1998 Chevrolet Z71: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
45
owner complaints
3
fire reports
78,500
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: steering (20%)3 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)20% · 9 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)18% · 8 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)14% · 6 complaints
Tires11% · 5 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)9% · 4 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)7% · 3 complaints
“Started over heating really bad no coolant leak,no water in oil, very small lose of water. Several different noises not normal. Before I knew what was happening my truck made a loud bang and truck died hard. Wouldn't restart. Got it home and pulled engine out and found big holes on both sides of oil pan where number 4 cylinder piston snapped and [xxx] my truck up. Also severe damage from dexcool in cooling system. Made really bad gummy build up in cooling system. Also really bad carbon build up. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2010
“On several occasions I experienced a loss of steering control. It was not speed related - it happened from low to high speeds. The vehicle would suddenly jerk to one side. No instance lasted longer than one second. My mechanic diagnosed the problem as a faulty evo sensor. No sensors are available for replacement, but gm has a "kit" that eliminates the sensor. Elimination of the sensor fixed the problem. The failures that I experienced were extremely short in duration and caused no harm other than a very elevated heart rate! I fear that a greater failure would have resulted in a crash. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2008
“The front end of my truck began shaking at 50 mph. Tires were checked by the dealer and nothing wrong was found. Tire pressure was 32 psi. About two weeks later the right rear tire exploded at 67 mph on the interstate causing me to swerve across two lanes. The tire tread came completely off of the tire causing 2500.00 dollars in damage to the vehicle. The tire was sent to the manufacturer and I was told the failure was due to the tire being cut, and no damages would be paid. The tire was sent back to me and I reconstructed the tire and could not find any evidence of a cut. The dot # of the tire is dot v4lt m132702. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving on a heavy raining day windshield wipers become inoperable and resulted in poor visibility. Dealer was notified, and indicated this vehicle was not recalled due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2004
“Windshield wiper motor is not working . Dealer stated there was no recall on this vehicle. *ak the consumer's vehicle also had problems with the tail light bulb plates which were replaced three times at $58.00 dollars each. *ph *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2003
“Windshield wipers don't work or quit during rain storms. Have to pull over and wait for several minutes before getting them to work. *ph”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2003
“Consumer's son while driving at 5mph and applying the brakes, pedal went down to the floor, and vehicle was at the wall of the building. Independent repair shop didn't find anything wrong with the brakes. Modelz71. Year 1999. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Jul 2003
“Steering sensor is causing problems because it does not work properly. This is a serious accident risk and is a problem on all of these vehicles. Gm is aware of the problem and will not replace the sensors at their cost.*ak”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2003
“Chevrolet truck 1997 & 1998 z71 have steering problems. Must replace steering sensor to have good steering. This is a safety problem along with windshield wipers that come on for no reason or don't come on when you need them. *nlm”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2003
“While driving approximately 50-60mph on highway, consumer lost control of vehicle's steering. The car veered dramatically to the left, but when consumer applied brakes and corrected steering to the right, the vehicle left the road and rolled over. Upon visual inspection, the consumer noticed vehicle had broken tie rod. Ts”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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Is the 1998 Chevrolet Z71 reliable?
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Chevrolet Z71. The most complained-about area is steering (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Z71 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,500 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.