Most common 1998 GMC Envoy problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Envoy complaints by model year
Best Envoy years: 2001, 1999, 2009. Years to avoid: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
1998 GMC Envoy recalls (2)
Structure › Body
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism.
Exterior lighting
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.
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.
What 1998 GMC Envoy owners say
Lights
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. …
Upon purchasing vehicle, in first year, headlights had to be replaced twice in same year. Please provide any further information.
Wheels & tires
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.
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.
Suspension
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
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 GMC Envoy a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Envoy rates better than average: 89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Envoy at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 GMC Envoy?
The lights — 3 complaints, 16% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the wheels & tires (3) and suspension (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Envoy have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1998 GMC Envoy, the most recent from November 13, 2000 (body). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Envoy?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 1999 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2005, 2006, 2003 and 2004. See the full GMC Envoy years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Envoy problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.