Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The heater blower on the high setting that defrosts the windshield for visibility stopped working. The cab of the truck filled with smoke and smelled like plastic burning. The electrical harness for the blower motor was burning. The dealership said it was a design defect but the year of my truck didn't qualify for the recall. If I didn't can't the burning wires when I did my truck would have burned to the ground. This is a life threatening defect. I had it verified that the load for the wire and the type of connector used for the wiring harness is not adequate for the electrical load of blower motor and blower speed relay. I owned this truck for years without being in a hot or extreme cold environment. When I used the high speed blower to defrost the windshield it could have killed me. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. When turning the key in the ignition, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the fuel pump warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and replaced the fuel pump. The contact also stated that the windshield wipers functioned intermittently and the vent controls failed. The bolts on the tail lights were replaced twice, but the failure recurred where a wire failed causing the lighting for the rear tail lights to fail. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Vehicle was parked for about 24 hours when all of a sudden it caught on fire. Results showed that there was an electrical short in the dashboard, which caused the fire. Consumer will contact manufacturer.
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. …
1998 chevorlet Silverado c1500 pickup failed to start intermittently. Problem is related to the GM pass lock ii system. Problem started 1.5 years ago and has become more frequent. I talked with the local GM repair facility , and they said it would cost between $200 - $6oo to troubleshoot. Replacement parts would be an additional cost. Also, they stated that GM was aware of an occasional malfunction with the pass lock ii system, but GM didn't think there was a widespread problem. This problem has left me stranded on several occasions. This malfunction happened without notice, and sometimes it took anywhere from a few minutes to several hours for the malfunction to correct itself to the point where I could start the truck. I have replaced several parts related to the pass lock ii system, but the problem still persisted. GM offered no help.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the headlights failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 184,000. Updated 06/17/14 the consumer stated there was intermittent smoke coming from the steering column for a week. There was also an intermittent problem with the headlights. Updated 06/24/14
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 smoked cleared I started the engine again and the control burst into flames again, at this point I severed the wiring harness.
1998 Chevrolet, k1500,4x4, 5.7 Vortec at about 40,000 miles had to have intake manifold gasket replaced, windshield wiper motor works and then doesn't,master cylinder has failed twice,d/s electric window works and then doesn't and rear turn signal housing and connection on right side keeps failing, not bulb! Also leak resulting in loss of coolant from reservoir, in the middle of underneath vehicle. Bought new!
On two separate occasions the vehicle stalled while driving at highway speed of 50 MPH or more. Vehicle was towed to the dealer on the second incident which occurred on February 9, 2005. The dealer believed that the problem maybe a faulty safety cut off switch. Consumer had buddy-booster removed and problem has not reoccurred.
Consumer was traveling about 65mph on highway to make a exit onto another ramp and without prior warning vehicle shut off. Consumer was able to pull over to shoulder. A few minutes later, vehicle turned back on. He was able to make it home. Dealership was aware of problem. Mechanic told consumer that connectors to positive battery cable were defective. Mechanic replaced cable.
Electrical complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 6% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 8 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.