1998 Chevrolet Tracker problems
The Chevrolet Tracker, formerly the Geo Tracker, is a mini SUV produced for Chevrolet and Geo by CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario. Although appearing as a compact SUV, the Tracker was actually certified as a light truck due to its off-road capabilities and body on frame construction. The Tracker was produced under many brands in several different editions and in many countries.
First generation
The Geo Tracker was a mini SUV introduced in late 1988 as a 1989 model. It was developed by CAMI which was a joint venture between General Motors of Canada and Suzuki. North American models were to be built in CAMI's Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada plant alongside its almost identical twin, the domestic-built Suzuki Sidekick (Escudo). Nearly all 1989 and some 1990 Trackers were built in Japan and imported to the US because of delays at the CAMI factory in Canada. In late 1989, production began in Ingersoll with about 6,100 Geo Trackers finished, with annual production projected to be around 200,000 units. In the beginning, all Canadian-made Trackers were sent to the United States to circumvent the 25 percent Chicken Tax; the Canadian market was supplied entirely from Japan. Suzuki Sidekicks were added to the production line during 1990.
The Tracker was originally powered by Suzuki's 1.6L SOHC four-cylinder engine producing 80 hp (60 kW). The trim levels in 1989 were base convertible, base two-door hardtop, two-door XL bed, and LSi hardtop. LSi equipment included air conditioner, chrome rally wheels, intermittent wipers, rear window wiper/washer, spare tire cover, three-speed GM Turbo-Hydramatic 180 automatic transmission, tinted glass, and special red/black front and rear bucket seats. In 1990 the LSi trim was made available on the convertible models also. All Trackers were four-wheel drive until a base two-wheel drive convertible was introduced in 1992. The two-door hardtop models were available until 1995 when they were discontinued to make way for the four-door hardtop wagon that was to be introduced the following year. The two-door XL bed was a North America only edition which came with four more inches in the rear and a sealed two door cab. Although Suzuki started importing four-door Sidekicks in 1991, CAMI did not start producing them until the 1996 model year, when America got a four-door Geo Tracker, now powered by Suzuki's G16B 16-valve 1.6L boasting 96 hp (72 kW). In 1997, the Geo nameplate was merged back into Chevrolet and all Geo models, including the Tracker, Tracker XL, and all subsequent editions were rebadged as Chevrolet in 1998.
The Tracker was different from most other light SUVs on the market in that it is based on a rugged light-truck chassis and certified as a light truck. Although it appeared to be a comfortable passenger SUV, it was bolstered by a sturdy off-road four-wheel-drive system with a conventional light truck engine and transmission coupled to a hi-lo, 2-4 transfer case. The Tracker had a strong front suspension with a rugged recirculating ball steering box. The conventional front differential was rigidly mounted ahead of the engine, with CV axles connecting the coil-spring front hubs to the differential case. The rear axle was a conventional light truck unit on coil springs. As a result of the truck-like underpinnings, the Tracker had a fairly truck-like ride, but the benefit was its notable durability in harsh conditions.
The production of the first-generation model of the Tracker (and Sidekick) came to an end in Ontario after 1998 in order to make way for the second generation of Tracker/Vitara. However, the first generation Sidekick continued in production in other countries until 2004.
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Common 1998 Chevrolet Tracker problems
The 1998 Chevrolet Tracker is a compact SUV that has been praised for its reliability and fuel efficiency by many of its owners. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Based on complaints from owners of this car, here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1998 Chevrolet Tracker:
1. Starting Problems
One of the most common problems reported by 1998 Chevrolet Tracker owners is difficulty starting the engine. Some owners have reported that the engine will not turn over unless the car is rocked back and forth in gear, while others have reported that the engine will only start after repeated attempts. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty starter motor, a weak battery, or corroded electrical connections.
2. Rusting
Another common problem reported by 1998 Chevrolet Tracker owners is rusting, particularly in areas where the car is exposed to salt and moisture. The most common areas for rusting are the rocker panels, wheel wells, and suspension components. In some cases, rust can be so severe that it can compromise the structural integrity of the car, making it unsafe to drive.
3. Parts Availability
Another issue reported by 1998 Chevrolet Tracker owners is the difficulty in finding replacement parts for their vehicles. As the Tracker is an older model, many of its parts are no longer being manufactured, making it difficult and expensive to find replacements. This can be a particular problem for owners who live in rural areas or who are not close to a major city.
4. Fuel System Problems
Some 1998 Chevrolet Tracker owners have reported problems with the car's fuel system, including issues with the fuel pump and fuel injectors. These problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including poor acceleration, rough idling, and stalling. In some cases, these problems can be caused by contaminants in the fuel system, while in other cases they may be caused by wear and tear on the fuel system components.
5. Electrical Problems
Electrical problems are also common in the 1998 Chevrolet Tracker. These can include issues with the car's wiring, fuses, and electrical components. Some common symptoms of electrical problems include dashboard warning lights, intermittent electrical failures, and problems with the car's electrical systems, such as the power windows and power locks.
6. Transmission Problems
Some 1998 Chevrolet Tracker owners have reported problems with the car's transmission, including issues with the clutch and gearbox. These problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including difficulty shifting, slipping gears, and transmission noise. In some cases, these problems can be caused by wear and tear on the transmission components, while in other cases they may be caused by contaminants in the transmission fluid.
In conclusion, while the 1998 Chevrolet Tracker is generally a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle, it is not without its common problems. These can include starting problems, rusting, parts availability, fuel system problems, electrical problems, and transmission problems. If you own a 1998 Chevrolet Tracker, it is important to be aware of these issues and to take steps to address them as soon as they arise.
Is Chevrolet Tracker a good car?
Recent Reviews
Good looking and very practical car for everday driving. It does not have that lot of features compared to others but it gives you the amenity you need - comfort, safety, fuel economy, speed and power and you look handsome while you're driving the car. Tracker is the most macho crossover in the road.
How many miles per gallon does a 1998 Chevy Tracker get?
21 combined
1998 Chevrolet Tracker
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1998 Chevrolet Tracker 2WD Convertible 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 3-spd | |
| 1998 Chevrolet Tracker 4WD Convertible 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 3-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 21 combined city/highway MPG 20 city 23 highway 4.8 gals/ 100 miles |
What engine is in a 98 Geo Tracker?
1.6 L 4-cylinder1998 Chevrolet Tracker / Engine
What happened to Chevy Tracker?
On January 27, 2004, production of the Chevrolet Tracker was discontinued at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, and replaced with the Chevrolet Equinox.
Is Chevrolet Tracker a good car?
Recent Reviews
Good looking and very practical car for everday driving. It does not have that lot of features compared to others but it gives you the amenity you need - comfort, safety, fuel economy, speed and power and you look handsome while you're driving the car. Tracker is the most macho crossover in the road.
Are trackers reliable?
“Fitness trackers are typically pretty accurate at measuring steps and minutes of physical activity, and physical activity intensity.
How many miles per gallon does a 1998 Chevy Tracker get?
21 combined
1998 Chevrolet Tracker
| EPA MPG | Owner MPG Estimates |
|---|---|
| 1998 Chevrolet Tracker 2WD Convertible 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 3-spd | |
| 1998 Chevrolet Tracker 4WD Convertible 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Automatic 3-spd | |
| Regular Gasoline | View Estimates How can I share my MPG? |
| 21 combined city/highway MPG 20 city 23 highway 4.8 gals/ 100 miles |
What is the fuel pressure for a 1998 Chevy Tracker?
You should have 30-37 psi with the engine running. The fuel pressure should rise about 5 psi when the throttle is opened. This could also be caused by a restricted catalytic converter. Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the manifold and drive the vehicle to see if power improves.
1998 Chevrolet Tracker car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Tracker problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Electronic stability control problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Chevrolet Tracker vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Chevrolet Tracker complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Chevrolet Tracker.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-06
- VIN: 2CNBE634716
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
- Summary: POOR STABILITY WHILE DRIVING UNDER WINDY CONDITIONS. FEELS AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS BEING BLOWN OFF THE ROAD AND THAT A CORRECTION COULD LEAD TO AN "OVER-CORRECTION". EVEN A LIGHT WIND (10 KPH) CAUSES THIS FEELING.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-04
- VIN: 2CNBE1361W6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY VEHICLE WAS RUINED BY A CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. I TOOK IT FOR A SMALL OIL GASKET LEAK AND NOW THE CAR HAS NO POWER AND ANOTHER DEALERSHIP SAID THE GAS WAS IN THE OIL AND THAT MY VEHICLE BELONGS IN A JUNKYARD. I HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION NEEDED UPON REQUEST. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-02
- VIN: 2CNBJ1868W6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION, TORQUE CONVERTER, LOCK-UP SOLENOID HAS FAILED. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE FIRST UNDER WARRANTY. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING, THIS IS AN EMISSIONS/DRIVEABILITY/ECONOMY RELATED COMPONENT. I AM NOW EXPERIENCING VERY POOR MILEAGE AND THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE RUNNING INCREASINGLY POOR AS WELL. DRIVEABILITY SEEMS TO BE SUFFERING. THE DEALER STATES "NOTHING CAN BE DONE." - IS THIS TRUE?*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-15
- VIN: 2CNBJ1863W6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FAILURE OCCURRED OUT OF WARRANTY TIME PERIOD BUT WELL WITHIN MILAGE WARRANTY. 3/36 MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2CNBE1365W6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS LIKE A FLICKERING DOME LIGHT AND BLOWN OUT MARKER LIGHT, TURN SIGNAL ALSO FAILED. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2CNBE1365W6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR BLEW OUT AND WAS REPLACED. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2CNBE1365W6
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE COULD NOT SHIFT FROM THE PARKING GEAR. *YH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-01
- VIN: 2CNBJ1367W6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FABRIC OF BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS IS TEARING, SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-11
- VIN: 2CNBJ1367W6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND LOST ALL POWER.*AK *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BLINKERS/HAZARD LIGHTS AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE STRUCTURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HAVE POOR STABILITY, WHILE DRIVING WIND INTERFERENCE CAUSES CONTROL DIFFICULTY AND PROBLEMS DUE TO LIGHT WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE. *MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSED THE TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2CNBE1861W6
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
- Summary: TIRES AND BRAKES EXPERIENCE POOR PERFORMANCE, SEVERAL TIMES CONSUMER HAS FELT OUT OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE DUE TO SLIPPAGE. YH
Negative 1998 Chevrolet Tracker car reviews
Positive 1998 Chevrolet Tracker car reviews
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I purchased my Tracker brand new and had it shipped to the UK in '98. During my time stationed there, I truly enjoyed the qualities of the Tracker. With gas prices at $5 per gallon, I never worried about gas bills. Additionally, it was effortless to park at local shopping malls or drive in the city. I have had the car shipped to several places and it is still performing flawlessly. My main concern is with the customer service experience at GM dealerships. Despite this, I would still recommend this car due to its excellent build quality and trouble-free experience.
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This is our second tracker. We're having a great time zooming around town in this one.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Chevrolet Tracker problems:
1998 Chevrolet Tracker Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Chevrolet Tracker? Our list of 6 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Chevrolet Tracker.
1998 Chevrolet Tracker Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
Comfort 3.4; Interior 3.5; Performance 3.7; Value 4.4; Exterior 3.0; Reliability 4.3.
1998 Geo Tracker Engine Problems | Suzuki Forums
Sep 4, 2013 ... the low compression could be caused by gummed up rings and etc. They also thought the timing belt may have slipped and paid them to check that, ...
Are Geo Trackers Worth Buying? : r/geotracker
Feb 18, 2020 ... Common problems. Parts availability/prices. Engine / Mechanical problems. Geo Trackers look very cool, and it would be sweet to own one, so if ...
Q&A: 2000 Chevy Tracker - Common Problems, Engine, MPG & More
Jul 10, 2013 ... 2000 Chevy Tracker 2.0L RWD The problem started with the vehicle not shifting out of 1st until about 4000 rpm.
Other years of Chevrolet Tracker
Are you having problems with your 1998 Chevrolet Tracker?
Alphonso Stiedemann 2024-07-04
This has been a reliable car since new. The 4-wheel drive works great. I use it for driving to work and back, and it has never let me down yet!