Model year record

1998 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls & problems

The 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe has 4 safety recalls and 263 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (76 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints263filed by owners

Crashes · fires18 · 7reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths12 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentOct 24, 2007

Equipment

Recall 07E088000121,680 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 06E04300088,303 vehicles

Problem: 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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: 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).

Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 17, 1998

Foundation components › Disc › Rotor

Recall 98V0330001,137 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: IF A DRIVER CONTINUES TO DRIVE WITH A CRACKED ROTOR, THE CRACKS COULD CONTINUE AROUND THE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLT CIRCLE AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.

SteeringAug 29, 1997

Gear box (other than rack and pinion)

Recall 97V1420003,957 vehicles

Problem: 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 AND FALL OUT. THE STEERING SHAFT YOKE CAN WEAR CAUSING AN OFF CENTER STEERING WHEEL.
Risk: RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CHASSIS AND CAB CAN CAUSE THE STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: 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 PINCH BOLT AND TORQUE THIS BOLT TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Tahoe 1500 4WD Diesel

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $6,400/year to fuel

Tahoe 1500 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Tahoe 1500 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Tahoe 1500 4WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	76	8	0	2	83,312 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor	51	0	0	1	73,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Steering wheel/handle bar	33	1	0	0	90,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Driveshaft	23	0	0	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Cooling system	22	3	0	3	87,603 mi
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Wiring › Interior/under dash	21	1	5	1	87,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Storage › Tank assembly	16	0	0	0	—
SuspensionFront; Rear › Shock absorber	13	0	0	0	—
TiresTread/belt; Sidewall	12	0	0	0	113,093 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	9	7	0	3	82,926 mi
EquipmentElectrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.; Appliance › Air conditioner	7	0	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut	4	0	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Apr 30, 2025 · 240,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE SHORTLY AFTER USE (SEVERAL HOURS). A LIGHT RAIN STORM CAME WHILE THE WINDOWS WERE DOWN. SOME RAIN ENTERED THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, SOME WATER LIKELY GOT INTO THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE CURB AND IGNITION WAS OFF. I TOWELED OFF THE INTERIOR AND SWITCH ASSEMBLY OFF, IT DIDN'T APPEAR MUCH WATER ENTERED THE SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND "OFF" THIS WHOLE TIME. I TURNED IGNITION ON TO ROLL WINDOWS BACK UP, AND PROMPTLY TURNED THE IGNITION BACK OFF. SOME HOURS LATER, THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY CAUGHT FIRE AND THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS FIRE WASN'T DISCOVERED UNTIL THE NEXT DAY AS IT SELF-EXTINGUISHED. THE…
Feb 27, 2016 · 145,975 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND THE FRONT DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER SIDE HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Sep 12, 2015 · 170,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
MY VEHICLE FAILED TO START UPON LEAVING THE MALL. AFTER SEVERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING PROCEDURES AT MY RESIDENT THE NEXT DAY, I FOUND THAT THE IN TANK FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS NOT WORKING. DURING THE GENTLY LOWERING OF THE FUEL TANK, THE SENDING UNIT TO FILTER FUEL LINE THAT RUNS ALONG THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE FRAME JUST CRUMBLED INTO CHUNKS OF RUST. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT GM ACTUALLY INSTALLED FUEL LINES MADE OUT OF PLAIN UNPROTECTED STEEL TUBING, ESPECIALLY ON A VEHICLE THAT WAS SOLD AND OPERATED IN A SNOW BELT STATE. ALSO WHILE I WAS REPLACING THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES, I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE THAT FEEDS THE REAR BRAKES THAT ALSO RUNS ALONG THE INSIDE OF…
Apr 22, 2015 · 95,000 miles
Steering
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FEELS LIKE TRUCK IS HYDROPLANING/SLIDING TO THE RIGHT AND A BRIEF LOST OR LOOSE FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL..... FRONT END HAS BEEN CHECKED AND EVERYTHING IS GOOD/TIGHT. *TR
May 4, 2015 · 240,000 miles
Tires
I WAS DRIVING ON THE IH-93 NB AT 55 MPH. SUDDENLY THE CAR BEGAN PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I STOPPED AND CHECKED THE TIRES, BUT DID NOT SEE ANY PROBLEMS. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE INFLATED TO THE SPECS (35 PSI). I KEPT DRIVING, AND AFTER 20-25 MILES I HEARD A SOUND AS IF SOMETHING WAS RUBBING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER FENDER AREA. I BEGAN SLOWING DOWN AND WANTED TO STOP. AT THAT MOMENT MY FRONT RIGHT TIRE SEPARATED. IT WAS A PRIMEWELL VALERA HT 235/75-15 TIRE, INSTALLED AT A FIRESTONE SHOP IN PLAISTOW, NH IN NOVEMBER, 2014 WITH A FEW HUNDRED MILES ON IT. *TR
Jan 13, 2015 · 172,300 miles
Service brakes
DRIVER'S SIDE REAR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE ALONG FRAME RAIL FAILURE DUE TO CORROSION IN LINE. *TR
May 28, 2014 · 180,790 miles
Service brakes
STARTED TRUCK, STEPPED ON BRAKE TO ENGAGE REVERSE GEAR, PEDAL DROPPED ALMOST TO FLOOR. REAR BRAKE LINE RUSTY AND FLUID BROKE THROUGH NEAR THE GAS TANK AREA. *TR
Oct 15, 2012 · 240,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATIONClosed
ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE (1) COMPLAINT ALLEGING THAT THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASE BUCKLE ANCHOR DETACHED FROM SEAT FRAME DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH.DURING THE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WAS THROWN FROM HIS SEAT, PARTIALLY EJECTED THROUGH THE REAR QUARTER WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE.OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURY.GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED SEAT BELT ANCHORING DESIGN IN MY 2000. ODI HAS COMPLETED A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND HAS DETERMINED THAT FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO DETERMINE WHETHER A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS.
PE01023 · opened Jul 17, 2001 · closed Dec 20, 2001
ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIVClosed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS INVESTIGATED ALLEGATIONS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST FLUCTUATIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.FOR DETAILS AND A BASIS FOR THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUSIONS, PLEASE SEE THE CLOSING REPORT IN THE EA99-011 PUBLIC FILE.ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.FUTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.THE ENGINEERING IS CLOSED.
EA99011 · opened May 12, 1999 · closed Feb 27, 2001