Most common 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems
Share of the 361 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 complaints by model year
Best Silverado 1500 years: 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2019, 2021, 2014, 2022, 2024. Compare all years →
What 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners say
Brakes all 122 →
Brake pedal goes sponges and all the way to the floor. The truck had over 120,000 miles before rear brakes were replaced. In that time I went through 8 sets of brakes and rotors. In 2005 I rear ended a car at about 30 MPH. The brakes went to the floor. Local Chevy dealership replaced a defective brake booster assemble. This was the second brake booster/ master cylinder assembly replace on my truck since 2005. Since then. I have lost brakes on the truck 4 more times. Failed brake lines (leak and break) blown brake caliper and rubber hose. I am an ase certified mechanic. The rear brakes of the truck did not provide any braking assistance when inspected. Suspected fault was a defective design on the 1500 series truck brakes. …
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet k1500. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the anti-lock system automatically engaged. As a result, the vehicle had little to no braking ability. The contact stated that a vehicle with no brakes is a huge safety issue. He took the vehicle to the dealer and was advised to clean out the wheel speed sensors for the anti-lock brake. This improved the braking system, but it still did not work properly. He took the vehicle back to the dealer after finding NHTSA campaign id number 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic:anti-lock) for the same failure he was experiencing. The dealer stated that the recall did not include his vehicle and they were not responsible for the repairs. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 64,000. Updated 10/03/08 updated 10/07/08.
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 59 →
Dt: when driving in a hurricane induced rainstorm the windshield wipers stopped. Unable to see, this was the first time this had happened. Had to pull off road because was unable to see. These wipers were inactive for 10-15 minutes. They started back functioning on their own. They worked for about 5-7 minutes before stopping again. Consumer opened hood and shook wiring to windshield wipers and they became active again. However they were working intermittently afterwards. Did contact manufacturer, filed complaint and they noted by this problem was due to sodered joints and connector pins that cause malfunction. No repairs have been made but plan to have repairs as of tomorrow.
Intermittent windshield wiper failure. Windshield wipers will stop intermittently during use on 1998, Chevrolet Silverado pickup. A coworker owns a 1997 Silverado and my brother owns a 1999 tahoe. Both of their vehicles exhibited the same intermittent failure . Also, I own a 1996 GMC suburban that experienced the same intermittent failure. The 1996 vehicle was covered under a recall to repair the defect. The other vehicles mentioned aforementioned were not covered by this recall even though they were very similar vehicles with virtually identical failures as the 1996 model.
Steering all 47 →
I have been having power steering problems with my 1998 Chevrolet Silverado c1500 pickup since 2001. It will suddenly oversteer with the slightest movement of the steering wheel, and has nearly caused me serious problems at speed. It does not do it constantly, but occurs more or less several times a day down to once every two or three days. When I asked the service department at the Chevy dealership in alamogordo, nm about it I was told "they all do that - don't worry about it." when I was concerned about an increase in the phenomenon I contacted the service department at jones Chevrolet in sumter, sc, and was told that "they all do it," but there was a manufacturer's recall or notice of some sort, and to bring it in. When I brought it in, the service advisor said that the individual I spoke with was mistaken but refused to elaborate, and that it was not a safety issue. …
This is an ongoing problem for several years. My battery has side mounted terminals. Each time the temperature goes up or down the positive post becomes loose. Most times it is a problem as I start the vehicle. When I turn the key the engine begins to start, then it shuts down due to lack of electrical power. Twice in the past week it has shut down while traveling down the road, once in the middle of I-83, during rush hour in downtown harrisburg, pa. Over the last few years it has, on several occasions, "hiccupped" several times while I was driving. I have tightened the screw-in post down (twice) to the point where I have rounded the hex head off and the wrench jumped off the head but, it continues to come loose. I spoke with an auto parts store and they recommended an adhesive, which I tried. It still came loose. I have even changed out the battery but, still the problem exists. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good car?
Based on 361 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Silverado 1500 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado 1500 at the same age. 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 Silverado 1500?
The brakes — 122 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (59) and steering (47).
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2021, 2014, 2022 and 2024. See the full Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 21% 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.