VehicleVerdict

1998 Chevrolet Pickup problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 60 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Pickup year — the 1998 model ranks #4 of 17 Pickup years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (28% of the total).

60

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Pickup years?

Pickup NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted113 complaints1972: 4 complaints1973: 2 complaints1975: 2 complaints1978: 1 complaints1990: 13 complaints1991: 17 complaints1992: 8 complaints1994: 60 complaints1995: 90 complaints1996: 75 complaints1997: 113 complaints1998: 60 complaints1999: 51 complaints2000: 37 complaints2001: 19 complaints2002: 21 complaints2003: 12 complaints
Pickup NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pickup years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Chevrolet Pickup problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1728%
Transmission915%
Tires & Wheels813%
Visibility & Wipers610%
Fuel System58%
Electrical System58%
Lighting35%
Suspension23%
Engine23%
Seats12%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“BRAKES HAVE ALWAYS FAILED. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ACCIDENTS AND GMC WILL NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THEY WILL NOT RETURN MY TELEPHONE CALLS AND HAVE TOLD ME TO QUIT CALLING. I CRACKED MY SPINE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 1, 2001 · crash

“AFTER VEHICLE IS WARMED UP (10-15 MIN), THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD INTO THIRD GEAR WITH A "CLUNK". DEALERSHIP INDICATES THIS IS NORMAL AND QUOTED A BULLETIN FROM MANUFACTURER, BUT IT IS EXCESSIVELY LOUD. SEPARATE DEALERSHIP REPLACED U JOINT EARLIER AND PROBLEM WAS NOT CURED. THIS ONLY HAPPENS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 9, 2000

“WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED IN JUNE 2000 AND IT NOW HAS 30K MILES ON IT. THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAS INFORMED US THAT HE HAD A RIGHT FRONT TIRE DELAMINATE AT 20K MILES THAT CAUSED HIM TO RUN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH. FIRESTONE WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM AT THAT TIME AND THE OWNER HAD TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 20, 1999 · crash

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED OVER A YEAR AGO WHILE ON A CROSS COUNTRY VACATION IN LIGHT RAIN. A YEAR LATER THE WIPERS HAVE DEGRADED TO ALMOST A COMPLETE COMPONENT FAILURE. EVEN THOUGH MY TRUCK IS A 98', I WAS WONDERING IF THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 23, 2001

“TRUCK WAS PARKED AT 6PM ON 1/1/01 IN DRIVEWAY.AT 6:30 AM ON 1/2/01, OPENED DOOR TO FIND CAB FULL OF SMOKE, DRIVER DOOR INTERIOR MELTED AND HEAD LINER PARTIALLY MELTED.1/2/01 NOTIFIED POLICE AND DEALERSHIP.DEALERSHIP CONTACTED API (EXTENDED WARRANTY CO) WHO REFUSED TO PAY.1/9/01 CONTACTED GM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2001 · fire

1998 Chevrolet Pickup — common questions

Is the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 60 complaints put the 1998 model at #4 of 17 Pickup years. It is one of the Pickup years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Pickup problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), transmission (9 complaints), tires & wheels (8 complaints).

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Pickup years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pickup years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1996, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among Pickup years belongs to 1978.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.