1998 Chevrolet Silverado: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado
On the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, the failure owners report most often is ABS module or sensor failure, and the reports cluster around 65,000 miles. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 72,500 miles. Overall it scores 67 out of 100, high risk for a 1998.
High risk for a 1998 — 105th riskiest of the 271 1998 vehicles we can rate. 335 owner reports; fleet size borrowed from other years of the same model.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 48 named failure modes on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, and the three most-reported carry 34% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
ABS module or sensor failure leads with 60 reports, about 20 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 39k to 75,000 miles.
Wiper or washer failure follows with 35 reports, usually reported between 61k to 85,000 miles.
Other steering problem follows with 18 reports, median 50,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into brakes (108), glass (41) and body (25).
The mileage the reports cluster at
96 of the reports on the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 72,500 miles.
Cumulatively, 20% by 50,000 miles, 73% by 100,000 miles and 93% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, which alone holds 16% of the dated reports.
9% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, so this is mostly a story about older, higher-mileage cars.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 48. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 17 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 11 an injury and 2 a fatality. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.40, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: ABS module or sensor failure at $500–$2,400, wiper or washer failure at $120–$800, other steering problem at $350–$2,400 and other brake problem at $300–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
12% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 60 | 23 | 39k | 65k | 73k | 20.0 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 35 | 20 | 61k | 73k | 87k | 11.6 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 18 | 3 | — | 51k | — | 6.0 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 14 | 1 | — | 106k | — | 4.7 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 14 | 3 | — | 112k | — | 4.7 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 13 | 2 | — | 127k | — | 4.3 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 12 | 1 | — | 100k | — | 4.0 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 12 | 2 | — | 66k | — | 4.0 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 11 | 3 | — | 66k | — | 3.7 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 9 | 1 | — | 100k | — | 3.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 8 | 6 | — | 70k | — | 2.7 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 8 | 1 | — | 52k | — | 2.7 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 8 | 0 | — | — | — | 2.7 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 7 | 2 | — | 130k | — | 2.3 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 2.3 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 7 | 0 | — | — | — | 2.3 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 2.0 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Master cylinder or brake booster failure | brakes | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 2.0 | $450–$2,200 | Critical |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 6 | 1 | — | 106k | — | 2.0 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Overheating | cooling | 5 | 2 | — | 65k | — | 1.7 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 5 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.7 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 5 | 1 | — | 130k | — | 1.7 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 4 | 1 | — | 71k | — | 1.3 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 4 | 2 | — | 189k | — | 1.3 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 4 | 1 | — | 109k | — | 1.3 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 4 | 2 | — | 120k | — | 1.3 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 3 | 3 | — | 80k | — | 1.0 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 3 | 1 | — | 75k | — | 1.0 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Alternator or charging system failure | electrical | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 1.0 | $450–$1,600 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 3 | 2 | — | 72k | — | 1.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| No-start or intermittent start failure | engine | 2 | 1 | — | 127k | — | 0.7 | $200–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Complete transmission failure | transmission | 2 | 2 | — | 82k | — | 0.7 | $2,800–$8,000 | Critical |
| Torque converter failure | transmission | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.7 | $1,100–$3,200 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 2 | 2 | — | 89k | — | 0.7 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.7 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.7 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.7 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 5k | — | 0.7 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Seat, track or recliner failure | body | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.7 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Engine sensor failure | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $180–$900 | Moderate |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 39k | — | 0.3 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Power steering pump or fluid leak | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 6k | — | 0.3 | $350–$1,600 | Moderate |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 1 | 1 | — | 158k | — | 0.3 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Headlight failure or clouding | lighting | 1 | 1 | — | 118k | — | 0.3 | $150–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 4 | 2 | — | 62k | — | 1.3 | — | Moderate |
This year had no usable recall paperwork, so the fleet-size estimate is the median of other years of the same model. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado draws about 111 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 96th percentile of complaint rates among 1998 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. This year had no usable recall paperwork, so the fleet-size estimate is the median of other years of the same model.
The working figure is 3,006 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 1998 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
ABS module or sensor failure
Abs locked up and consumer was unable to stop vehicle, which caused vehicle to skid. Ts inspection revealed that ABS sensor needed to be replaced. However consumer chose not to have it repaired. *tt *jb. *ak
1998 chev silverado with less than 23,000 mi had to have almost entire break system replaces during an 8 mo. Period in 2004. Replaces drums, pads,master cylinder & had to replace seal to master cylinder due to corrosion. Also, replaced anit-lock brake sensor due to brakes kicking in at low speeds.
Wiper or washer failure
I own a 1998 chevrolet silverado, 4x4, extended cab, 1/2 ton and it has a malfunction of some sort in the windshield wiper motor or computer module of the wipers. The wipers will not activate when they are turned to the on position immediately as they should and once they finally do activate, they randomly and sporadically move and will not respond when I turn them off on the wiper controls switch. The vehicle is equipped with relay, variable speed and it does this no matter what speed setting it is on. Once they have been shut off on the control switch, they continue to keep going until I literally shut the vehicle off. Then they stop in the upright, vertical potion. Living in arizona, I don't have to deal with a lot of rain, but when it does rain, it is a very frustrating and frightening time. I have a relative with a 1997 silverado, 4x4, extended cab 1/2 ton that has the exact same problem and he received a recall notice from general motors about this and has had his situation fixed. I want to know if my vehicle is covered under that recall. It was manufactured in 04/98. Please help find some information on this recall and what…
The consumer's vehicle experienced the same problem with the windshield wiper as stated in recall 98 v 150 001, but the vehicle was not included in the recall due to vehicle identification number. *nlm ph *jb
Other steering problem
1998 chevrolet silverado (k1500) - the tension required to turn the steering wheel momentarily becomes very loose while making right-hand turns. Driver gets the sensation there is no control of the vehicle during this time. Dealer says there is no recall but the mechanic at the same dealership told me that he has replaced hundreds of "steering wheel speed sensors". I had no choice but to fork out $200 to have it replaced. Seems to be ok now, but for how long? *nlm
How it ranks in the 1998 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 1998 compares with the other years
High risk for a 1998 — 105th riskiest of the 271 1998 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.
Across the 21 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1996 comes out best at 66 and 2013 worst at 82, with 1998 itself at 67.
No other year of this model scores meaningfully better than 1998, so if this generation is what you want, the year is not the lever.
Within the 1996–1998 generation specifically, 1996 is the strongest year at 66 and 1997 the weakest at 68.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 1996-1998 generation, 1996 Chevrolet Silverado scores best at 66 and 1997 Chevrolet Silverado worst at 68.
What the numbers say to check
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: ABS module or sensor failure from about 39k and wiper or washer failure from about 61k.
On a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether ABS module or sensor failure has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.
What this page cannot tell you
335 owner reports; fleet size borrowed from other years of the same model. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 335 reports, 96 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 29% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado?
The most-reported failures are abs module or sensor failure (60 reports, median 65,000 miles), wiper or washer failure (35 reports, median 75,000 miles) and other steering problem (18 reports, median 50,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Silverado problems start?
Abs module or sensor failure is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 65,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 40,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 72,500 miles.
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
It scores 67 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 105th riskiest of the 271 1998 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 1998 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Chevrolet Silverado is best?
Within the 1996–1998 generation, 1996 scores best at 66 out of 100 and 1997 worst at 68. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed