1998 GMC Yukon Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Dec 7, 2019 · 80 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Yukon years
Fewer complaints than other years 23rd of 33 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 GMC Yukon. That ranks 23rd out of 33 Yukon model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (19 complaints, 24%), typically at around 95,363 miles. Complaints mention 5 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations involving it.

GMC Yukon
25 GMC Yukon XL Denali - Shot at Earnhardt Buick GMC in Mesa AZ. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1998 GMC Yukon problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic19 · ~95,363 mi
Visibility16 · ~96,000 mi
Steering11 · ~102,500 mi
Power Train8 · ~98,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline5 · ~200,000 mi
Structure4
Engine and Engine Cooling3 · ~80,000 mi
Suspension3 · ~85,000 mi
Tires3 · ~1,500 mi
Unknown or Other3 · ~104,228 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1924%95,363——
Visibility1620%96,000——
Steering1114%102,500——
Power Train810%98,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline56%200,000——
Structure45%———
Engine and Engine Cooling34%80,000——
Suspension34%85,000——
Tires34%1,500——
Unknown or Other34%104,228——
Air Bags23%80,000——
Electrical System23%———
Equipment23%80,000——
Service Brakes23%97,000——
Vehicle Speed Control23%———
Seats11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2004, with 15 complaints
1998: 4199841999: 882000: 6200062001: 662002: 2200222003: 13132004: 152004152005: 10102006: 4200642007: 332009: 1200912010: 222011: 1201112012: 112013: 1201312014: 112015: 1201512019: 11

n = 80 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1998 GMC Yukon recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotorFeb 17, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V033000 · 1,137 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.

Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)Aug 29, 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V142000 · 3,957 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Seat belt anchorage separation (EA01018) — opened Dec 20, 2001, closed Dec 9, 2002.
  • Seat belt anchorage separation (PE01023) — opened Jul 17, 2001, closed Dec 20, 2001.
  • Erratic power steering assist while driv (EA99011) — opened May 12, 1999, closed Feb 27, 2001.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

I got into a accident. At the intersection of washington st and 2nd st in reno nv. I impacted another car as they went across the intersection. I had the right of way, i impacted the passenger rear end of the other persons vehicle. The main point of impact on my yukon was the passenger side front…

Air Bags · received Dec 7, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11287715

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. Upon further inspection, i have rusted brake lines, and the front crossover line leaking profusely due to corrosion of…

Service Brakes · received May 10, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10715520

My wife was driving down the highway and the truck just lost all power and cut off. She managed to make it to the side of the road and put it in park. It didn't start right away but i a couple of minutes it started back up and we made it home. It has subsequently done this several times now. *tr

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Aug 18, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10626205

Power steering pump lost "power", luckily, at low speed and close to home. The pulley shaft broke off at the impeller. I replaced the pump, with a reman from autozone. The "new" pump lasted about 25 miles before it's shaft broke. I'm installing a replacement reman this evening. *tr

Steering · received Aug 14, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10535403

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. The contact disconnected the fuse for the abs braking system to temporarily remedy the failure. As a result, the vehicle no longer…

Service Brakes · received May 18, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10458925

Other GMC Yukon years

← 1997 Yukon · 1999 Yukon →

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Frequently asked questions

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

Owners most often report service brakes, hydraulic, visibility, steering problems. The top one, service brakes, hydraulic, accounts for 19 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1998 GMC Yukon?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1998 GMC Yukon a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Yukon model years, the 1998 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.