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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 361 |
| 1999 | 587 |
| 2000 | 611 |
| 2001 | 468 |
| 2002 | 509 |
| 2003 | 805 |
| 2004 | 797 |
| 2005 | 525 |
| 2006 | 358 |
| 2007 | 849 |
| 2008 | 914 |
| 2009 | 444 |
| 2010 | 361 |
| 2011 | 563 |
| 2012 | 216 |
| 2013 | 301 |
| 2014 | 1433 |
| 2015 | 1101 |
| 2016 | 791 |
| 2017 | 711 |
| 2018 | 514 |
| 2019 | 1058 |
| 2020 | 709 |
| 2021 | 792 |
| 2022 | 602 |
| 2023 | 365 |
| 2024 | 288 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 74 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: service brakes — 141 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20150911
Also filed under STRUCTURE
16% of complaints: visibility — 59 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
13% of complaints: steering — 48 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
7% of complaints: power train — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
FIREShow 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, 19990201
7% of complaints: electrical system — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow 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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20050323
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (141 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (59 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.