VehicleVerdict

1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 sits mid-pack among Silverado 1500 years: 452 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 695, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 150 reports (33% of the total).

452

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Silverado 1500 years?

See all Silverado 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes15033%
Visibility & Wipers6013%
Steering4811%
Transmission276%
Electrical System266%
Engine225%
Suspension194%
Body & Structure164%
Speed Control153%
Tires & Wheels153%
Fuel System123%
Seat Belts102%
Seats102%
Lighting82%
Airbags72%
Latches & Locks41%
Other20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

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. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

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.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 30-35 MPH AND UPON MAKING A SUDDEN STOP ON DRY PAVEMENT THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, AND RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO REPLACE ANY PARTS, UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 1998 · crash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT OPERATE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE WIPERS WOULD STOP WORKING WHEN THEY FINALLY ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 1, 2005

ONE CAN BE DRIVING PERFECTLY STRAIGHT OR TURNING A CURVE. THE SPEED DOES NOT MATTER. FAILURE OF THE EVO SENSOR CAUSES THE WHEEL TO BE JERKED TO ONE SIDE WITH NO WARNING. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH FOR SOMEONE NOT EXPECTING THE SUDDEN MOVEMENT OR FOR A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 23, 1998 · fire

MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 30MPH WHEN WE SMELLED SMOKE, I PULLED OVER AND SAW FLAMES SHOOTING FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE DRIVER DOOR PANEL. I TORE OPEN THE DOOR PANEL AND SAW THAT THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE MIRROR CONTROL WAS ON FIRE. I BEAT THE FIRE OUT WITH A TOWEL, AFTER THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 10, 1999 · fire

1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 — common questions

Is the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 452 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Silverado 1500 year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1998 Silverado 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (150 complaints), visibility & wipers (60 complaints), steering (48 complaints).

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado 1500 years to avoid are 2014, 2019, 2015, 2008, 2007, 2016, 2021, 2020, 2022, 2011, 2009, 2023, 2010, 2013, 2024, 2012. The cleanest record among Silverado 1500 years belongs to 1995.

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.