1998 Chevrolet Silverado Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip (21.9% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip complaints here are 3.6× the median for that category across the 2075 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip | 61 · 21.9% | not available | — |
| Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor | 18 · 6.5% | not available | — |
| Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer | 15 · 5.4% | not available | — |
| Tires | 9 · 3.2% | not available | — |
| Seats | 7 · 2.5% | not available | — |
| Steering | 7 · 2.5% | not available | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 279 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“DEALER SAID WHEEL BEARING WAS OUT OF TOLERANCE CAUSING SENSOR TO ENGAGE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING WHICH RESULTED IN LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE. CANNOT REPLACE JUST BEARING WHOLE…”NHTSA complaint 753669 — filed 10/25/2001 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
“ABS HAS FAILED DAILY NO ABS LIGHT COMES ON INDICATING FAILURE.”NHTSA complaint 747591 — filed 06/29/2001 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 45MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR NOISE VEHICLE WOULD LOCK UP. ALSO, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.”NHTSA complaint 888385 — filed 05/16/2001 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado?
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip issues are the most-reported category, cited in 61 of 279 NHTSA complaints (21.9%), followed by visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor (18), visibility:windshield wiper/washer (15), tires (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado have?
279 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 12 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.
Does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
