1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
3GNFK16R2WG144628
Vehicle history report for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 (VIN 3GNFK16R2WG144628). Black. 197,912 mi reported. Registered in Mn. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Black, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 3GNFK16R2WG144628](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Chevrolet_2500_Suburban_LT_1998_%2814924733639%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=original)
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1998 Chevrolet Suburban data →
MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 3GNFK16R2WG144628
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS A…
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTAC
NHTSA Campaign #03V093000 · 07/03/2003SERVICE 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.
NHTSA Campaign #98V033000 · 17/02/1998We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 279 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 279
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
WHEN IT IS RAINING WATER GETS INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR OF THE HVAC AND SHORT OUT THE MOTOR WHICH CAN CAUSE THE DEFROST, HEAT, OR AIR TO STOP WORKING WHICH IS POTENTIALLY A HAZARD. WATER AND ELECTRONICS ARE NOT REALLY FRIENDLY TOGETHER. IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #10981570SEAT BELTS
THE PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NOT EXTEND OUT FULLY.CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT LIKE DEBRIS OR COINS DOWN INSIDE TO JAM IT ,ITS OBVIOUSLY A FACTORY DEFECT THAT I NOW SEEALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE.
NHTSA ODI #10916261SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINE FAILED AFTER MED TO HEAVY BRAKING, LEAVING LITTLE TO NO BRAKE AS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10824474SERVICE BRAKES
DROVE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL ESTABLISHMENT, ALL WAS FIND. WHEN I RETURNED, STARTED THE TRUCK, PUSHED BRAKE PEDAL TO PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. PUMPED THE PEDAL TWICE TO SEE IF BRAKES WOULD RETURN AND THEY DID NOT. INSPECTED UNDERNEATH AND SAW BRAKE FLUID. HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE A "ROTTED" LINE TH…
NHTSA ODI #10783022SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ABS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE ABS SENSOR, THE INNER AND OUTER BEARINGS AND THE CALIBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TH…
NHTSA ODI #10616104SERVICE BRAKES
MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING BACK FROM A FRIENDS HOUSE WITH OUR TWO AND SEVEN YEAR OLD KIDS, AND THE BRAKES FAILED SHE WAS ABLE TO RUN THE TRUCK OFF THE ROAD AS TO NOT HIT ANYBODY OR ANYTHING, AND WAS ABLE TO STOP IT, AFTER ADDING BRAKE FLUID AND STARTING THE VEHICLE AGAIN, I REALIZED THERE WAS FLUID COMING OUT OF THE BACK OF THE TRUCK, I SAW THE METAL BRAKE LINES …
NHTSA ODI #10478225SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I PURCHASED ON 11/1997 A NEW 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 3/4 TON 2500 SERIES. THE SUBURBAN HAS 38,528 ORIGINAL MILES AND HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE NEW. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN USED PRIMARILY AS A SECONDARY VEHICLE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. THE SUBURBAN HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN SNOW CONDITIONS ONLY 12-14 TIMES. I AM EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE BRAKE AND FUEL LINE CORROSIO…
NHTSA ODI #10453780POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT INTO FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN AUTOMATIC FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF THE WHEELS WERE ATTEMPTING TO LOCK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST 40 MPH. TH…
NHTSA ODI #10376709+ 271 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 3GNFK16R2WG144628 valid?
3GNFK16R2WG144628 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Mexico. It decodes to the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban.
Does the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban have any open safety recalls?
Yes — 3 open NHTSA safety recalls are on record for the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban. Recall repairs are carried out free by any franchised dealer; see the recall details above.
What fuel economy does the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Chevrolet Suburban at about 14 mpg combined (12 city / 17 highway).
Data last checked 2 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.