VehicleVerdict

1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 100 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Silverado 3500 year — the 1998 model ranks #2 of 32 Silverado 3500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 34 reports (34% of the total).

100

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Silverado 3500 years?

Silverado 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted114 complaints1994: 1 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 78 complaints1998: 100 complaints1999: 73 complaints2000: 114 complaints2001: 97 complaints2002: 64 complaints2003: 60 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 60 complaints2006: 60 complaints2007: 42 complaints2008: 35 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 4 complaints2011: 42 complaints2012: 31 complaints2013: 36 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 76 complaints2016: 72 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 27 complaints2019: 34 complaints2020: 49 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 34 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 67 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Silverado 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Silverado 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3434%
Tires & Wheels1313%
Fuel System1111%
Suspension88%
Transmission77%
Speed Control66%
Steering55%
Engine44%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Lighting33%
Electrical System33%
Other11%
Body & Structure11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

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

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.

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15MPH AND WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN, APPLIED THE BRAKES, AND IN THE PROCESS HE HIT A BUMP AND VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD. WHEN VEHICLE STOPPED, IT WAS IN THE STREET PASSING THE CROSSWALK. ABS BRAKING SYSTEM DIDN'T KICK IN. CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAS CONTACTED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 24, 2000 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND PULLED VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL (TIRE SIZE LT 22575R16 DOT NUMBER AD1D7A1697. ) PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“THE WIPER MOTOR WILL STOP AND START WITHOUT WARNING DURING RAIN OR SNOW. THERE IS A RECALL ON WIPER MOTORS FOR EITHER 1997 OR 1996 AND OLDER CHEVY TRUCKS, BUT NOT THE 1998'S. IF YOU CHECK THE WIPER MOTORS IN EACH YEAR YOU'LL FIND THEY ARE THE SAME ONE. CREATES A VISION HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 26, 2007

“WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING. PULLED OVER. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS MISSING A REAR BOLT. * COUNTY HAD ANOTHER IDENTICAL VEHICLE, WHEN INSPECTED, FOUND THE BOLT WAS READY TO COME OUT. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 25, 1999

“CONSUMER STOPPED THE TRUCK AND PUT IT IN PARK ,WENT IN TO HOUSE, AND MINUTES LATER THE TRUCK CHARGED INTO THE BARN, HITTING ANOTHE NEW TRUCK PARKED IN THE BARN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 8, 1998 · crash

1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — common questions

Is the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 100 complaints put the 1998 model at #2 of 32 Silverado 3500 years. It is one of the Silverado 3500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Silverado 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (34 complaints), tires & wheels (13 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints).

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Silverado 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado 3500 years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 2001, 1997, 2015, 1999, 2016, 2024, 2002, 2011, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among Silverado 3500 years belongs to 1994.

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.