Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1998 Chevrolet W3500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK CHASSIS. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT-TO-STEERING BOLT WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY. THIS CAN CAUSE STEERING NOISE, LOOSE STEERING, AND AN UNCENTERED STEERING WHEEL.
Consequence
LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING SHAFT AND RETIGHTEN TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“RIGHT FRONT LUGS: NUTS WORKED LOOSE AND DAMAGE STUDS. REPLACED STUDS AND SET AT 140 FT.POUNDS, LATER ROTATED TIRES AND TORQED WHEELS AND AFTER LESS 200 MILES RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WORKED LOOSE TWO TIMES AND DAMAGED WHEEL STUDS.”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Chevrolet W3500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.