1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems & reliability
361 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
4 complaints report injuries (6 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 109 | 30% |
| Visibility | 59 | 16% |
| Steering | 47 | 13% |
| Power Train | 26 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 23 | 6% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | 5% |
| Suspension | 17 | 5% |
| Structure | 15 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 15 | 4% |
| Tires | 12 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 74,151 miles (middle 50% between 52,150 and 110,000 miles), based on 131 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“While adjusting my position in the driver seat after entering the truck I felt the back of the seat on the right side give way. It is not bent, the seat frame is broken or has come loose inside. The seat leans to the right putting me in an award and unsafe position. I only drive it when I have no other choice. I am…”
Seats · filed Jan 3, 2021
“Tank was remove due gas coming onto ground when attemp to pump gas, come to find there was a crack around the neck oftank, poor welding job to attach neck to tank. Cracks along side of welding job and cost me $1,000.00.”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Dec 19, 2018
“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…”
Exterior Lighting · filed Sep 14, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
18 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The 10 most recent:
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665M · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 19, 2023
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
17-NA-073 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 21, 2023
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665L · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 18, 2022
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 14, 2022
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 26, 2020
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 24, 2019
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665G · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2019
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of…
PIP5339A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 4, 2019
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 23, 2018
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient…
16NA260 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 74,151 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.