1998 Gmc Envoy problems
The GMC Envoy is a mid-size SUV manufactured and marketed by General Motors for the 1998 to 2009 model years over two generations. Adopting a nameplate used by GM Canada, the Envoy was a rebadged variant of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Oldsmobile Bravada, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X.
General Motors assembled the model line at its Moraine Assembly (Moraine, Ohio) and Oklahoma City Assembly (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma). Both facilities were closed by 2008, leading to the discontinuation of the model line. The Envoy was not directly replaced in the GMC model line as General Motors transitioned its smaller SUVs to unibody-chassis designs, introducing the smaller GMC Terrain and larger GMC Acadia.
First generation (1998–2000)
The first generation GMC Envoy was introduced for the 1998 model year. Introduced a year before the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the Envoy was the highest-trim version of the GMC Jimmy SUV. In line with the Oldsmobile Bravada, the Envoy was fitted with a leather-trim interior, floor-mounted shifter, and a largely monochromatic exterior with aluminum-alloy wheels. In line with the TrailBlazer and the Bravada, the Envoy trim was offered only in the five-door version.
The Envoy had many extra features not available on the regular Jimmy 4-door including: a remote trunk release, heated driver's and passenger's seats, a Bose sound system, and High Intensity Discharge headlights. Optional features included: a power sunroof, a panic alarm, an anti-theft system, and a power front driver & passenger seat.
GMC ended sales of the first generation Envoy after the 2000 model year as the division adopted the name to replace the entire Jimmy SUV line for 2002.
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Common 1998 Gmc Envoy problems
The 1998 GMC Envoy, a midsize SUV, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Inaccurate Gauges: One of the most well-known problems with the 1998 GMC Envoy is the inaccurate fuel gauge. This issue can leave owners uncertain about the amount of fuel left in their tanks.
- Starting Problems: Some owners have reported difficulties starting their 1998 Envoys, particularly in the 2000 model year. This problem has been attributed to issues with the fuel system and the vehicle's starting mechanism.
- Hesitation Problems: Some 1998 GMC Jimmy Envoy owners have reported hesitation issues when first starting the vehicle and driving at low speeds, even with the pedal to the floor. These hesitation problems can be caused by various factors, including faulty spark plugs, transmission issues, or other mechanical problems.
- Excessive Fuel Consumption: Some owners have reported excessive fuel consumption, with the vehicle's mileage dropping significantly below the expected levels. This problem can be caused by various factors, including mechanical issues, fuel system problems, or driving habits.
- Air Conditioning and Exterior Damage: Some 1998 GMC Envoy owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system, as well as minor exterior damage, despite the vehicle having relatively low mileage.
These common problems with the 1998 GMC Envoy can lead to significant inconvenience and additional costs for owners. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.
1998 Gmc Envoy car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Envoy problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Visibility problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Gmc Envoy vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Gmc Envoy complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Gmc Envoy.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-09
- VIN: 1GKDT13W5W2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON A 4 LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WITH MULTIPLE STOPLIGHTS. AS A LIGHT TURNED RED, I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR ACCOMPANIED BY THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PULLED OFF INTO A PARKING LOT AND DISCOVERED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING IN THE VICINITY OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES ARE SEVERELY CORRODED AND THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN THE STEEL BRAKE LINE THAT GOES TO THE REAR BRAKES. ALL OF THE STEEL LINES ON THIS VEHICLE (BRAKES, FUEL LINES) ARE SEVERELY CORRODED ALONG WITH THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THIS VEHICLE. I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS NEW AND IT'S BEEN LOCATED IN DELAWARE WHICH GENERALLY HAS VERY LITTLE SNOW (AND THEREFORE SALT) DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. THIS BRAKE FAILURE AND THE CONDITION OF THE FUEL LINES ARE A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE AND WARRANTS AN IMMEDIATE RECALL. HAD I BEEN GOING SLIGHTLY FASTER OR HAD BEEN TOWING, I WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE OR LOSS OF LIFE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED. I CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NOW WITHOUT REPLACING ALL OF THESE LINES--THE CONDITION OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THIS VEHICLE IS INEXCUSABLE AND I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GM PRODUCT. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-17
- VIN: 1CKCT13W2W2
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DIP IN THE ROAD AND THE REAR LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE BODY TO DROP TO THE GROUND. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED NEAR THE CONTACT'S HOME AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO A DEALER. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE FRACTURED LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE IS WAITING REPAIR
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-10
- VIN: 1GKDT13W5W2
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: PROBLEM WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR; ANTI-LOCK BRAKES KICK IN AT LOW SPEEDS 5-10 MPH
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-01
- VIN: 1GKDT13W5W2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DID NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. WHEN THE DOOR WAS LOCKED, IT WOULD COME OFF OF THE HINGE AND WAS PARTIALLY OPEN. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK THIS WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. *SC *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-07
- VIN: 1GKDT13W4W2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: ON DEC. 7, 2004, IT WAS A VERY RAINY DAY AND OF COURSE MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THEY WOULD TURN OFF, OR THEY WOULD TURN ON TO FULL WIPING WHEN I HAD THEM SET FOR INTERMITTENT WIPING. THEY ALSO WOULD NOT TURN OFF WHEN I TURNED THEM OFF. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED. THIS FIRST HAPPEND IN OCTOBER OF 2002. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE PROBLEM IS THAT IT ONLY HAPPENS ONCE IN AWHILE, BUT WHEN YOU BRING IT TO THE DEALER, IT DOESN'T HAPPEN! I NOTIFIED GENERAL MOTORS ABOUT THIS ON AUGUST 11, 2003. CONFIRMATION NUMBER 1-128999107.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-19
- VIN: 1GKDT13W4W2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WIPER MALFUNCTION WITH EXACT SYMPTOMS THAT THE NEWER GMC SUV ARE HAVING. MECHANICS ARE USING THE SAME PART ON ALL VEHICLES AND IT OCCURS SPIRATICALLY. DEALERS ARE SAYING THIS CONTROLLING DEVICE IS COMMON TO HAVE THIS OCCUR. THE WIPER MOTOR SOMETIMES JUST STOP OR CHANGE SPEED ON IT'S OWN AND IT HAS BE OCCURING FROM 96 TO CURRENT AND THEY ONLY WANT TO REPLACE CERTAIN ONES. I OWN A 98 GMC ENVOY AND THIS PROBLEM IS HAPPENING. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT WHEN IT DOES IT IS DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING IN THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHEN IT IS RAINING.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-03
- VIN: 1GKDT13W5W2
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: ON MONDAY, 5/3/04, MY SON BACKED OUR 1998 GMC ENVOY OUT OF HIS GARAGE. THE LEFT FRONT END DROPPED TO THE GROUND. ACCORDING TO GMC DEALER, THE BALL JOINT AND CV JOINTS FAILED. DEALER ADVISED US RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR GMC JIMMYS UP TO 1996 YEAR, BUT NOTHING FOR 1998. HAD MY SON BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, SERIOUS INJURY OR WORSE COULD HAVE RESULTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-17
- VIN: 1GKDT13W8W2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ALONG AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN MY 1998 GMC ENVOY WITH 43162 MILES STOPPED ACCELERATING. WHEN I STEPPED HARDER ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT REV AND POWER BEGAN TO RUN OUT FROM THE ENGINE. THE MOTOR STALLED AND YET THE ELECTRICITY WAS STILL ON IN THE CAR. I BEGAN TO LOSE BRAKING POWER AND STEERING BECAME HARDER. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD, TURN OFF AND TURN THE CAR BACK ON AGAIN. BUT THE CAR STALLED AGAIN AND AGAIN, FIVE (5) TIMES IN SIX (6) MILES. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL YEARS BACK, AND HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN INTERMITTENLY. I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT HAPPENED WHEN I GOT BELOW 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS, BUT TONIGHT I WAS AT HALF A TANK. THE ONLY THING I NOTICED WAS THE OOIL PRESSURE GAGUE WAS AT SLIGHTLY RIGHT OF MIDDLE, LIKE AROUND 60 I THINK, WHICH HAPPENS ONLY OCCASIONALLY. FINALLY I GOT HOME AND, WITH THE CAR IN PARK, PUT CONTINUOUS EVEN PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE NUMBER OF RPMS WAS VARYING, BY UP TO 1000 OR 1500, FROM 3500 DOWN TO 2000 -- UP AND BACK CONTINUOUSLY BUT NOT ON AN EVEN CYCLE. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER BEFORE TO REPORT THIS (SINCE AROUND 1998 OR 1999) BUT THIS KEEPS HAPPENING. I ONLY HAD THOSE FEW SECONDS WHEN THE MOTOR WAS NOT ACCELERATING BUT THE CAR HAD NOT YET STALLED TO REACT -- PUT ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS, PULL OFF THE ROAD, COME TO A STOP -- AND LUCKILY I KNEW WHAT TO DO OR ELSE I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BY SOMEONE REAR-ENDING MY CAR. PLEASE HELP, I AM TERRIFIED OF THE CAR AND HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN IT, YET AGAIN.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKDT13W9W2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING UNDER RAINY CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT UNEXPECTEDLY AND THEN CAME BACK ON. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *AK *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-15
- VIN: 1GKDT13W7W2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOWED NO SIGNS OF NEGLECT. ENGINE LOCKED UP WITH OUT WARNING. MANUFACTURE IS NOT WILLING TO SHARE COST OF REPLACMENT BUT DOES AGREE THAT ENGINE HAS VERY LOW MILEAGE FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-15
- VIN: 1GKDT13W3W2
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY I DID HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS GOING COMPLETELY OUT FOR A FEW SECONDS AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THE BLINKED OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR A REPAIR AND MENTIONING ALL THE LITTLE THINGS THAT WERE NOT WORKING BEFORE THE WARRRANTY WAS UP I HAD MENTIONED THAT ALONG WITH A FEW OTHER MINOR COMPLAINTS. THE DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTS. I DID HAVE A PROBLEM ALSO WITH THE ALIGNMENT AND THEY SAID THAT WAS FINE ALSO AND IT WAS NOT FIXED. BUT IT DEFINATLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THAT ALSO. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME LATER ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. BUT THEY DID COME BACK ON AFTER A FEW SECONDS. IT IS A VERY SCARY FEELING WHEN DRIVING IN THE COUNTRY AT NIGHT AND THE LIGHT GO OUT. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE NOW. MY VEHICLE HAS 55,000 ON IT. I THINK THAT IS TO PREMATURE TO HAVE SUCH AN EXPENSIVE SAFETY PROBLEM. I DID CALL THE DEALER AND HE SAID THAT THE LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR REPLACEMENT IS LIKE $1,200. THEY ONLY MADE THAT LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR 2 YEARS AND I CAN SEE WHY. IT IS FAULTY. HAS THERE BEEN OTHER PROBLEMS? PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS. THANK YOU
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-15
- VIN: 1GKDT13W9W2
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I PURCHASED A NEW 1998 GMC ENVOY (VEHICLE IS BASED UPON THE GMC S-10 "JIMMY" MODEL) IN JANUARY 1999. THE VEHICLE AS OF 12/2003 HAS ONLY 15,400 MILES. FROM TIME TO TIME THE RIGHT HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE ("HID") LAMP DOES NOT FUNCTION AND THE VEHICLE OPERATES WITH ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT AT NIGHT. INITIALLY, I SOUGHT TO HAVE THE RIGHT SIDE HID LAMP REPLACED BUT AFTER DOING A SIGNFICANT AMOUNT OF RESEARCH DISCOVERED THAT THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS PARTICULAR HID LAMP NO LONGER PRODUCES IT AND THERE ARE NO AVAILABLE "LIKE-KIND" REPLACEMENTS ON THE AFTER-MARKET. GIVEN THE SPECIFIED USAGE HOURS FOR HID LAMPS, THIS TYPE OF HID LAMP MAY BE LATENTLY DEFECTIVE AS THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM, PARTICULARLY CONCERNING THE PASSENGER SIDE HID LAMP. FURTHER, OWNERS/OPERATORS OF VEHICLES WITH THIS TYPE OF HID SYSTEM WILL NOT KNOW OF THIS HEADLIGHT SAFETY PROBLEMS (E.G. DEFECTIVE LAMPS THAT DO NOT HAVE AN HOURLY USE LIFE AS SPECIFIED AND INABILITY OF GMC/MANUFACTURER TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SUBSTITUTE) UNTIL YEARS AFER PURCHASING A VEHICLE. PRELIMINARY RESEARCH ALSO INDICATES THAT WHILE A "RETRO-FIT" MAY BE POSSIBLE, THE COST OF SUCH ACTION FOR BOTH HID LAMPS IS IN EXCESS OF $1,200 AND IN SOME INSTANCES A MODIFICATION OF A SAFETY SYSTEM (NIGHT TIME DRIVING LIGHTS) ON A VEHICLE MAY BE PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-27
- VIN: 1GKDT13W6W2
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT REAR WHEEL CAP AND HUB CAME OFF WHILE SWITCH ING AT 15 MPH. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-12
- VIN: 1GKDT13W6W2
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: LEFT FRONT AND REAR TIRE CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING. COULD HAVE CAUSEDAN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKDT13WXW2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STARTED BLOWING OUT COOL AIR.ENGINE OVERHEATED SHUTTING VEHICLE DOWN. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER INDICATED RADIATOR HAD RUSTED ON INSIDE. NEED NEW ENGINE AND RADIATOR. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKDT13W2W2
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: UPON PURCHASING VEHICLE, IN FIRST YEAR, HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE IN SAME YEAR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-07
- VIN: 1GKDT13W5W2
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AFTER LEAVING A PARKING LOT WHERE THE KEY HAD BEEN LEFT TURNED ON WE NOTICED A LOUD NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. AFTER STOPPING IT WAS NOTICED THE CAR HAD GONE UP IN THE BACK BY 6 - 12 INCHES. WE PROCEDED TO THE DEALER (1/2 MILE AWAY) AND THE REAR SUSPENSION CAME DOWN BY ITSELF. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE DAY OF INCIDENT WAS A SATURDAY AND THEY HAD NO SERVICE AVAILABLE.*AK
POWER TRAIN,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- VIN: 1GKDT13LOL2
- Components: POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
- Summary: TRACTION MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP AND RESULTING IN VEHICLE SPINING WHICH COYLD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-30
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
1998 Gmc Envoy recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 Gmc Envoy.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACTS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONSOLE COVER/ARMREST CAM LATCH THAT COULD RELEASE AT LESS THAN THE REQUIRED LOAD OF THE STANDARD.
- Consequence: DURING A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURY AN OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 2,600, ARE LOCATED LESS THAN 100MM FROM THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD WARNING LAMPS, AND ARE NOT DEACTIVATED WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL OR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS ARE ACTIVATED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION WOULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR DRIVERS OF ONCOMING VEHICLES TO SEE THE TURN SIGNAL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BODY CONTROL MODULE AND REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE WITH A NEW CALIBRATION THAT WILL TURN THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS OFF WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL OR HAZARD WARNING FLASHER IS ACTIVATED.
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