VehicleVerdict

1998 GMC Yukon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 GMC Yukon sits mid-pack among Yukon years: 90 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 134, with 3 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (27% of the total).

90

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Yukon years?

Yukon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted682 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 1 complaints1992: 23 complaints1993: 19 complaints1994: 71 complaints1995: 117 complaints1996: 90 complaints1997: 180 complaints1998: 90 complaints1999: 262 complaints2000: 199 complaints2001: 258 complaints2002: 187 complaints2003: 251 complaints2004: 186 complaints2005: 101 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 581 complaints2008: 248 complaints2009: 116 complaints2010: 149 complaints2011: 216 complaints2012: 88 complaints2013: 148 complaints2014: 79 complaints2015: 682 complaints2016: 366 complaints2017: 253 complaints2018: 95 complaints2019: 69 complaints2020: 36 complaints2021: 421 complaints2022: 233 complaints2023: 283 complaints2024: 134 complaints2025: 69 complaints2026: 27 complaints
Yukon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 GMC Yukon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2427%
Visibility & Wipers1618%
Steering1112%
Transmission89%
Fuel System56%
Body & Structure44%
Other44%
Suspension44%
Engine33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Airbags22%
Electrical System22%
Speed Control22%
Seats11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 1998 GMC Yukon have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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).

98V033000BrakesFebruary 17, 1998 · 1,137 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.

97V142000SteeringAugust 29, 1997 · 3,957 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 21, 2015 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON THEY WILL SUDDENLY QUIT WORKING. CONSUMER HAS TO EXIST THE TRUCK AND PLAY WITH THE WIPER FOR THEM TO RESTART. THIS RESULTS IN POOR VISIBILITY AND ALMOST CAUSES ACCIDENTS. THERE'S A RECALL 03V159000 FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THE MODEL AND YEAR IS OUTSIDE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN NHTSA RECALL NHTSA 97V142000. 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 21, 2003

“DT: THE CONTACT STATED ABOUT THREE -FOUR WEEKS AGO THE ABS KICKED IN AT LOW SPEEDS, AND HE HAS NO STOPPING POWER. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONTACT THE BEARING HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO HE NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AREA. THE DEALER TOLD HIM THE TRANSFER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 18, 2005

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND IGNITED INTO HEAVY FLAMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE PARKED NEXT TO THE BURNING VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGES TO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND INFORMED THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 16, 2010 · fire

1998 GMC Yukon — common questions

Is the 1998 GMC Yukon reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 90 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Yukon year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1998 Yukon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (24 complaints), visibility & wipers (16 complaints), steering (11 complaints).

Does the 1998 GMC Yukon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 GMC Yukon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 GMC Yukon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Yukon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon years to avoid are 2015, 2007, 2021, 2016, 2023, 1999, 2001, 2017, 2003, 2008, 2022, 2011, 2010, 2013, 2024, 2009, 2012, 2014. The cleanest record among Yukon years belongs to 1987.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.