Most common 1998 Chevrolet Express problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Express complaints by model year
Best Express years: 2025, 2012, 2015. Years to avoid: 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999, 2002. Compare all years →
1998 Chevrolet Express recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
What 1998 Chevrolet Express owners say
Wheels & tires
I noticed a continuous tire thump" and stopped the vehical and checked the tires. The left front tire had a flat spot in the center of the tread, about 2in x 1.5 in. There were no other abnormatities. After traveling about 30 more miles the "thump" got alot more apparent and I heard a loud "clinking" noise. I stopped and inspected the tire and found the tread was separating from the tire over about a 12 in. Of length where the steel belt stops at the side wall. The tread was still intact. I beleive that if I had not stopped when I did that total seperation of the tread would have occured within the next mile or so. I have the tire if you need to inspect it and/or I can send you photos . (dot number: vn1181a098 tiresize: lt 245/ 75)
My wife was driving on the freeway bring her car pool home with six children. She heard a loud thumping sound occur all of a sudden. The tire did not burst but we lost a significant portion of the tread. We have had the tires replaced with Goodyear tires. The same day this happened we heard these tires were also being investigated. We still have the tires in our possession. (dot number: vn11b1a307 tiresize: lt245/75r1)
Brakes
Pads are wearing out from the inside without any warning given. Because pads from outside do not wear out, sensor cannot warn the driver .pads were replaced 7 times within 12 months, and dealer could determine the cause.
Ongoing problem with excessive wear within the inside of brake pads. Total of 7 sets of pads have been replaced within a year. Dealer notified, and was unable to resolve the problems. Provide further details.
Seat belts
Both shoulder belts for the back bench seat were not bolted to the van floor. Dealer correctd problem by adding washer and nuts on each of the bolts. Owner does not feel that washers and nuts were big enough to correct problem.
The problem is in buckle failures and retractor failures. Riverside vans (conversion co.) said they have had no problems with these belts. I have had 4 failures. Mfr. Is atwood mobile products.
1998 Chevrolet Express engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Express a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Express rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the Express at the same age. It is one of the Express years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Express?
The wheels & tires — 6 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt. Next are the brakes (4) and seat belts (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Express have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Express, the most recent from February 17, 1998 (rotor). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Express?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2012 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999 and 2002. See the full Chevrolet Express years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Express problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 61,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.