1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 78 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (42% of complaints); the 1996 and 1999 and 2000 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving the power steering gave a quick lock up and lost power steering took pump off and pulley and shaft fell out of pump. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2012
“Brake failure on 2 separate occasions due to brake line ruptures...once 6' below the master cylinder and 8 months later on a line to a rear brake. Both times lost the pedal. My truck is a 1998 ck 1500 with virtually no body rot. I was surprised that #1 there was a complete loss of pedal and #2 a second perforation occurred so soon. I will fill out the form for incident #1 ( july 2009) the other rupture was 23 mar 2010. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2009
“I hate to sound repetitive ,but I also have a 1998 chevy silverado 4x4 that has a windshield wiper motor problem. I also think that gm should step-up and fix this problem because when it happens to so many of the same vehicles I feel as though it's a factory defect. This has been happening for a long time. The truck doesn't have but 61,000 miles on it. I confronted them about it and they wouldn't help me out. That's why I have a toyota ,that's made in the usa, sitting in my driveway. God bless the usa !!! *tr”Owner report · Visibility · May 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“My 1998 chevy silverado pickup truck had a brake line failure due to the brake line rusting out because the design has the brake line laying on top of a steel guard under the front of the truck where snow gathers rather easily and it is almost impossible to inspect the line there. I rear ended another vehicle on a highway due to the line rupturing without any prior notice of leaking when I applied the brakes. I had my truck towed to a repair shop and they replaced the line. They discovered where the rupture was and said it is a poor design of gm to place a line where it can rust out so easily without being detected. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2009
“Steering: I am having problem with the steering when turning right during a long turn, it feels like I hit a patch of ice or like someone grab he steering wheel & jerk it to the right. This problem does not seem to be getting worst but I do not like the feel. Someone who does not know about this problem when driving the truck could over steer. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2007
“1 windshield wipers intermentent. 2 very dangerous when driving in rain. 3 removed and replaced wipper motor circuit board and cover. *cn”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2007
“My vehicle has the problem described in NHTSA campaign #05v379000. My antilock brakes activate at low speed making it difficult to stop my truck. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2006
“I have a 1998 chevrolet pickup truck that periodically has the anti-lock brakes engage for no known reason when you are traveling at a slow speed and apply the brakes. This engagement of the ABS makes stopping the vehicle in a reasonable distance difficult. I have read about several people with this problem in these vehicles. It is my understanding that there either is a recall or may be a recall some be a recall on 1999 and later models of this vehicle in certain states. It appears to me that 1998 models of this truck may have the same problem that is causing the possible recall I mentioned above. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2006
“Sensor on driver front wheel not working right for last 3 years wheel will slide bad on wet ground gravel grass ect. Many close calls in last couple of years. *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2006
“Windshield wiper washer works intermediately on my chevrolet ck 1500 pick-up. Same as on the 1996 model which was recalled due to bad connection on wiring. I have had wipers stop working in bad weather then start working again. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
How other years compare
Check your exact C/K Pickups by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups reliable?
NHTSA has 78 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups. The most complained-about area is visibility (42% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 69,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickups have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exterior. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.