1998 Chevrolet Yukon problems

General information about Chevrolet-Yukon
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Chevrolet Tahoe, and its badge-engineered GMC Yukon counterpart, are full-size SUVs and other trucks from General Motors, offered since 1994 and 1991, respectively. Since 1982, Chevrolet and GMC sold two different-sized SUVs under their "Blazer" and "Jimmy" nameplates, by introducing the smaller S-10 Blazer and GMC S-15 Jimmy for the 1983 model year, below the full-size Blazer and Jimmy models. This situation lasted into the early 1990s. GMC first rebadged the full-size Jimmy as the "Yukon" in 1991. Chevrolet however waited until 1994, when they rebadged the redesigned mid-size S-10 Blazer the "new Blazer," while renaming the full-size Blazer as the "Tahoe." The name Tahoe refers to the rugged and scenic area surrounding Lake Tahoe in the western United States, and was originally used as a trim level on S-10 models. The name Yukon refers to the Yukon territory of northern Canada.

For the 1995 model year, the Tahoe and Yukon gained a new, longer four-door model, slotting in size between the two-door models and the longer-wheelbase Chevrolet/GMC Suburbans.

The Tahoe is sold in North America, parts of Asia such as the Philippines, and the Middle East, plus other countries including Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Angola as a left-hand-drive vehicle. The Yukon is only sold in North America and the Middle East.

The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are part of General Motors' full-size SUV family and are differentiated from the similar Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL primarily by the length of the passenger and cargo area behind the C-pillar. An upscale trim GMC Denali sub-model joined the Yukon lineup as the top-of-the-line trim for the 1999 model year; the Cadillac Escalade is a closely related upscale version sharing the same platform. The Denali is available on both standard and XL versions.

The Tahoe has regularly been the best-selling full-size SUV in the United States, frequently outselling its competition by two to one.

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Common 1998 Chevrolet Yukon problems

The 1998 Chevrolet Yukon, like any other vehicle, has had its fair share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:

Tire and Loading Information Labels: Another recall was announced in 2005 for certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, including the 1998 Chevrolet Yukon, that were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inaccurate vehicle capacity weight. This issue can lead to incorrect tire pressure and loading, potentially causing tire failure and a loss of vehicle control.

Exterior Lighting: A recall was issued in 2022 for certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, including the 1998 Chevrolet Yukon. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on, causing the vehicles to fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108. This issue can lead to reduced visibility and an increased risk of accidents.

Rear Suspension Outer Control Arm Bolts: A recall was announced in 2023 for certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, including the 1998 Chevrolet Yukon. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break. This issue can lead to a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of accidents.

Seat Belts: A recall was issued in 2005 for certain 1998 Chevrolet Yukon vehicles that may have been built with rear seat belts that may not properly restrain occupants during a crash. This issue can lead to increased risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.

Engine Problems: The 2015 GMC Yukon has the most overall complaints, and it also rates as the worst model year based on several factors, including repair cost and average mileage when problems occur. The most-reported problem is with the 2015 GMC Yukon for tailight not working properly.

Upper Dash Cracking: This issue has been reported by 518 people, making it one of the most common problems with the GMC Yukon.

While these issues are common, it's important to note that not all 1998 Chevrolet Yukon vehicles will experience these problems. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address potential issues before they become serious problems.

What is the most common problem in the GMC Yukon?

The most common GMC Yukon issues include A/C condenser issues, faulty tail lights, flimsy dashboard and climate control panels, and transmission issues.

How long does Yukon engine last?

A GMC Yukon will last around 250,000 miles. Based on this number, the high mileage for the Yukon is 200,000 miles or more. At this point, the machine is far closer to breaking down and running into a need for extreme repairs than before. That doesn't mean you need to dismiss every single GMC Yukon with high mileage.

Is it worth it to buy a Yukon?

The updates to the design, ride, and interior space that the Yukon received when redesigned in 2021 have made it one of the best full-size SUVs on the road. It may have the capability of a truck, but the Yukon is easy to drive with a smooth, comfortable ride.

How many miles will a Yukon go?

250,000- 300,000 miles

The GMC Yukons can last as long as 250,000- 300,000 miles with regular maintenance. A few owners on vehicle discussion forums have reported hitting 400k with minimal issues and repairs over the years. Basically, you can get 20 years and more from the Yukon if it is properly maintained.

What is the most common problem in the GMC Yukon?

The most common GMC Yukon issues include A/C condenser issues, faulty tail lights, flimsy dashboard and climate control panels, and transmission issues.

Is the Chevy Yukon reliable?

The 2024 GMC Yukon has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Is it worth it to buy a Yukon?

How long does Yukon engine last?

1998 Chevrolet Yukon car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Yukon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Tires problems
Engine and engine cooling problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Chevrolet Yukon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Chevrolet Yukon complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Chevrolet Yukon.

2012-10-18

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-09-07
Components: SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LINE RUPTURE CAUSING BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE. *TR

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2007-09-11

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-09-09
Components: TIRES
Summary: SET OF 4 COOPER DISCOVERER LT 32 X 11.5 ALL TERRAIN TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN SEPTEMBER 2002, AFTER ABOUT 35,000 MILES ONE HAD COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION ANOTHER SWELLED OVER OUTSIDE 1/2 OF TREAD AROUND ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE. BOTH TIRES WERE ON THE REAR OF A 98 TAHOE TRAVELING AT 65-70 MPH ON INTERSTATE. THE DAY BEFORE THESE TIRES HAD BEEN ROTATED AND BALANCED AT A COOPER DEALER WHO "BLESSED" THE TIRES FOR ANOTHER 5,000 MILES BEFORE THE NEXT ROTATION AND BALANCE. THE SOUND OF THE TREAD ON THE RIGHT REAR SLAPPING THE FENDER CAUSED ME TO SLOW TO A STOP JUST AS THE TIRE BEGAN TO SEEP AIR. AFTER MOUNTING THE SPARE AND TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES, THE LEFT REAR TIRE BEGAN BOUNCING AND UPON INSPECTION I FOUND IT SWELLED. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT ON TO A SECONDARY ROAD AND ROLL AT LESS THAN 20 MPH TO A TIRE SHOP. THE TIRE IS STILL INFLATED AFTER 2 DAYS AND IS SO BADLY DISTORTED THAT IT WILL NOT STAND UP ON THE TREAD. I HAVE PICTURES AND PLAN TO RETAIN THE TIRES AFTER THEY ARE REMOVED FROM MY RIMS. *TR

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2007-03-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2007-03-11
VIN: 1GKEK13R1WJ
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES
Summary: TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE STRONG GAS FUMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GAS UNDER THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. TWO PEOPLE BECAME SICK FROM THE FUMES COMING INTO THE HOUSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,032. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON . THE FUEL MODULE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR ORDER. *AK UPDATE 4/25/07*TR

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2005-09-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-09-07
VIN: 3GNEK18R5WG
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATES AT SPEED BELOW 5 MPH REGARDLESS OF ROAD CONDITIONS. THIS RESULTS IN STOPPING DISTANCE LONGER THAN NECESSARY. A RECALL OF 1999 TO PRESENT TAHOES HAS ALREADY BEEN INITIATED AND MY 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM

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2002-02-04

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
VIN: N/A
Components: STEERING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING WHEELS WILL START TO TURN BEFORE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Chevrolet Yukon problems:

1998 GMC Yukon Problems and Complaints - 23 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1998-gmc-yukon/problems

Problem with your 1998 GMC Yukon? Our list of 23 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 GMC Yukon.

99 Yukon 4x4 Common Problems? - Chevy Message Forum ...

https://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/199968/

The transmission usually goes betweeen 100k-150k miles. When the 10 bolt rearend blows, just get a 9.5" 14 bolt rearend from some of the 88-98 ...

1998 Yukon Brake problem? | Chevy Tahoe Forum | GMC Yukon ...

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/1998-yukon-brake-problem.88387/

Dec 29, 2016 ... The master cylinder seems to be a very common problem with these trucks. When I get it to driving condition, I will check the abs at a shop ...