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1998 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems

22 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 93,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
22
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
93,000
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Engine: gasoline
    5
  • Cooling system
    5
  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
    2
  • Exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
    1
  • Cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems in other years

19931995200020052010201520202026

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Engine · 240,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

Filed May 19, 2009 · Engine · 113,500 miles · NM

I own a 1998 chevy tahoe 2 dr 4wd. It had 114,000 miles on it when the head gasket blew and the motor was ruined requiring a complete replacement. The vehicle had not been abused. Maintenance was regular. I've now found that this is a common design defect leading to failure. I now buy mazda or toyota vehicles.

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Airbags, Engine · 38,000 miles · TX · crash

Engine quit during heavy rain,at 40 MPH, brakes locked up, resulting in loss of steering and control. Vehicle ran off road and hit a tree. Air bags did not deploy. No injuries, but major damage to vehicle.

Filed Mar 25, 2004 · Engine · 99,750 miles · CA

Premature connecting rod and piston pin wear in chevy 5.7 vortec engine. Wear occurred even before owners manual called for spark plug change.

Filed Mar 2, 2004 · Engine · 82,207 miles · VA

Engine leaked coolant from the intake manifold gasket. As a result, engine blew out, causing the vehicle to malfunction. *ak consumer was driving when coolant began leaking. Gm has a new part number because the previous gasket has been changed to correct deffect. Mechanic replaced intake manifold gasket set and serpentine belt.

Filed Feb 24, 2004 · Engine · 42,000 miles · ID

I have a 1998 tahoe (purchase new from edmark chevrolet in nampa, idaho) with a 350 vortec with 42,000 miles. I have just been told that I am leaking engine coolant from the intake manifold near the rear firewall. A very reputable mechanic says this is very common for this engine and will cost around $400-$500 to fix. While I have owned the car for 6 years I am am upset that a $34,000 car with only 42,00 miles has a problem which is deemed to be "common". If it is common, and I suspect it is, why doesn't gm post a bulletin and offer to repair the problem. It certainly wasn't caused from abuse or neglect. This same car last year with around 36,000 miles on it had to have its alternator replaced at a cost of $350 and a leaking gas tank which cost me $450. These repairs seem rediculous to me considering the price of the vehicle, the low mileage, and the general overall care. It has never been in an accident. Frankly, I enjoy the vehicle tremendously and it fits my lifestyle perfectly. However, having said that I cannot afford to keep pouring major dollars into this vehicle. I have always been a chevy guy and would like to remain one. I have been loyal and would appreciate chevy being loyal to me by repairing my coolant leak and reimbursing me for the other previously mentioned expenses.

Filed Sep 5, 2003 · Engine · 93,000 miles · FL

Heater hose adaptor that ran directly into intake mainfold was made of aluminum corroded and antifreeze leaked onto the engine motor. This resulted in vehicle overheating.

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Engine · 95,425 miles · CA

Water pump starte to leak after 2 years with a replacement from the dealership.gasket originally was corroded from the dexol coolant. This time the metal housing for the water pump developed a hole just below the shaft, large enough for a pencil to be inserted.

Filed Jul 16, 2003 · Engine · 61,855 miles · OR

Coolant used in my 1998 tahoe causes early corrosion of parts in the cooling system. Even following the recommended flushing, I am finding myself facing a rather large service bill to fix a leak caused by the type of coolant used. The dealer I purchased the car from (new) admitted that they do have this problem with early corrosion, yet chevrolet is not covering any of the repair cost.

Filed Apr 8, 2002 · Engine · NC

Consumer heard a loud knocking while driving. Dealer determined that main engine bearing failed. Metal particles were found in engine oil.*ak

Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe engine

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe have engine problems?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the engine of the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 93,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Tahoe have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Tahoe model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (188 complaints), 2023 (147 complaints) and 2022 (84 complaints).

Other 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe problems

Brakes 77Visibility 50Steering 31Transmission 21Electrical 20Fuel system 17Suspension 13Tires 10Airbags 9Body 4Wheels 4Seat belts 3Seats 3Lights 1Locks 1

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