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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Have 1998 Chevy Silverado 1500 short-bed v-6 pickup with ABS brake problems. Have researched and found there is a history of this problem. The maker is fully aware of the problem but only recalled 1999 and later models. I don't know how they decided that one, but I do know it has to do with money! In December of 2005, I was in an accident due to the truck brakes failing with the anti-lock pulsing on and I had no braking time and hit another vehicle. It is a well known problem with many GMC truck owners. It's the reason I will never own another GMC product! If a manufacturer has knowledge of a defect and does nothing, it is wrong! At slow speeds when coming to a stop, the ABS system kicks on and makes it nearly impossible to stop on time. Took it to a dealer who ran the VIN and said my truck was not covered. It is not right! …
I have tried unsuccessfully to contact Chevrolet to get attention brought to the issue. I keep being told they are investigating the problem, but still no word from them. Everytime they say they will get back to me, no one ever does. The brakes lock up when it is wet outside sometimes they don't work at all, and sometimes they work great. I would just like for my brakes to be fixed. We have consulted 2 authorized Chevrolet dealers and they can not duplicate the problem. I am back into a corner and do not know what else to do. I risk my life, my wife's life, our 6 month old daughter's life, and everyone out on the road when I drive the truck. This is the only mode of transportation I have to get back and forth to work. I would appreciate you looking into this problem. Thank you, daniel l. Mckinney
Dt: the ABS brakes locked and the pedal went to the floor at low speeds between 3-10 MPH. Also, the brakes would not function properly at high speeds. This resulted in extended stopping distance. The consumer replaced the front wheel bearings and wheel speed sensors; this did not correct the problem. The consumer did not refer vehicle to a dealer, but took vehicle to a certified mechanic, who did not known how to remedy the problem. The consumer was experiencing the same problem with his GM truck. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to the model year although the exact same brake system was on this vehicle.
Vehicle under normal usage , no off-road use, no towing no warning lights truck stutters at low speed stops with normal brake application, can feel movement in the brake pedal but seems as if truck will not stop. Have bumped into guard posts at convenience store ( no damage ) took to dealer at 53248 miles, not repaired. Dealers' diagnosis ( m001 diagnosis, needs both front wheel hub/ bearing 544ct 53248needs front wheel bearings) service dept. Rep told me when I explained the problem to him that it was an ABS issue that they were familiar with, and that I would need both front hubs replaced at a cost of over 1000 dollars, could not afford.
Dt: the caller has the same problem with 1998 Silverado as mentioned in recall 05V379000 on the 1999-2002 Chevrolet silverados concerning ABS brakes. Dealer and manufacturer said this vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer said this vehicle was a Chevrolet ck500 and the recall was on the Chevrolet k1500 only. They told him they were not recalling the caller's vehicle. The caller said that manufacturer told him to get vehicle fixed and sell it. If he bought a vehicle from them they will give him $1000.00. The caller had some close calls. The consumer removed the ABS fuse.
Dt: the contact stated tailgate attachment cables broke in half and the tailgate fell off the vehicle. The hinge and attachments were repaired. The vehicle was also having a problem with the ABS engaging at low speeds of 20 MPH or less. The brake pedal must be depressed several times in order to stop completely. The vehicle has not been seen by a dealer for inspection. The ABS has not been repaired. The contact noticed recalls 04V129000 and 05V379000 online for both problems, but when she contacted the manufacturer she was told this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
Dt: the contact stated about three years after buying the vehicle when applying brakes at 7 MPH the ABS would activate. The pedal would pulsate, going all the way to the floor, resulting in no braking power. He was still experiencing this when the vehicle was driven at 7 MPH. It was getting progressively worse. He learned that there was recall 05V379000 concerning the ABS system in different year models. The contact believed that this vehicle should be included in the recall. No repair has been made at this time because of the high cost. Updated 11/16/205.
Dt: the consumer is experience a problem with the ABS at low speeds. The problem first started occurring in dec. Of 2004. The consumer stated the brakes were not holding when coming to a stop at slow speeds. When going over 20 MPH there was no problem. The consumer has not had the repair made as of yet. Due to the fact that the consumer feels that his model year should be included in the recall also. There is a recall on this issue for the 1999-2002 models. Recall number 05068 and NHTSA campaign 05V379000. The consumer is going to contact the manufacturer.
Re: recall # 05V379000 for 1999 through 2002 Chevrolet Silverado pick up trucks. Please be advised that I have a 1998 Silverado Chevy truck and I experienced this exact same problem "(unwanted anti-lock brake system (ABS) activation)" in jan. 2005 five (5) months prior to the recall. I was charged $653.94 to repair my vehicle . I have tried to receive some satisfaction from GM with no results. The vehicle only had 20340 miles on it at that time. I believe the 1998 Silverado trucks should have been included in this recall.
Dt*: the contact stated the ABS brakes engaged at low speeds low . The ABS engaged at low speed and kept the vehicle from coming to a complete stop. The brake failure occurred when the brakes were applied at speeds of 3 to 10 MPH. The vehicle was seen by the service dealer, who confirmed the problem was with the ABS. There was NHTSA recall 05V379000 concerning antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Brake complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 89 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, 32% of the model year's 279 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (61 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Silverado brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado. 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death 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.