Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Slip in the drivetrain when accelerating from a stopped position. I have taken my 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe to a certified dealer and currently there is not a solution to the problem. This is a severe concern to me as I could lose control of my vehicle on the road.
Steering problem- I suddenly lost steering while driving. According to the dearorship this was caused by a malfunction of the power steering sensor. I almost lost control of the car while driving at 55 MPH, and luckily there were no vehicles around and I was able to pull off the road. I asked the dealer if there was a recall on this, and they said there was not. The vehicle was not under warranty either. Brakes- while my husband was driving, he lost brakes on the car. According to the dealer service dept, the real axel seals were leaking, and the front calipers were stuck. Seals and gaskets were replaced along with the master cylinder. This item was covered under warranty. We've had on-going problems with the vehicle braking very roughly and "skipping". The rotors have been replaced twice due to them warping due to overheating. The brakes are still giving us problems. …
7/15/98one month old the car locked into 4wd when it was started in the driveway.it would not shift out it was inoperative.it needed parts replaced to fix.the car was taken in again because it felt like it was locked in 4wd again because all the axiles were turning.I was told that was normal and that the universals were worn out.that made three universals in three years.also that the lights on dashbaord for the 4wd uni would not stay on to tell if you were in 4wd or not.now something in the transfer case is broken.I recently read the owners manual on the 4wd unit and it says the front axsiles are not supposed to turn in 2wd.I brought this up to the dealer saying that even though this car has 93000.00 miles the transfer case would not have more than 1000.00 miles on it and that this car has a drive train history of failure with three universals and three problems with the transfer …
These problems have been with this vehicle since purchase. It has been returned to the dealer for corrective action . The reply has always been "rearend wind-up" is the problem and it is not covered under warranty. We purchased a three year /36,000 mile warranty to cover these types of defects, only to have the dealer tell us that the warranty will not cover this "rearend wind-up" as it is a regular maintanence item. I have searched the owners manual for this item and have not found it as a maintanence item, according to GM. At all service intervals the only mention of the rearend is to check the fluid level. This has been carried out by the dealer for the first 45,000 miles. I have since lost faith in GM and my dealer and have purchased my last American made vehicle.no safety defec tlisted.
I am writing to call your attention to and seek assistance in remedying a problem faced by general motors (GM) owners nation-wide -- a problem GM refuses to accept responsibility for and correct fully even while nevertheless acknowledging it manufactured vehicles with flawed parts. The problem is engine bearing noise noise of the engine s main and rod bearings knocking against the crankshaft and engine block. Seems 1996 through 1999 GM models with either a 5.0l or 5.7l engine were defectively manufactured. Permanent correction of the problem can place an unjustified and expensive hardship on the owner. Additionally, the problem left uncorrected could result in engine failure while driving and therefore adversely affect safety on the nation s highways. Thanks in advance for your help.
I have never had a transmission go on a car and have driven other GM cars well over 100,000 miles. This car has gone in for dealer service every 3,000 miles. While checking on the internet about this, I find that some owners of '98 tahoes have replaced their transmission twice by 50,000 miles. I really think something should be done about a company that puts a transmission in a vehile that they know is faulty. If you can not help me, can you direct me to a class action suit or something else I can do?
I purchased my vehicle with 42,093 miles with the dealers additional coverage of 3,000 miles bringing the total coverage to 45.093 miles on 06/25/2001 at 47,297 miles my vehicle started hesitating on the start after being stopped it was taken to the repair dealer meissner Chevrolet at 70th essington ave phila pa where it was found to have code 1870 internal transmission failure it has to be replaced I'm very dissapointed about this I always wanted a Chevy trunk and now I sincerely regret it.
Vehicle exhibits a pronounced clunk upon immediate acceleration from stop. Lubricating the front slip yoke internal splines eliminates the problem for approximately 200 miles. Chevrolet acknowledges the problem an the annoyance to customers but does not have a permenant repair, this according to my dealer's service manager. Other dealers reportedly attempt repairs with various types of grease and coatings, but problems persist.
Automatic transmission failed. ECM code 1870 slippage. Valve body fails either by contamination or defect causing high line pressure causing hard 1-2gear shifts. Hard shifts cause internal damage and eminant failure. I've read hundreds of other similar failures that sound identical. This cannot be by accident. All transmissions are GM 4l60e.
Whenever vehicle is started or at a stop, can hear a clunking noise in the driveline. Took to dealer & mechanic knew what problem was. Used a "special" lubricant to correct problem. Vehicle still has the clunking noise.
Transmission complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, 8% of the model year's 263 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.