1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 67 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (27% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2011
“Fuel injection pump failed.....loss of power, sudden acceleration with no warning, replaced unit 3x....dealer stated that was the way they were, sometime having to install 2 to get it out of shop. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2010
“Anti-lock brakes trigger at low speeds. As per some research 1999 silverado's were recalled for this same problem...why not the 1998's. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“The wiper motor will stop and start without warning during rain or snow. There is a recall on wiper motors for either 1997 or 1996 and older chevy trucks, but not the 1998's. If you check the wiper motors in each year you'll find they are the same one. Creates a vision hazard while driving. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while lying under the vehicle changing the oil, the radiator burst. This occurred at an independent repair shop. The contact sustained second degree burns to both arms. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealership. The contact replaced the radiator.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated the tailgate support cables fractured without warning while opening the tailgate. The dealer was alerted, but the vehicle was not inspected. There is a NHTSA recall # 06v066000 regarding the tailgate hinge and attachments. The VIN was not included in the recall.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2006
“Windshield wipers quit working during rainstorm. The problem isintermittent so you never know when it is going to happen. The wipers may or may not work when you turn them on.”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2005
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated the vehicle would continue to stall without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times where the fuel injector was replaced each time. The dealer stated the way the part was designed would cause for it to fail when there were hot weather temperatures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 46,000. Updated 09/28/10 *bf the consuemr stated it was the box connected to the fuel injector, but the dealer stated it was the fuel injector and replaced it. Updated 10/01/10”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · May 2004
“Vehicle's windshield wiper motor has failed. There was a recall issued; however vehicle is outside of the remedy scope. Please provide additional information. *ph”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2003
“Firestone steeltex r4s ii size lt245/75r16. Dot vn11b1a188. While driving 65 mph, heard a flapping noise. Driver pulled over and confirmed that tread of right rear tire separated.*ak chevrolet 3500 1998. *tt”Owner report · Tires · May 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado 3500 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 Silverado 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 67 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,200 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.