Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 GMC Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a 1998 GMC Suburban just purchased and I experienced the same problem described in recall #05V379000. Result was my wife slammed into the back of another car in our driveway. Damage was minimal but I sure don't want her driving this vehicle until it is fixed! I called GM and they said this year (1998) is not effected! Yeah, right!
While applying the brake pedal the brakes failed. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Consumer inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rotors needed to be replaced due to corrosion. This information was provided helen's boy friend erick wunk. Front passenger brake rotor separated from lug bolt hub. Drivers side rotter also ready to separate. GMC recalled this part but not for the serial number of the consumers vehicle. Consumer replaced parts at his own expense. Consumer states that if this incident happened while driving at a high rate of speed he would have loss control of the vehicle.
Several times when I or my husband have hit the brakes, they lock and instead of stopping the car, it continues to slide. I reported this to the technician at silveira Pontiac after the first accident in 1998. He told me that was the nature of ABS brakes, I had a van before my Suburban thjat had ABS brakes and I /we never experienced this problem. In feb. 1999 we had the brakes redone at marin-Pontiac-Buick-GMC and we were hoping the problem was corrected: however it was not and it resulted in my having a second accident.( dot number: unknown tire size: 2457512r16 )
Dt: the consumer stated that the ABS locked up at low speeds. The consumer stated that this happens every time she slowed down. The problem would occur at 10 MPH and slower when pulling into parking spots. There was a recall on this for other GMC vehicles. Recall campaign #05V379000; anti-lock. The manufacturer had been contacted. The dealer was called but they have no information on the recall yet. (11/17/05) the consumer stated that she almost went through the store window as a result of this problem.
Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 10 MPH, the ABS would pump and grab. As a result, the brake pedal needed excessive pressure to stop. The dealership determined the driver side front hub and bearing needed to be replaced. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the anti-lock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The consumer was informed the ABS sensors needed to be replaced. Updated 03/17/06. 8jb
The ABS brakes on my 1998 GMC Suburban come when I come to a stop. (all of the time) I also know of 4 other 98 GM trucks that this happen to. Plus all of the dealers I have contacted are well aware of this problem that costs about $700 to fix. I feel this is a saftey issue as well as a defect. I know of one small accident due to this problem because your stopping distance is now increased. Dt
The brake pedal buzzes and requires significant additional pedal pressure after the brakes are applied and the vehicle reaches slow speed. The problem is most likely the anti-lock braking system activating as the vehicle comes to a stop. This problem presents a safety hazard because the vehicle requres additional distance to stop. Of special concern is the danger to pedestrians, parking attendants and others who are likely to enter, or already be in, the vehicle's path as it comes to a stop. These people, who May be between the stopping vehicle and other parked vehicles, would be expecting the vehicle to stop in the usual manner and would be unaware that driver is wrestling the vehicle to a stop. The problem was originally intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was advised by GM to clean the ABS wheel position sensors. …
During summer of 1999, I noticed battery acid residue below battery on lines and wires. Cleaned off with oil. Brakes were mushy. In October, 2000 brakes slowed vehicle but required additional pressure to stop. Noticed additional battery acid build up on lines and wiring. Brakes failed nov. 22, 2000. Added brake fluid. Vehicle would not start on nov. 28, 2000. Positive battery post separated from battery. Spent two hours removing broken-off battery from battery bolt,cables and installing battery. Poured baking soda water on affected area of lines and wires.
Both front disc pads were replaced the left front totally disintegrated and the right front pad had only a minimal thickness left. Both front discs had some scoring and both were turned to smooth them out. Vehicle is a 1/2 ton GMC Suburban and has never been used to tow. Dealer replaced the discs and turned rotor at no cost stating that it wasn't a warrenty problem but that he wanted to maintain good will between me and the dealership.
Nar 04/28/2003. Mr the consumer experienced problems with his vehicle. The vehicle leaked oil, engine idled roughly, coolant system leaked, there was a problem with the dome light, steering, the rear axle, the left rear glass rattled, the air condition, battery, suspension were all inoperative. The fuel filter, mirror transmission seat, seat belts, wipers, alternator, brakes, fuel pump.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Brake complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 GMC Suburban?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 GMC Suburban, 29% of the model year's 100 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 GMC Suburban brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-033 (rotor, Feb 17, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Suburban brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.