1998 Chevrolet Silverado
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 15 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 69 |
| 1994 | 210 |
| 1995 | 263 |
| 1996 | 186 |
| 1997 | 272 |
| 1998 | 279 |
| 1999 | 1660 |
| 2000 | 1305 |
| 2001 | 877 |
| 2002 | 710 |
| 2003 | 695 |
| 2004 | 622 |
| 2005 | 316 |
| 2006 | 182 |
| 2007 | 183 |
| 2008 | 162 |
| 2009 | 76 |
| 2010 | 62 |
| 2011 | 75 |
| 2012 | 68 |
| 2013 | 64 |
| 2014 | 124 |
| 2015 | 76 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 125 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 61 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
IN COLD CONDITIONS WHILE DRIVING THROUGH SMALL AMOUNTS OF SLUSH, BRAKES BECAME INOPERATIVE, AND THE LEFT REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990518
6% of complaints: visibility — 18 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: visibility — 15 distinct reports on file.
3% of complaints: tires — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY3% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE BREAKAGE
TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Chevrolet Silverado — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (61 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (15 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.