4.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,840 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 GMC Suburban transmission problems

transmission problem

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1998 GMC Suburban Owner Comments

problem #10

Jul 012004

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1998 Suburban w/ 4L60E transmission, shifting hard 1-2 and 2-3. research shows it is a known problem of manufacturer addresses under GM tech serv bulletin 01-07-30-023B. Further, internet search indicates that problem is manufacturers design error, and that only permanent fix is to use an aftermarket suppliers re-designed replacement part. Currently, I am in the position of having to seek repair at estimated costs ranging from $1800-2800 from local service providers.

- Paducah, KY, USA

problem #9

Aug 302003

Suburban 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,400 miles
The transmission on my 1998 GMC surburban failed. I was told by the dealer and another transmission specialist that this particular problem has been common to the 1997-98 GMC and Chevrolet surburbans, Tahoe and comparable vehicles. It is not fair to consumers for an auto maker to know about severe problems like this with vehicles and not issue a recall or correct the problem. Of the 86 complaints listed on your website for this model, 7 involved and others involved the drivetrain which can be an associated problem.

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #8

Aug 012002

Suburban 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles
1998 GMC Suburban transmission problems. Our vehicle was special ordered from gmac in 1997. The issues in our transmission started late last summer, 2002. There is a very noticeable "bump" when starting from a standstill and going from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd gears. As stated in other complaints this is our family vehicle transporting or 3 small children.

- Chapin , SC, USA

problem #7

Sep 102001

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicles transmission failed abruptly without warning, causing the vehicle to lose speed, the mechanic that rebuilt the transmission reported to the consumer that a technical service bulletin was issued for the problem the consumers vehicle experienced, the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of repair and the expense of the rental car her family required during the time of repair. Nlm

- Mosinee, WI, USA

problem #6

Aug 012001

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Began shifting hard from 1-2 and 3-4. does so after driving. Can stop and turn off engine and it will stop for a while. I have read many similar complaints. 3 and 4 transmissions have been replaced and same thing occurs after 10-20,000 miles. Local dealer says it is a common problem, but GMC will not cover.

- Mount Airy, NC, USA

problem #5

Sep 102001

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The vehicles transmission failed abruptly without warning, causing the vehicle to lose speed, the mechanic that rebuilt the transmission reported to the consumer that a technical service bulletin was issued for the problem the consumers vehicle experienced, the consumer is requesting reimbursement for the cost of repair and the expense of the rental car her family required during the time of repair. Nlm

- Mosinee, WI, USA

problem #4

Feb 122002

(reported on)

Suburban

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving engine check light illuminates on dash. Transmission does not shift. When slowing down transmission will shift into gear very hard. Accident occurred.

- Port Townsend, WA, USA

problem #3

Sep 082001

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission failed due to a change in the manufacturing process admitted by GMC. They are aware that on 1997-1999 models of the Suburban ( and possibly other GMC models?) the 4L60E transmission will suffer a fatigue failure of the sun gear reaction shell, causing the loss of reverse, 2nd and 4th gears.

- Mosinee, WI, USA

problem #2

Jul 312000

(reported on)

Suburban 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When driving at 50 mph the adaptor within the transmission fell down, causing overheating and smoke to fill the passenger compartment. Also, passenger's compartment became very hot. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced the transmission.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #1

Nov 111999

Suburban 4WD

  • miles
No summary

- Kansas City, MO, USA

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