1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 361
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 361 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 361 |
| 1999 | 587 |
| 2000 | 613 |
| 2001 | 468 |
| 2002 | 509 |
| 2003 | 805 |
| 2004 | 797 |
| 2005 | 525 |
| 2006 | 358 |
| 2007 | 849 |
| 2008 | 914 |
| 2009 | 444 |
| 2010 | 363 |
| 2011 | 563 |
| 2012 | 216 |
| 2013 | 301 |
| 2014 | 1,434 |
| 2015 | 1,105 |
| 2016 | 792 |
| 2017 | 712 |
| 2018 | 518 |
| 2019 | 1,077 |
| 2020 | 730 |
| 2021 | 827 |
| 2022 | 630 |
| 2023 | 381 |
| 2024 | 303 |
| 2025 | 97 |
| 2026 | 98 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
39% · 141 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
Brake pedal goes sponges and all the way to the floor. The truck had over 120,000 miles before rear brakes were replaced. In that time I went through 8 sets of brakes and rotors. In 2005 I rear ended a car at about 30 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-11
Also filed under Structure
Visibility
16% · 59 reportsMost commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
Steering
13% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
Power train
7% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
Show complaint excerpts
This vehicl caught fire and burned after transmission problems; hydraulic fluid suspected as source of fire; no one present at time of fire, the owner having gone for help after shutting off the motor and parking the truck.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-01
Electrical system
7% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing wiring and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was parked for about 24 hours when all of a sudden it caught on fire. Results showed that there was an electrical short in the dashboard, which caused the fire. Consumer will contact manufacturer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-03-23
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
-
R
2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above.…
Remedy: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 141 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 59 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 48 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.