Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Have had 2 1998 k3500 trucks. Both have had what I consider severe anti-lock failures which occur anytime, especially at slow speeds. Both were taken to multiple dealerships with no permanent fix. Consensus of problems on both trucks was that the wheel speed sensor was failing, which would cause the anti-lock to activate when not needed. This results in inconsistent stopping distances. Both trucks also have a cold weather real end drag problem with the brakes. When the weather is cold, the back wheels will lock up and skid while stopping no matter how light you touch the brakes. This lock up lasts for about the first 1/2 mile, until the axle heats up, then the brakes work fine - except for the ABS. Second of k3500 trucks (1998) has an intermittent power steering failure. Sometimes the power steering drops off, and then suddenly comes back. This typically happens at slow speeds. …
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 dealer.
ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing an extended stopping distance which caused a crash. The truck had warped brake drums which caused the front wheels to shake out of control when on ice, rain or snow, resulting in loss of control.
I have had this truck at glockner Chevrolet in portsmouth, ohio 45662 for repair about 10 to twelve times now. This problem is not being solved. I have contacted GM several times (over 30) to get this truck fixed. I asked for a area vehicle manager to come down and look at this truck and I have had no success in even getting a return phone call. I have been in contact with several GM reps. About this problem that is putting me at risk of having an accident but this doesn't seem to be any concern of theirs. I finally got 1 person to give me their direct line to help me with this problem. The person is joe pacheco at 1-800-43-fleet. I am still having no satisfaction in getting this problem resolved. Today my truck is back in the shop. This is the 3rd time in the past two weeks. I would appreciate in insight you can give me on this situation. …
Brake pedal always low, soft, sometimes stand on it with both feet to stop truck, worse with load in it. Replaced pads and shoes at 15,000 miles. Better, but still requires your undivided attention when braking.the problem can be best summarized as follows: I would use my landscape trailer brakes to help stop this truck. On my new Ford f350, I have yet to hook up the trailer brake controller and the truck stops on a dime-repeatedly-pulling the same trailer.very unsafe brakes on the Chevy-I owned three 1998 Chevy trucks-all had terrible brake performance.
My truck is a 98 Chevy k3500. I bought it used from someone that said it was used at the smithsonian. When I first got it needed everything replaced on the fuel system. Then last year one of my brake lines snapped and had to replace it and now today the other one snapped. Someone needs to do something about this problem before someone is killed. This is a hd truck and god forbid I was on a main road and not in my driveway. Thank you for listening.[redacted]
The brakes pull badly to the left when stopping. Left front brake squeels loudly and pulls hard. The second request on the steering is for wandering steering. Vehicle is very hard to keep in the lane while traveling on grooved highways or while traveling in wind, even in light wind. We have taken the vehicle to the shop several times and the problem seems corrected for about 2 days and come right back. The longer the vehicle is driven before taken back to the shop the worse the braking gets. Very scary. Please help.
While slowing down from high speed 55mph+, the brake system takes very long time to bring vehicle to a stop. In heavy rainfall, the problem tends to be exaggerated even worse. Even at very slow speed 5-10 MPH, when brakes applied the brakes would lock up, causing on or both of the rear wheels to lock and skid. Pedal will then vibrate or shake as in experienced with an ABS system under full-braking conditions.
While driving into town with a snow plow on the truck approached an intersection and shifted to third gear to slow down, stepped on brakes and there was nothing. Pumped the brakes, and still nothing. Put the emergency brakes on and finally stopped. Contacted dealer, and dealer replaced the master cylinder. Dealer refused to give old parts.
When applying the ABS brakes on dry pavement at 20 MPH the brakes did not grab, but the pedal nearly traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer states during a panic stop, wheel locked up and then there was a total release, several times at 2 second intervals.
Brake complaints in other Silverado 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 36% of the model year's 67 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. 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 3500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.