Owners have filed 137 complaints
about the 1998 GMC Suburban with NHTSA between 1998 and 2011.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 26
Against the median year of the GMC Suburban. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 68
13.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 27
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
26.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
39.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
26.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
825.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
722.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
929.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1998peak 14Aug 2011
Recalls on the 1998 GMC Suburban
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200306240,759 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a short in the electric outside rearview mirror switch could develop. If this were to occur, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 109,200 milesSouth Portland, MECrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I HAVE A 1998 GMC SUBURBAN JUST PURCHASED AND I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN RECALL #05V379000. RESULT WAS MY WIFE SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAR IN OUR DRIVEWAY. DAMAGE WAS MINIMAL BUT I SURE DON'T WANT HER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS FIXED! I CALLED GM AND THEY SAID THIS YEAR (1998) IS NOT EFFECTED! YEAH, RIGHT!
NHTSA complaint #10206982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kigston, GACrash1 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
PREVIOUS SEPARATION OF THE TREAD ON PASSENGER REAR TIRE, REPLACED WITH SPARE ON JULY 18, 2006. CHECKED ALL OTHER TIRES SHOWED GOOD CONDITION. JULY 24, 2006 WHILE DRIVING FREEWAY SEPARATION OF DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD CAUSED MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT. SUMMIT PREMIUM PLUS TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10164121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,968 milesWinton, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SUBURBAN. HE STATES THAT ON JUNE 1, 2005 VEHICLE WAS IN A ACCIDENT AND WAS HIT IN THE FRONT END. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10125153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES DO NOT STOP THE VEHICLE PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10117956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesGreensboro, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CRASH
NHTSA complaint #10114816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesGreensboro, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
CRASH
NHTSA complaint #10114816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 95,000 milesRoyal OAK, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE SITTING.. STANDING STILL.. PARKED.. THE SPARE TIRE IN THE REAR OF THE SUBURBAN EXPLODED.. I DISCOVERED THIS SEVERAL DAYS LATER.. THE EXPLOSION CAUSED APPROXIMATELY $650 IN DAMAGE.. NOT INCLUDING THE COST OF THE TIRE ITSELF.. I CONTACTED B.F. GOODRICH AND WAS ASSIGNED A CLAIM NUMBER .. A CASE NUMBER.. 2983357.. I SUBMITTED INFORMATIONTTO B.F. GOODRICH WITH NO REPLY AT THIS TIME..
NHTSA complaint #10417333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,200 milesSouth Portland, MECrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I HAVE A 1998 GMC SUBURBAN JUST PURCHASED AND I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN RECALL #05V379000. RESULT WAS MY WIFE SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAR IN OUR DRIVEWAY. DAMAGE WAS MINIMAL BUT I SURE DON'T WANT HER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS FIXED! I CALLED GM AND THEY SAID THIS YEAR (1998) IS NOT EFFECTED! YEAH, RIGHT!
NHTSA complaint #10206982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kigston, GACrash1 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
PREVIOUS SEPARATION OF THE TREAD ON PASSENGER REAR TIRE, REPLACED WITH SPARE ON JULY 18, 2006. CHECKED ALL OTHER TIRES SHOWED GOOD CONDITION. JULY 24, 2006 WHILE DRIVING FREEWAY SEPARATION OF DRIVER SIDE TIRE TREAD CAUSED MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT. SUMMIT PREMIUM PLUS TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10164121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesWarren, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT SPEEDS BELOW 10 MPH, THE ABS WOULD PUMP AND GRAB. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO STOP. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT HUB AND BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 05V379000, REGARDING THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ABS SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 03/17/06. 8JB
NHTSA complaint #10151029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesPocatello, ID
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS WARMING UP, AND A FEW MINUTES LATER WHILE GETTING IN TO THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS SMOKING. THE HEATER IN THE SEAT BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT IF THE SEAT HEATER WAS TURNED ON AGAIN IT WOULD SHORT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10147484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hartland, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 05V379000 CONCERNING THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN AND THE MODEL YEAR. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HER OWN EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10144594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WIRING TO THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP CAN OVER HEAT (AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE) WHEN THE FUEL PUMP FAILS. THIS WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE FUEL PUMP IS IN A FAILED (LOCKED) CONDITION WHILE POWER IS APPLIED TO THE PUMP. THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT DRAW IS HIGHER THAN THE RATING OF THE WIRING.
NHTSA complaint #10142512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
WIRING TO THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP CAN OVER HEAT (AND POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE) WHEN THE FUEL PUMP FAILS. THIS WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE FUEL PUMP IS IN A FAILED (LOCKED) CONDITION WHILE POWER IS APPLIED TO THE PUMP. THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT DRAW IS HIGHER THAN THE RATING OF THE WIRING.
NHTSA complaint #10142512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGalway, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ABS LOCKED UP AT LOW SPEEDS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME SHE SLOWED DOWN. THE PROBLEM WOULD OCCUR AT 10 MPH AND SLOWER WHEN PULLING INTO PARKING SPOTS. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS FOR OTHER GMC VEHICLES. RECALL CAMPAIGN #05V379000; ANTI-LOCK. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. THE DEALER WAS CALLED BUT THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON THE RECALL YET. *JB (11/17/05) THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE ALMOST WENT THROUGH THE STORE WINDOW AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10135147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesGalway, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LOCKED AT LOW SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10135149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roanoke, VA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LACK OF RECALLS ON THE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD ON HIS 1998 GMC SUBURBAN. *NM ARTEMIS DOWN UNTIL JULY,05 AAE THE CONSUMER RECENTLY HEARD ABOUT RECALL OF SEVERAL VEHICLE WHICH HAVE THE SAME WIPER COMPONENT. THE WIPERS FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM AT 70 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10127923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,968 milesWinton, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SUBURBAN. HE STATES THAT ON JUNE 1, 2005 VEHICLE WAS IN A ACCIDENT AND WAS HIT IN THE FRONT END. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10125153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES DO NOT STOP THE VEHICLE PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10117956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beckley, WV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
CONSUMER REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF REPAIRS ON GMC 1998 SUBURBAN. *BF THE CONSUMER LEARNED OF A RECALL REGARDING THE ROTORS, HOWEVER THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE RECALL WAS ONLY FOR C TYPE TRUCKS NOT K AND THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BEING A C IS A TWO WHEEL DRIVE AND THE K TYPE IS FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10115739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesGreensboro, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CRASH
NHTSA complaint #10114816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesGreensboro, NCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
CRASH
NHTSA complaint #10114816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesPlymouth, MN
STEERING
THIS CONCERNS NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : EA99011. I HAD A STEERING MODULE THAT FAILED. PRIOR TO REPLACEMENT OF THE MODULE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PERIODICALLY JERK AS IF TO INCREASE THE RATE OF TURN SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN I WAS IN A TURN, EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THIS MODULE AT THE GMC DEALERSHIP (AT ABOUT 50,000 MILES, AS I RECALL), THE JERKING INSTANTLY STOPPED. I NOW HAVE ABOUT 111,000 MILES, AND THE SAME JERKING HAS BEGUN AGAIN (AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES) FROM TIME TO TIME. IF A DRIVER UNFAMILIAR TO THE PROPENSITY TO JERK IN TURNS WAS DRIVING, I COULD DEFINITELY SEE WHERE THE UNEXPECTED JERKING MAY CAUSE THEM TO LOSE CONTROL. THE LATEST JERKING COMES AND GOES AND IS NOT VERY CONSISTENT FROM WEEK TO WEEK YET. WHEN IT GETS MORE CONSISTENT, I WILL ASK THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE MODULE. I DON'T PRESENTLY RECALL FOR SURE, BUT I THINK I MAY HAVE PAID FOR HAVING THE SENSOR MODULE REPLACED THE FIRST TIME. THE INCIDENT DATE BELOW IS AN ESTIMATE, SINCE I DON'T HAVE MY RECORDS OF THE FIRST STEERING MODULE REPLACEMENT WITH ME AS I AM FILLING OUT THIS FORM. ALSO, THE PURCHASE DATE WAS IN JANUARY, 2000, BUT I DON'T RECALL THE EXACT PURCHASE DATE AND DON'T HAVE MY PURCHASE RECORDS WITH ME.
NHTSA complaint #10106117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
NAR 04/28/2003. MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL, ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY, COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKED, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOME LIGHT, STEERING, THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT REAR GLASS RATTLED, THE AIR CONDITION, BATTERY, SUSPENSION WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE FUEL FILTER, MIRROR TRANSMISSION SEAT, SEAT BELTS, WIPERS, ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10017745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
SEATS
NAR 04/28/2003. MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL, ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY, COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKED, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOME LIGHT, STEERING, THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT REAR GLASS RATTLED, THE AIR CONDITION, BATTERY, SUSPENSION WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE FUEL FILTER, MIRROR TRANSMISSION SEAT, SEAT BELTS, WIPERS, ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10017745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
POWER TRAIN
NAR 04/28/2003. MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL, ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY, COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKED, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOME LIGHT, STEERING, THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT REAR GLASS RATTLED, THE AIR CONDITION, BATTERY, SUSPENSION WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE FUEL FILTER, MIRROR TRANSMISSION SEAT, SEAT BELTS, WIPERS, ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10017745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
SEAT BELTS
NAR 04/28/2003. MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL, ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY, COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKED, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOME LIGHT, STEERING, THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT REAR GLASS RATTLED, THE AIR CONDITION, BATTERY, SUSPENSION WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE FUEL FILTER, MIRROR TRANSMISSION SEAT, SEAT BELTS, WIPERS, ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10017745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
NAR 04/28/2003. MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL, ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY, COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKED, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOME LIGHT, STEERING, THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT REAR GLASS RATTLED, THE AIR CONDITION, BATTERY, SUSPENSION WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE FUEL FILTER, MIRROR TRANSMISSION SEAT, SEAT BELTS, WIPERS, ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10017745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
STEERING
NAR 04/28/2003. MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL, ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY, COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKED, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOME LIGHT, STEERING, THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT REAR GLASS RATTLED, THE AIR CONDITION, BATTERY, SUSPENSION WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE FUEL FILTER, MIRROR TRANSMISSION SEAT, SEAT BELTS, WIPERS, ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10017745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
SUSPENSION
NAR 04/28/2003. MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL, ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY, COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKED, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOME LIGHT, STEERING, THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT REAR GLASS RATTLED, THE AIR CONDITION, BATTERY, SUSPENSION WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE FUEL FILTER, MIRROR TRANSMISSION SEAT, SEAT BELTS, WIPERS, ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10017745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CA
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
NAR 04/28/2003. MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL, ENGINE IDLED ROUGHLY, COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKED, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE DOME LIGHT, STEERING, THE REAR AXLE, THE LEFT REAR GLASS RATTLED, THE AIR CONDITION, BATTERY, SUSPENSION WERE ALL INOPERATIVE. THE FUEL FILTER, MIRROR TRANSMISSION SEAT, SEAT BELTS, WIPERS, ALTERNATOR, BRAKES, FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10017745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.