1998 Chevrolet Tracker

1998 Chevrolet Tracker

The 1998 Chevrolet Tracker is a compact SUV that was available with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter inline-four or a 2.5-liter V6. Both engines were paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Tracker was known for its ruggedness and off-road capability, but it also had some reliability issues.

People like the Tracker for its:

• Compact size
• Off-road capability
• Fuel efficiency
• Affordability

People dislike the Tracker for its:

• Cramped interior
• Lack of power
• Poor handling
• Cheap materials

Engine

2.0L Inline-Four

• Blown Head Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

2.5L V6

• Cylinder Head Warping
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace cylinder head(s)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing chain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve covers
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, no power transfer, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Failed Ball Joints
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises, loose steering
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Shock Absorbers
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Alternator
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bad Starter
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Short
  • Description/Symptoms: Blown fuses, electrical components not working
  • Solution: Trace and repair electrical short
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on body panels
  • Solution: Remove rust and apply rust protection
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Faulty Power Windows
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows don’t open or close properly
  • Solution: Replace window motors or switches
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 Chevrolet Tracker is a compact SUV that has a number of potential reliability issues. The most severe and expensive issues are related to the engine and transmission, such as blown head gaskets, cylinder head warping, and transmission failure. The Tracker also has some common electrical and suspension problems. However, it is important to note that not all Trackers will experience these issues, and many owners have reported having few problems with their vehicles.