLY OCCASIONALLY. THEY CAN GO MINUTES WITHOUT WORKING AND THEN WORK FINE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND I'M NOT SURE IF THE SWITCH NEEDS REPLACING OR IT'S JUST A LOOSE CONNECTION SOMEWHERE. *NM
Dec 31, 2006
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
Nov 19, 2006
WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT AT VARIOUS TIMES. SOMETIMES WORK SOMETIMES NOT, SOMETIMES QUIT IN MIDDLE OF USE. *JB
Sep 12, 2006
+ 46 more complaints for this component
STEERING
24 complaints
I HAVE 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN K1500. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY 70 MILES AND HOUR ALL OF A SADDEN THE STEERING WHEEL JERK TO THE RIGHTS, I ALL MOST CRASH INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIERS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THIS WAS AROUND MID FEB 09 AND NOW THE STEERING IS JERKING RIGHT AND LEFT MOSTLY WHEN I'M TAKING AND OFF RAMP TO THE RIGHT FROM THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. SO I HAD TAKEN THE TRUCK IN TO HAVE THE FRONT END CHECK OUT AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME EVERY THING WAS IN GOOD SHAPE ON THE FRONT END AND THE STEERING WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MUST OF WENT BAD AND HE COULD NOT GIVE ME A PRICE ON FIXING IT. SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP UP TO FIND OUT WHAT THAT WAS AND THEY DID NOT KNOW OF A STEERING WHEEL SENSOR ON THIS MODEL. *TR
Mar 15, 2009
1) NEAR CRASHES HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY AN ERRATIC CONDITION IN THE STEERING. CALLED GM NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND GAVE ALL INFORMATION AND WAS PROMISED SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT ME. (NEVER HAPPENED) 2 OTHER FAMILIES HERE IN ROCHESTER HAVE THE SAME VEHICLE AND THE SAME PROBLEM. 2) UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THE WHEEL ITSELF SUDDENLY FREE-WHEELS SEVERAL INCHES. THIS RAPIDLY ACCELERATES THE DEGREE OF TURN AND MAKES THE DRIVER FEEL AS IF THEY HAVE LOST CONTROL AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE OFTEN SWERVES OUT OF CONTROL. 3) I BROUGHT IT TO 2 DEALERS HERE IN ROCHESTER AND NEITHER WAS ABLE TO DETECT THE PROBLEM ON A TEST DRIVE. THE PROBLEM COMES AND GOES. WHEN IT HAPPENS, IT WILL SCARE THE LIVING OUT OF YOU, AND THE DRIVER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE HAVE ALL BUT LOST CONTROL ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. A FRIEND OF MINE WHO ALSO HAS A SUBURBAN SAID HE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND FINALLY SOMEONE SUGGESTED REPLACING SOMETHING CALLED THE POWER STEERING ASSIST? WE HAVE A 98' SUBURBAN AND HAVE HAD IT SINCE IT WAS 7,000 MILES OLD. IT HAS A 350 AND IS AN LT AND HAS 3RD SEAT AND FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. I THINK THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS MOST IF NOT ALL SUBURBAN'S IN OUR YEAR CLASS. CHEVY IS NOT RESPONDING TO MY QUESTIONS. PLEASE HELP. *JB
Sep 08, 2005
I HAVE A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. TO DATE IT HAS LESS THAN 25,000 MILES. THERE IS AND HAS BEEN "SOMETHING WRONG" WITH THE FRONT-END OF MY CAR. IT SEEMS THE "CLUNKING" SOUND THAT ONE CAN FEEL AS BEEN THERE FOR QUITE AWHILE. WHILE DRIVING(ON FLAT, STRAIGHT FORWARD, PAVEMENT)(BETWEEN 32 AND 37 MPH) MY CAR WILL VEER, "BOUNCE" TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT THE STEERING WHEEL MOVING(AS IN TURNING). I HAVE DESCRIBED THE/THIS SITUATION TO A CERTIFIED MACHINIST/MECHANIC, WITHOUT HESITATION PROCEEDED TO EXPLAIN RACK AND PINION STEERING. I HAVE FOUND IT NECESSARY AND ESSENTIAL, IN REGARDS TO SAFETY, TO RENT A VEHICLE IN ORDER TO LEAVE MY SMALL AND SOMEWHAT ISOLATED HOME TOWN. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 02, 2005
I CONTACTED GM CORP WHEN I FIRST HEARD OF THE RECALL ON RACK AND PINION ON THE 1998 CHEVY MALIBU BECAUSE I HAD MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE AND WAS CONCERNED I WOULDN'T GET THE NOTICE. THE YOUNG MAN I SPOKE WITH SAID IT WASN'T ON MY CAR, HOW CAN THAT BE. I TOLD HIM I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AND HITTING THE BRAKES. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND I STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE WHAT SHOULD I DO? *JB
Feb 13, 2005
STEERING SENSOR FAILED, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TO SKIP WHEN TURNING AND FEELS LIKE CONTROL OF STEERING IS LOST MOMENTARILY. SENSOR WAS REPLACED ONCE AND PROBLEM WAS CURED FOR A TIME, BUT IT IS NOW RECURRING.*AK
May 21, 2004
+ 19 more complaints for this component
TIRES
18 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER DISCOVERER ATR, SIZE LT245/75R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 2 MPH AND GREATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE STEEL BELT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE PROTRUDED THROUGH THE TREAD. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VEHICLE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 205,000.
Sep 20, 2007
1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN SUFFERED DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WHEN A BLOWOUT OCCURRED.*MR *JB *NM
Apr 25, 2005
KUMHO ROAD VENTURE HT TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING AND PULLING A 26 FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER AT 68 MPH . TIRE WAS STILL INFLATED. AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT INSTALLED AT 38,000 MILES, TIRE SIZE 245/75R16, DOT# H211YD1P309. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE TIRE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE FAILED TIRE AND FOUND NO DEFECT. *YH
Aug 27, 2002
THE TIRE BLEW UP - COMPLETETLY DISINTERGRATED WITHOUT WARNING - THE PRESSURE HAD BEEN CHECKED BEFORE THE TRIP AND NO ROAD HAZRARDS WERE NOTICED - HOWEVER THE CAR FOLLOWING NOTED THE TIRE LOOKED LOW BEFORE IT BLEW - SO IT HAD TO HAVE LOST PRESSURE DURING THE @10 MILES AND THEN DISENTERGRATED. *AK
Jul 01, 2002
WE WERE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 70 MPH ON I-35; ALL TIRES WERE PROPERLY INFLATED; THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS OR DEBRIS IN THE ROADWAY; WITHOUT WARNING, THE LEFT REAR TIRE CAME APART. THE TREAD CAME OFF OF THE TIRE, WRAPPED AROUND THE AXLE WHILE THE WHEEL KEPT TURNING. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ON YOUR SITE, THIS APPEARS TO BE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE FIRESTONE/EXPLORER PROBLEMS.*AK
Jun 12, 2002
+ 13 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
18 complaints
LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING. DEXCOOL ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING INTO THE 3.4L ENGINE. REPLACED INTAKE GASKET.
Jan 15, 2004
WE STILL NEED OUR VEHICLE FIXED!!! WE GOT THE RUNAROUND AND WERE DISCOURAGED FROM PURSUING THE PROBLEM AS THE GM & GMPP CUSTOMER SERVICE? EMPLOYEES KEPT TRYING TO BEAT US DOWN SO WE WOULD GIVE UP. GM & GMPP EMPLOYEES HAVE DONE THEIR BEST TO DISCOURAGE US FROM PURCHASING ANOTHER GM PRODUCT. THANK YOU, [XXX] VIN #[XXX] [XXX] 87 TOTAL PROBLEMS NEVER FIXED. SUMMARY OF REPAIRS (CONTINUED) 1)OIL LEAKS14 TIMES, NEVER FIXED 2)ENGINE ROUGH IDLE10 TIMES NEVER FIXED 3)WIND NOISE RIGHT FRONT WINDOW6 TIMES NEVER FIXED 4)COOLING SYSTEM LEAKS\T4 TIMES 5)DOME LIGHT\T4 TIMES 6)STEERING\T4 TIMES NEVER FIXED 7)TAILGATE CARPET\T4 TIMES\EVER FIXED 8)DOOR (LEFT REAR) GLASS RATTLE3 TIMES NEVER FIXED 9)GRAB HANDLES COVER CAPS3 TIMES NEVER FIXED 10)REAR AXLE 3 TIMES 11)SUSPENSION CLUNK (LEFT FRONT)3 TIMES 12)AIR CONDITIONING 2 TIMES 13)BATTERY2 TIMES AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED, WAS REPLACED BY A BETTER COSTCO BATTERY 14) DOOR (RIGHT FRONT) GLASS 2 TIMES 15)FUEL FILTER 2 TIMES FIXED FOR NO REASON 16) MIRROR 2 TIMES 17)SIGNAL (RIGHT REAR) 2 TIMES NEVER FIXED 18) SEAT BELT 2 TIMES 19) SEATS 2 TIMES 20) TAILGATE ALIGNMENT2 TIMES 21)TRANSMISSION2 TIMES 22)WINDOW STRUT (REAR)2 TIMES 23)WIPERS2 TIMES 24)ALTERNATOR OUTPUT CABLE1 TIME 25)2 HIGH SWITCHES1 TIME 26)AXLE LEAKS1 TIME 27BRAKE SYSTEM1 TIME 28)DOOR (RIGHT REAR) GLASS CHANNEL\T1 TIME 29)FUEL PUMP\T1 TIME 30) SUN VISOR1 TIME HISTORY MISFIRE (ROUGH IDLE) WARRANTY DISPUTE 1)THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO GUY SCHMIDT SIX (6) TIMES FOR MISFIRE (ROUGH IDLE). 2)THE VEHICLE NEVER HAD DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CODES PRESENT. 3)BY WORKING, REPLACING PARTS AND BILLING GMPP FOR SERVICES PERFORMED, GUY SCHMIDT CONFIRMED AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT MISFIRE (ROUGH IDLE) WAS PRESENT. 4) AFTER SIX (6) TIMES AT GUY SCHMIDT, I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO TRY COMMUNITY CHEVROLET SINCE GUY SCHMIDT COULDN'T REPAIR THE PROBLEM AFTER SIX (6) ATTEMPTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jan 15, 2004
HYDRAULIC VALVE LIFTERS IN 7.4L ENGINE CAME APART UNDER NORMAL DRIVING AT 78,000 MI. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED REGULARLY SINCE NEW. *AK
Nov 29, 2003
CHEVROLET SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSISTENTLY ON IN THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP CAN'T SEEM TO GIVE AN HONEST ANSWER AS TO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. *LA
Oct 09, 2003
THE DEALER REFUSED TO FIX THE VEHICLES RECALL! THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED, HE RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE A ONE MONTH AGO RECALL NUMBER#50112290 TO REPLACE FUEL JUMPER HARNESS. THE FIRST DEALER GRAFF CHEVROLET 972 263 2281 1405 EAST MAIN STREET GRAND PRAIRE TX. SECOND DEALERSHIP : VAN CHEVROLET SERVICE MANAGER FRANK SOUTH 35E CAROLLTON TX 972 389 6700. *NLM
May 07, 2003
+ 13 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
14 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT INTO FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN AUTOMATIC FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF THE WHEELS WERE ATTEMPTING TO LOCK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 194,882.
Jan 14, 2011
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. I REMEMBER HEARING THE REAR HATCH CLICK AND NOW REALIZE THAT THE HATCH WON'T RELEASE UNLESS THE TRUCK IS IN PARK. I WALKED BEHIND MY TRUCK TO PICK UP THE PART. AFTER I PICKED IT UP, I WAS KNOCKED DOWN BY THE FORCE OF MY TRUCK. THE TRUCK MUST HAVE SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AFTER I'D PUT IT IN PARK. I RECENTLY READ ABOUT A SIMILAR INCIDENT IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER, WHERE THIS HAPPENED TO SOMEONE ELSE WITH THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE. THE TRUCK ROLLED OVER ME, AND I WAS TRAPPED UNDER IT. A MAN CAME AND DROVE THE TRUCK OFF ME. I SUFFERED A DEEP CUT TO THE BACK OF MY HEAD, THE MEAT WAS RIPPED OFF MY LEG, I SHATTERED THE T-12 VERTEBRA IN MY BACK AND THE DISKS ABOVE AND BELOW WERE COMPRESSED.
May 11, 2005
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE DROVE ERRATICALLY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT SUN GEAR REACTION SHELL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. *AK
Feb 09, 2005
MY 1998 1500, 2 WD CHEVY SUBURBAN LOST A BOLT IN THE DIFFERENTIAL. BOLT HELD A PIN, WHEN THE PIN WORKED LOOSE, THE REAREND LOCKED UP, PUTTING MY CAR INTO A SPIN. FORTUNATELY I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH, AND NO ONE WAS HURT. *JB
Feb 05, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY COULD TAKE THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK WITHOUT THEIR FOOT ON THE BRAKES. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Nov 27, 2002
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
13 complaints
WHEN FIRST TAKING VEHICLE FROM THE SALES LOT IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO BALANCED THE TIRES, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. ALSO, WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED VEHICLE SHOOK SEVERELY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOUR TIMES, AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT WHEEL HUB WAS WARPED FROM THE FACTORY. *AK
Feb 20, 2004
THE SHOCKS WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NLM
Sep 06, 2001
SHOCKS FAILED AT 29000 MILES. *YH
Aug 28, 2001
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SEVERAL SUSPENSION RELATED PROBLEMS, THE SIDE SHOCK ABSORBER SPLIT CAUSING A RATTLE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE BOLTS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES, CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF STEERING WHEEL PULLING TO THE RIGHT, THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND AFTER THE ALIGNMENT WAS COMPLETED, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED, THE DEALER LATER FOUND A LEFT FRONT INNER TIE ROD NUT LOOSE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE STILL PULLED TO THE RIGHT SO A TIRE ROTATION WAS DONE, ALSO, THE COIL SPRING INSULATORS WERE MISSING CAUSING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING, IT WAS LATER FOUND THAT THE INSULATORS WERE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AFTER ALL THE REPAIRS AND THE DEALER CAN NOT FIND A REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM. *SLC
Sep 20, 2000
DESTROYS FRONT RIGHT 2 TIRES (NOT ALIGNMENT PROBLEM) 2 TIRES IN 22K MILES( DOT NUMBER: M3DD TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Oct 22, 1999
+ 8 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaints
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). REPAIR CONSISTS OF TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF ASSEMBLY AT $50.00 EACH. *NM
Oct 29, 2006
1998 CHEVY TAHOE WONT START, SPONTANEOUSLY. IT WILL TURN OVER, BUT WONT START. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WASN'T SURE WHAT WAS WRONG, TRIED IT AGAIN AFTER 10-15 MINUTES AND IT STARTED. I FIGURED IT WAS JUST COLD. SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, IT WAS ABOUT 45 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTED, AND I WAS TOLD BY THE GUY AT THE TIRE DEALER, THAT HIS AND A FRIENDS TAHOE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, I SHOULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. I DID THIS AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE THEFT DETERRENT MODULE. AFTER SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS AND A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK I GOT THE TRUCK BACK. IT WAS ABOUT 2 MONTHS LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. SAME THING, COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS, A RENTAL CAR FOR A WEEK AND I GOT IT BACK AFTER 3 DAYS. 3 DAYS LATER, THE SAME THING. I DO NOT HAVE MY TRUCK NOW, I HAVE A RENTAL AGAIN. I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS AGAIN, BECAUSE IT IS A "....TOTALLY DIFFERENT SET OF CODES THAN READ THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES..." *JB
Feb 06, 2005
ELECTRICAL SHORT DUE TO FAULTY SWITCH THAT CONTROLS OUTSIDE MIRROR, CAUSED DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO START BURNING, CLAIM 40-2517-187. *SLC
Sep 28, 2001
ELECTRICAL SHORT DUE TO FAULTY SWITCH THAT CONTROLS OUTSIDE MIRROR, CAUSED DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO START BURNING, CLAIM 40-2517-187. *SLC
Sep 28, 2001
BATTERY LEAKED ACID AND CAUSED ELECTRICAL FAILURE, ALTERNATOR FAILURE, WIRE SHORT.*AK
Aug 23, 2001
+ 7 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
8 complaints
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE ON FLAT SURFACE, CONSUMER USED SCISSOR TYPE JACK FOR FIRST TIME TO CHANGE A TIRE. AFTER JACKING VEHICLE UP JUST ENOUGH SO TIRE CLEARED THE GROUND, CONSUMER TURNED AROUND TO GRAB THE NEW TIRE, JACK BEND AND VEHICLE DROPPED. *AK
Oct 18, 2001
THE A/C HAD A MUSTY SMELL WHEN ON. NLM
Sep 06, 2001
THE A/C HAD A MUSTY SMELL WHEN ON. NLM
Sep 06, 2001
CD PLAYER MALFUNCTIONED. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
MUSKY ODOR FROM AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM. MJS
Feb 01, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
6 complaints
FUEL SYSTEM GAS SPOUT RUSTED WHICH CREATED FUME, THAT IS ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND MAKING THE OCCUPANT SICK. THIS COULD ALSO CAN CAUSE A FIRE DUE TO IT'S LOCATION PER CONSUMER.*AK
May 27, 2003
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND HAS HAPPEND ABOUT 60 TIMES. TWO DEALER WERE CONTACTED,FIRST DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNTIL CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY WERE ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.DEALER STATED THAT IT WAS A DEFECTED PUMP MODULE OF THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP. MR
Nov 13, 2002
FUEL PUMP IS NOT WORKING ANYMORE, AND THE VEHICEL CANNOT START UP. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
Jun 04, 2002
FAULTY INJECTORS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MISFIRE AND CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE.NLM
Sep 06, 2001
CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WAS MISFIRING DUE TO INJECTORS FAILURE. *YH
Aug 28, 2001
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
THE PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT EXTEND OUT FULLY.CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT LIKE DEBRIS OR COINS DOWN INSIDE TO JAM IT ,ITS OBVIOUSLY A FACTORY DEFECT THAT I NOW SEEALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE.
Oct 15, 2016
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL NOT PULL OUT OF THE RETRACTOR LEAVING THE FRONT PASSENGER IMPROPERLY RESTRAINED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *PH
Nov 20, 2003
REAR SEAT BELT BROKEN. YH
Feb 01, 1999
BOTH SEATBELTS HAVE LOCKED AND ARE UNUSEABLE.
Aug 10, 1998
DESIGN OF SEAT BELT/SHOULDER HARNESS CAUSES IT TO BE TOO TIGHT.
Apr 30, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
BRAKE LINE FAILED AFTER MED TO HEAVY BRAKING, LEAVING LITTLE TO NO BRAKE AS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.
Feb 05, 2016
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. INSPECTED UNDERNEATH AND SAW BRAKE FLUID. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE A "ROTTED" LINE THAT HAD BURST. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD, HAD THE VEHICLE BEEN IN MOTION THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT. I KNOW THERE ARE DISCUSSION OF BRAKE ISSUES STARTING IN THE 1999 MODELS, BUT THIS IS THE EXACT SAME IN THE 1998!
Oct 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE ABS SENSOR, THE INNER AND OUTER BEARINGS AND THE CALIBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
Jul 24, 2014
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 THE VEHICLE AGAIN, I REALIZED THERE WAS FLUID COMING OUT OF THE BACK OF THE TRUCK, I SAW THE METAL BRAKE LINES ARE CORRODED , WHILE THE RUBBER LINES SEEM TO BE OK. I DO NOT HAVE THE TYPE OF MONEY TO FIX A PROBLEM OF THIS MAGNITUDE, WITH FIVE CHILDREN AND MY WIFE NOT WORKING, I THINK THAT A VEHICLE LIKE THIS SHOULDN'T HAVE FAILED US LIKE THIS. *TR
Oct 01, 2012
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET CAVALIER. AT 40 MPH THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154000.*AK
Mar 20, 2007
MY 1998 CHEVROLET METRO LSI WAS TOTALLED YESTERDAY IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A SCHOOL BUS. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEFLATE, AND JUDGING THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE ACCIDENT, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR MUTILATED. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOMETHING DONE. *AK
Nov 04, 2003
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT COLLISION AT 25-30MPH, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
Aug 22, 2002
WHILE DRIVING A 55 MPH HIT A DODGE DAKOTA AND DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND DID NOT PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THIS CRASH. *AK
Nov 17, 2000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaints
EACH REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CIRCUIT BOARD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THESE OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT TIMES (APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS APART). NOW, ABOUT A YEAR LATER, THE RIGHT REAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THIS WAS FOUND DUE TO THE BLINKER AND BRAKE LIGHT FAILING, SO I SWITCHED THE BULB FROM THE OTHER SIDE, WITH THE EXACT SAME RESULTS, SO I KNOW IT IS THE CIRCUIT AND NOT A BAD BULB. *JB
Mar 11, 2006
RIGHT REAR TURN SIGNAL FAILED TO OPERATE; IN-DASH INDICATOR PROPERLY INDICATED FAILURE BY RAPID FLASH. WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY, OPENED TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY; FOUND LIGHT BULB NOT FAILED; CAN NOT PROPERLY RE-ASSEMBLE AND GASKET IS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY TO PERMIT RE-ASSEMBLY. HAD TO REPLACE 'CIRCUIT BOARD' WHICH CONNECTS TO WIRING HARNESS TO SOCKETS; COST IS $70 (SEVENTY DOLLARS) ALTHOUGH 'CIRCUIT BOARD' IS WIRING ONLY AND HAS NO COMPONENTS; DEALER PARTS CLERK HELPFULLY ADVISED "THE CIRCUIT BOARDS FAIL ALL THE TIME -- THERE ISN'T A RECALL, BUT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL." SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO VIRTUALLY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE TURN SIGNAL/BACKUP/TAILLIGHT UNIT FOR $127 (ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-SEVEN DOLLARS) WITH DEALER-ONLY PARTS, PRECLUDING ANY FIELD REPAIRS ON TRIPS, ETC; CAUSING GREAT LIKELIHOOD THAT TURN SIGNAL WILL NOT FUNCTION FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME BECAUSE OF TROUBLE AND COST OF REPLACING THE UNIT. *LA
Apr 06, 2004
ALL BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED FOR UNKNOWN PERIOD. NO WARNING OR OTHER INDICATION GIVEN THAT BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INPERATIVE UNTIL A "NEAR MISS" ACCIDENT AND WE DISCOVERED BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. DEALER FOUND A WORN CONNECTION ON TWO WIRES IN TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. RESOLDERED WIRES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. DT
Nov 01, 2002
HEADLIGHTS ONLY COME ON WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT WITH SWITCH.
Feb 01, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
4 complaints
NHTSA RECALL 98-V-033-000: 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 OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. HAD CHANGED FIVE TIME THE BRAKE PADS, AND THREE TIMES THE ROTORS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN#. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jan 31, 2003
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE ABS WOULD ENGAGE CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR
Nov 14, 2002
BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BECOME WARPED TWICE NOW, FIRST TIME AT 5000 MILES THE SECOND AT 13000 MILES. AT 15000 MILES IT NOW NEEDS NEW BRAKE PADS. THE ENGINE COMPUTER WILL NOT LET THE ENGINE IDLE DOWN UNTIL YOU HAVE COME TO A STOP. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE VERY HARD TO STOP AND HARD TO CONTROL ON SLIPPERY PAVEMENT. VERY UNSAFE. DEALER SAYS IT CHECKS OUT OK ON BOTH THE BRAKES AND ENGINE IDLE PROBLEM. 95% OF MY DRIVING IS ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS, THUS SELDOMLY USING THE BRAKES!
Jan 30, 1999
BRAKE DRUM FAILED.
Apr 28, 1998
STRUCTURE
4 complaints
RUST WAS FOUND ON THE INSIDE REAR BUMPER. NLM
Sep 06, 2001
THE SIDE DOOR PANEL CLIPS BROKE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR PANEL, THE PASSENGER SIDE INNER DOOR PANEL RATTLES, THE PANEL WAS LOOSE, THE BACK DOOR INSIDE TRIM LOOSE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRIM. *SLC
Sep 20, 2000
ACCIDENTLY STRUCK POLE AT 1 TO 2 MPH AND DID $505.08 DAMAGE TO REAR BUMPER. IS THERE NOT A SPEED REGULATION CONCERNING REAR BUMPERS. *AK
Jun 25, 1999
REAR DOUBLE DOORS MAKES NOISE. YH
Feb 01, 1999
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
3 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE DRIVER'S SIDE LINKAGE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY AND THE INTERIOR DRIVER'S SIDE HANDLE WAS DEFECTIVE. CHEVROLET STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE WARRANTY ALERTS ON THE DOORS, INCLUDING ONE FOR THE DOOR KNOB REMAINING OPEN DUE TO THE DETAIL BRACKET NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND A NOTICE REGARDING THE SUBURBAN DOOR HANDLES BEING DIFFICULT TO OPEN BECAUSE THE STRUCTURE WAS PRODUCED INCORRECTLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,083.
May 20, 2009
I DRIVE A 1998 SUBURBAN AND MY HUSBAND DRIVES A 1997 GMC 2500 TRUCK. THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE (USED TO OPEN THE DOOR) HAS BROKEN THREE TIMES IN HIS TRUCK AND IT HAS DIFFICULTY CATCHING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN MY SUBURBAN. *JB
Nov 11, 2004
DOOR LOCKS FAILED TWICE. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUBURBAN 1500. ON A CLEAR DAY WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. HE APPLIED THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TRAVEL AT THE SET SPEED. HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, AND FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO TRY TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL BY USING THE SWITCH. BY THIS TIME HE COULD SMELL A BURNT ODOR THAT GENERATED FROM THE BRAKES. HE THEN UNHOOKED THE CRUISE CONTROL WIRE FROM THE THROTTLE AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE ENGINE SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE RACING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,877 MILES, AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,800. *AK UPDATE 05/04/07*TR
Apr 12, 2007
CORVETTE C5 BOUGHT ON JUNE 12TH, 98. 1G1 YY2 2G3 W51 229 86. MILES ~ 20.000: TWO CRASHES DUE TO A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AT FULL THROTTLE. FIRST ACCIDENT: APRIL 26TH, 02. I WAS STOPPED AT THE ENTRY OF A PARKING, THE ENGINE RACED AND THE CAR PLOUGHED AHEAD, ALTHOUGH I CONTINUOUSLY APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE C5 ACCELERATED AT A TERRIFIC SPEED AND STOPPED ONLY AFTER I APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE AND CUT THE IGNITION. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED. THE HEAD MECHANIC, ASSURED ME MY CAR WAS IN ORDER WHEN I TOOK IT BACK. I REQUESTED THE GARAGE CONSULT A GM EXPERT ON THAT SORT OF ACCIDENT. HE DID NOT COMPLY WITH THAT REQUEST.THE DYSFUNCTION OCURRED AGAIN. SECOND ACCIDENT : MAY 7TH, 03. I PARKED. I HAD, AT THE END OF THIS MANEUVER, THE RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE, (TO SLOW THE CAR WHICH AT THIS TIME CRAWLED), WHEN THE ENGINE ACCELERATED. THE C5 STOPPED AFTER I JAMMED ON THE BRAKE AND CUT THE IGNITION REMARKS AND CONCLUSION. THE C5 SUDDENLY TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN, THE THROTTLE IN A FULL OPEN POSITION, WITHOUT THE DRIVER STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE BRAKES WERE NOT EFFECTIVE SOON ENOUGH TO AVOID THE ACCIDENTS. ONLY SWITCHING OFF THE IGNITION WAS EFFECTIVE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I HAD MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE GEAR LEVER WAS IN DRIVE. AS ANY ENGINEER KNOWS, GIVEN THAT ELECTRONIC LOGIC IS SENSITIVE TO INTERFERENCES AND THE C5 COMPARTMENT IS FLOODED WITH VIOLENTS SIGNALS; IT WAS IMPERATIVE, AFTER THE FIRST SERIOUS INCIDENT, TO INSTALL A BLACK BOX OR TIMESTAMPING RECORDING DEVICE, FILMING AND RECORDING THE ACTUAL FOOT POSITION OF THE DRIVER, THE THROTTLE AND BRAKE POSITIONS, ENGINE RPM AND VEHICLE SPEED IN ORDER TO ANALYZE A POSSIBLE RE-OCCURENCE OF THE EVENT. BEING A SURGEON, CONSIDERING THE GRAVITY OF THIS DOUBLE AND IDENTICAL ACCIDENT, NOT ONLY TO RENONCE USING THIS C5, BUT ALSO TO ASK THAT ALL THE C5 BE SUBJECT TO A FACTORY RECALL TO CONTROL ALL THEIR ELECTRONIC, TO CORRECT THE DEFECTS AND ORIGIN OF SUCH DYSFUNCTIONS AND PREVENT SUCH ACCIDENTS.*AK
May 05, 2004
A KINKED THROTTLE CABPLE HAS BEEN INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ALLOWED CABLE TO FRAY AND SRICK AGAINST FIRE WALL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE TO 80-90MPH UNEXPECTEDLY IN WHICH THE BRAKING SYSTEM DID NOT HELP IN REDUCING THE VEHICLE'S SPEED, ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Mar 17, 1998
SEATS
3 complaints
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED CONSUMER ENTERED THE VEHICLE, AND THE DRIVER SEAT RECLINED BACKWARDS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Mar 09, 2004
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT FRAME SNAPPED. THIS CAUSED THE SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Feb 18, 2004
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jan 30, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
I PURCHASED ON 11/1997 A NEW 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 3/4 TON 2500 SERIES. THE SUBURBAN HAS 38,528 ORIGINAL MILES AND HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE NEW. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN USED PRIMARILY AS A SECONDARY VEHICLE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. THE SUBURBAN HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN SNOW CONDITIONS ONLY 12-14 TIMES. I AM EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE BRAKE AND FUEL LINE CORROSION ON THE STEEL BRAKE/FUEL LINES, FLEXIBLE BRAKE HOSES AND CONNECTIONS. I AM VERY CONCERNED OVER THE BRAKE/FUEL LINE CORROSION ISSUEA AND HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN INITIATED BY THE NHTSA ON 1/5/11, NHTSA INVESTIGATION FILE NO. EA11001. *TR
Apr 02, 2012
BRAKES-WHEN COMING TO STOP PEDAL IS HARD THEN DROPS ABOUT AN INCH MORE BEFORE VEHICLE STOPS.ANTI LOCK WILL SOMETIMES ENGAGE AND STOP VEHICLE. AFTER VEHICLE STOPS I CAN CONTINUE TO PUSH PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. DEALER REPLACED REAR DUMP VALVE BUT PROBLEM STILL THERE. MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPLACED,NEW ROTORS, NEW BACK BRAKE SHOES(3RD SET). BRAKE PROBLEM STARTED IN JAN 2001. INTAKE GASKET IS LEAKING. FUEL PUMP IS RUNNING VERY NOISY, NOSIER THAN WHEN NEW. I KNOW THAT THIS MEANS IT IS GOING TO GO.SO I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT.*AK
Apr 26, 2001
WHEELS
2 complaints
WINDSHIELD WIPER/MOTOR PROBLEM IS THE SAME AS WITH THE EARLIER SUBURBANS ON THE RECALL LIST. THE RECALL ONLY ADDRESSES '97 AND BACK, NOT 1998. WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT GETTING THIS YEAR ADDED. THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND LATER.
Jan 15, 2004
HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY HEARD ANYTHING UNUSUAL. HAVE OWNED 2 OTHER SUBURBANS BESIDES THIS ONE. I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT, TURNING LEFT ONTO THE STREET WHEN I HEARD A POP. I THEN HEARD SOME RATTLING AND SQUEAKING. I PULLED OVER AND COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING, SO I DROVE IT HOME...ABOUT 5 MILES. TOOK OFF THE LUGS:NUTS COVER AND 2 BROKEN STEMS FELL ON THE GROUND WITH THE NUT STILL ON THEM AND THE REST OF THE LUGS: NUTS WERE EXTREMELY LOOSE. HAD ALL THE TIRES ROTATED AT FIRESTONE ON 10-7-99 AND THE MILEAGE WAS 42,720. NONE OF THE OTHER WHEELS WERE AFFECTED.ALL LUGS: NUTS WERE ON TIGHT EXCEPT FOR THIS ONE WHEEL. FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON ALL 1998 LUGS: NUTS ON FORD F150 PICK UPS...COULD THIS BE RELATED? *AK
Nov 11, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
PROBLEM WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1998 MODEL. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 1997 BUT IS A 1998 MODEL. PROBLEMS ARE AS FOLLOWS: . CHEVROLET HAS A RECALL FOR 1997 MODEL FOR WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTION I HAVE A 1998 MODEL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT THE RECALL DOES NOT COVER IT. 2. I ALSO HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL. VEHICLE HAS SOME SORT OF WIRING PROBLEM, I CHANGED THE BATTERIES ON THE REMOTE CONTROL BUT IT WILL NOT WORK. 3. I HAD TO CHANGE WIRING HARNESS FOR REAR LIGHTS SINCE THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK AND DEALERSHIP SAID THAT I HAD TO CHANGE THE WIRING.*AK
Jul 24, 2003
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, STOPPED AND SAW YELLOW SMOKE COMING FROM BEHIND DRIVER'S DOOR PANEL, SPARKS WERE FLYING. SMOKE STOPPED, FUSE HAD BLOWN. MECHANIC FOUND THAT WIRE TO OUTSIDE MIRROR SWITCH. *AK AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE WIRE WAS 14 GAUGE. THE ELECTRICAL SHORT OCCURED AT THE MIRROR SWITCH. *YH
Jun 06, 2001
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
THE DASHBOARD FRONT PANEL CRACKED, THE DEALER ORDERED A NEW PANEL. *SLC
Sep 20, 2000
DIGITAL COMPASS/TEMPERATURE READOUT GIVING INACCURATE READING FAILED.
Sep 24, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
DURING IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THE MASTER CYLINDER SHEARED OFF THE FIRE WALL RENDERING BRAKES INOPERABLE AFTER IMPACT. DO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG RESULTED IN DRIVER SUFFERED A FRATURED STERNUM. VEHICLE TOTALED. *YC
Sep 15, 1999
MY VEHICLE RAN HEAD-ON INTO THE SIDE OF A CAR THAT RAN A STOP SIGN. MY CAR WAS SO DAMAGED THAT THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR "TOTALED" IT. THE IMPACT WAS SO SEVERE THAT I, THE DRIVER, SUSTAINED A FRACTURE OF THE STERNUM (I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT WITH SHOULDER HARNESS). THE AIR BAGS OF MY CAR DID NOT GO OFF, BUT THE AIR BAGS OF THE CAR I HIT DID GO OFF. ON IMPACT THE BRAKE MASTERCYLINDER WITH THE POWER ASSIST UNIT WAS BROKEN OFF THE FIRE WALL BY THE ABS MODULE. THEREFORE I DID NOT HAVE ANY BRAKES AND ROLLED FOR ANOTHER 300 FEET BEFORE COMING TO REST AGAINST A TREE IN THE LOWER SHOULDER OF THE ROAD.
Jul 11, 1999
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
STEERING WHEEL SENSOR FAILED. IN ADDIRION, RADIO/ELECTRICAL C OMPONENTS WILL NOT CUT OFF WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF.
May 11, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STAYS ON AFTER CAR IS TURNED OFF.
May 11, 1998
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
WHEN IT IS RAINING WATER GETS INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR OF THE HVAC AND SHORT OUT THE MOTOR WHICH CAN CAUSE THE DEFROST, HEAT, OR AIR TO STOP WORKING WHICH IS POTENTIALLY A HAZARD. WATER AND ELECTRONICS ARE NOT REALLY FRIENDLY TOGETHER. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES.
May 01, 2017
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
VEHICLE TENDS TO CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING EVEN AFTER THE STEERING COMPUTER CHIP WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE SWERVES UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE BEING DRIVEN AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH. *AK THE STEERING VEARED TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. BRAKE POWER BOOSTER PUMP WENT OUT LEAVING THE VEHICLE BRAKELESS. *TC
Dec 08, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE SECOND TRANSMISSION IS FAILING AT 85,939 THOUSAND MILES, OUT OF WARRANTY. IS IT NORMAL FOR TWO TRANMISSIONS TO FAIL AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE. I DON'T THINK SO. MY SUBURBAN IS IN FANTASTIC CONDITION. IT IS EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT LIKE NEW. NOW I HAVE TO SPEND ANOTHER 2000 $ ON TOP OF JUST HAVING THE BRAKES DONE??
Jan 15, 2004
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
CONSUMER OWNED TWO GRACO CHILD SEATS ,AND ONE TIME OR ANOTHER SHIELD HAD FALLEN OFF DUE TO LOOSENING OF THE SCREWS. *AK
Oct 27, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 32000 MILES - RADIATOR REPLACED AT 54000 - WATER PUMP- DIFFERENTIAL AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS REPLACED NOW DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK . *JB
Sep 21, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD WIPERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK THE WIPERS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE AT TIMES, THE BRAKES WERE SOFT, THE WHEEL CYLINDERS WERE FOUND LEAKING, AND THE SHOES CRACKED. TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED, AND THE TAIL SHAFT SEAL WAS REPLACED. *SCC *JB
Sep 12, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
CHEVROLET HAS BRUSHED ME OFF SEVERERL TIMES BY SAYING I NEVER BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO A GM DEALER FOR BRAKES THE FIRST TIME I DDIDNT FEEL I WAS OBLIGATED TO GO TO GM I WENT TO BRAKE MAX THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND CHEVY WONT FESS UP AND HELP THE PUBLIC THE TRUCK IS TO BIG FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM MADE FOR THIS APPLICATION. *AK
Aug 05, 2002
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
WHEN TURNING TO RIGHT VEHICLE WILL MAKE A SHARPER TURN, LIKE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING JERKED IN THAT DIRECTION. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY CHANGED STEERING SENSOR. CONSUMER FELT THAT THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS, CAR COULD TIP OVER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Mar 22, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE FIRST REPORTED ITEM: SHOULDER BELT ANCHORS, 3 OF THE SHOULDER ANCHORS HAVE COME LOSS, THE FIRST CAME COMPLETELY OFF, AFTER NOTICING, I REGULARLY CHECK AND TIGHTEN. THERE APPEARS TO BE NO MECHANICAL LOCKING DEVICE TO KEEP THIS FROM REPEATING. THE SECOND ITEM REPORTED IS THE EXHAUST LEAK. THE DEALER REPEATEDLY HAS FIXED THE SAME LEAK, IT FILLS THE VEHICLE WITH FUMES AND IS DANGEROUS. I FINALLY REPLACED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AT MY EXPENSE TO MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE. THE FAILED COMPONENT WAS ALWAYS THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO "Y" PIPE GASKETS. THE THIRD COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTEROUS, THE THROTTLE CABLE FAILED LEAVING THE VEHICLE STUCK AT FULL THROTTLE.*AK
Dec 08, 2001
TRAILER HITCHES
1 complaint
CLASS I HITCH DEVELOPED HAIRLINE CRACK AT ONE OF WELDS. NLM
Mar 12, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WIRES KEEP GETTING CUT BY THE CAR HARNESS, WHY ARE THE WIRES LOCATED IN THE HARNESS? THIS IS GETTING DANGEROUS DRIVING WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS IS A HAZARD. THE FUEL LINE / PUMP HAS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY, AND WHO EVER HEARD OF A TRANSMISSION GOING OUT AT 50,000 MILES. PLEASE NOTE I HAVE NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH THIS CAR AND I AM A VERY CAREFUL FEMALE DRIVER WITHOUT ANY ACCIDENTS OR SPEEDING TICKETS, OIL IS CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES, ALL HIGHWAY DRIVING. PLEASE HELP! THIS CAR IS A DISASTER AND A HAZARD. THE LEAKING FUEL LINE COULD HAVE KILLED ME, NO BRAKE LIGHTS...OBVIOUS ISSUE. THANK YOU! LIZ ZIMMER.
Jan 03, 2001
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
VEHICLE VEERS TO LEFT / RIGHT, COUNTER CLOCKWISE FROM THE WAY ITS SWINGS. THIS HAPPENS AT 55 TO 60 MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUED COMPONENT REPLACEMENTS IN THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING DUE TO DEFECT. ALSO POWER STEERING SENSOR WAS REPLACED/NUTS:BOLTS THAT HOLD TIRE TOGETHER SHEARED OFF, CAUSING TIRE TO FALL OFF. *AK
Sep 15, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
BRAKES--DISC BRAKES. SEAT BELT--RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT.
Sep 08, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO START, AND WHEN IT DID START, WOULDN'T ACCELERATE PAST 28 MPH. WINDOWS SQUEAK. TAILGATE HAS TROUBLE LATCHING AND UNLATCHING.
Sep 08, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES ONCE. THEY JUST FILLED UP THE BRAKE FLUID. 2ND TIME THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL. THEY SAID IT WAS THE WIRING HARNESS AT THE ENGINE.I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING . TOOK IT IN TWO OR THREE TIMES FOR THAT. THEY REPLACED SOME SWITCHES . THEN HAD TO TAKE IT IN AGAIN AND THEY REPLACED THE REAR AIRCONDITIONER. WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK TO PULL A 20 FT TRAILER THE TRAILER WEIGHS 4200 LB. THE SUBURBAN HAS A 3.73 DIFFERENTIAL AND THE TRAILERING PKG. PLUS POST TRACTION OR WHATEVER THETY CALL IT NOW! WE WENT ON A VACATION IN NOV. PLANNING ON BEING HOME THE 1ST OF THE YEAR. OUR !ST DIFFERENTIAL BROKE OUTSIDE OF FREDERICK MD. IT WAS REPLACED. UPON TRYING TO RETURN HOME THE 2ND DIFFERENTIAL BROKE! IT WAS REPLACED IN LOUISVILLE KY. CONTINUNING OUR VENTURE HOME. THE 3RD DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT IN MOBILE ALA. THEY GAVE ME A VERY DIFFICULT TIME. TOLD ME IT WAS MY FAULT. I WAS EITHER GOING TOO FAST OF THE TRAILER WAS TOO HEAVY. NEITHER ACUSATIONS WERE TRUE! UPON FINALLY ARRIVING HOME (ALMOST) THE 4TH DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT AND REPLACED. I HAVE LOST ALL FAITH & TRUST IN THIS VECHICLE. AM SCARED TO DEATH TO TAKE IT ON THE ROAD. MY HUSBAND IS 67 YEARS OLD AND HAS DREAMED OF HIS RETIREMENT ALL HIS LIFE. NOW WE ARE STUCK WITH A SUBURBAN WE DON'T DARE TAKE ON THE ROAD FOR FEAR OF IT BREAKING DOWN AGAIN. CHEVROLET REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE GARAGE WE PURCHASED IT FROM HAS BEEN VERY NICE. HOWEVER, THEY ALSO HAVE BEEN NO HELP IN THIS ISSUE! ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE PERTAINING TO CHEVROLET REPLACING MY SUBURBAN WOUYLD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *AK
Mar 31, 1999
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your CHEVROLET dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban have?
The 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban currently has 279 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban?
You can report safety problems with your 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1998 CHEVROLET Suburban. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
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