1998 Chevrolet Tahoe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe: 2 recalls, 263 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #97V142000 · 1997 · 3,957 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #98V033000 · 1998 · 1,137 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E088000 · 2007 · 121,680 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This condition May cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (71): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (14), noise or vibration (9).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (50): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Steering (31): the most common themes are steering problems (26), leaks (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (21): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (8), noise or vibration (6), leaks (2).
The 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe has 263 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 36 Tahoe model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 279). Complaints peaked in 2003 (41 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 85,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (410 complaints, 0 recalls), 1999 (552 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Diesel |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 15 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?
Owners have filed 263 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (71), visibility (wipers, glass) (50), steering (31).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (6.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.