Owners filed 361 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. It has been recalled 2 times.
When it fails
07415174,151 milesMedian miles at failure
132 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
62
7
1
0
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
24
0
0
0
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
21
0
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
17
0
1
0
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
14
0
0
0
Steering
14
0
0
0
Service Brakes
10
1
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
9
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
8
0
0
0
Electrical System › Wiring
8
0
6
0
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Equipment07E088000
Filed Oct 24, 2007121,680 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
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).
What owners reported
Newest filings
Seats
Filed Jan 3, 2021VA
WHILE ADJUSTING MY POSITION IN THE DRIVER SEAT AFTER ENTERING THE TRUCK I FELT THE BACK OF THE SEAT ON THE RIGHT SIDE GIVE WAY. IT IS NOT BENT, THE SEAT FRAME IS BROKEN OR HAS COME LOOSE INSIDE. THE SEAT LEANS TO THE RIGHT PUTTING ME IN AN AWARD AND UNSAFE POSITION. I ONLY DRIVE IT WHEN I HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE. I AM 6'1" 214 LBS. SEAT IS OTHERWISE IN GOOD CONDITION.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 19, 2018137,000 milesPA
TANK WAS REMOVE DUE GAS COMING ONTO GROUND WHEN ATTEMP TO PUMP GAS, COME TO FIND THERE WAS A CRACK AROUND THE NECK OFTANK, POOR WELDING JOB TO ATTACH NECK TO TANK. CRACKS ALONG SIDE OF WELDING JOB AND COST ME $1,000.00.
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 7, 2016100,000 milesAR
BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY WENT TO FLOOR WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. I WAS LUCKY TO AVOID A COLLISION.
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Sep 14, 2015200,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHEN TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL PUMP WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VENT CONTROLS FAILED. THE BOLTS ON THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE REPLACED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHERE A WIRE FAILED CAUSING THE LIGHTING FOR THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Sep 11, 201560,000 milesAL
BRAKE PEDAL GOES SPONGES AND ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE TRUCK HAD OVER 120,000 MILES BEFORE REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. IN THAT TIME I WENT THROUGH 8 SETS OF BRAKES AND ROTORS. IN 2005 I REAR ENDED A CAR AT ABOUT 30 MPH. THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP REPLACED A DEFECTIVE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLE. THIS WAS THE SECOND BRAKE BOOSTER/ MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY REPLACE ON MY TRUCK SINCE 2005. SINCE THEN. I HAVE LOST BRAKES ON THE TRUCK 4 MORE TIMES. FAILED BRAKE LINES (LEAK AND BREAK) BLOWN BRAKE CALIPER AND RUBBER HOSE. I AM AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE REAR BRAKES OF THE TRUCK DID NOT PROVIDE ANY BRAKING ASSISTANCE WHEN INSPECTED. SUSPECTED FAULT WAS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN ON THE 1500 SERIES TRUCK BRAKES. WHEN 2500 BRAKE PARTS ARE USED ( MASTER CYLINDER ASSY, PROPORTIONING VALVE, AND REAR BRAKES CHANGE TO 11" DRUMS THE BRAKE PEDAL FEELS FIRM AND THE BRAKING POWER OF THE TRUCK IS DRASTICALLY IMPROVED. I'VE OWNED THE TRUCK FOR OVER 11 YEARS AS THE SECOND OWNER I BOUGHT IT WITH VERY LOW MILES. THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TERRIBLE. I INITIALL SPENT OVER $2,000 AT THE DEALERSHIP STRING TO BET THE BRAKES CORRECT. IN THE END THE DEALER SAID THAT "THIS IS HOW THEY ALL ARE".
Electrical System
Filed Sep 11, 201580,000 milesAL
THE HEATER BLOWER ON THE HIGH SETTING THAT DEFROSTS THE WINDSHIELD FOR VISIBILITY STOPPED WORKING. THE CAB OF THE TRUCK FILLED WITH SMOKE AND SMELLED LIKE PLASTIC BURNING. THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR WAS BURNING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT BUT THE YEAR OF MY TRUCK DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. IF I DIDN'T CAN'T THE BURNING WIRES WHEN I DID MY TRUCK WOULD HAVE BURNED TO THE GROUND. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. I HAD IT VERIFIED THAT THE LOAD FOR THE WIRE AND THE TYPE OF CONNECTOR USED FOR THE WIRING HARNESS IS NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE ELECTRICAL LOAD OF BLOWER MOTOR AND BLOWER SPEED RELAY. I OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR YEARS WITHOUT BEING IN A HOT OR EXTREME COLD ENVIRONMENT. WHEN I USED THE HIGH SPEED BLOWER TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD IT COULD HAVE KILLED ME. THE TRUCK STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED, THE MFR REFUSES TO ACCEPT THAT THIS TRUCK FALLS UNDER THE SAME DEFECT AS OTHER YEARS.
Wheels
Filed Feb 12, 2015MN
RIMS ARE VERY VERY RUSTY. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 21, 2014180,900 milesNY
WE WERE GOING TO A FRIENDS HOUSE IN OUR 1998 CHEVY TRUCK. THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE GROUND. WE BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN AND THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE FOR THE REAR BRAKES. WE REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES. SUBSEQUENTLY, I PUT THE CAR UP TO SEE HOW THE FRONT BRAKE LINES LOOK. THEY ARE ALMOST ROTTED THROUGH. WE NOW NEED TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE LINES. CHEVY SHOULD FIND OUT WHY THE TRUCK LOOKS SO BAD; THE DOORS ARE ALL ROTTING AWAY ALSO. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 26, 201452,000 milesCT
BRAKE LINE SPLIT DUE TO RUST/CORROSION. THIS HAS OCCURRED 2 TIMES SINCE , I HAVE REPLACED MOST OF THE BRAKE LINES. VERY DANGEROUS ! *TR
Engine
Filed Jul 25, 2014230,000 milesPA
THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL YEARS. MY BATTERY HAS SIDE MOUNTED TERMINALS. EACH TIME THE TEMPERATURE GOES UP OR DOWN THE POSITIVE POST BECOMES LOOSE. MOST TIMES IT IS A PROBLEM AS I START THE VEHICLE. WHEN I TURN THE KEY THE ENGINE BEGINS TO START, THEN IT SHUTS DOWN DUE TO LACK OF ELECTRICAL POWER. TWICE IN THE PAST WEEK IT HAS SHUT DOWN WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD, ONCE IN THE MIDDLE OF I-83, DURING RUSH HOUR IN DOWNTOWN HARRISBURG, PA. OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS IT HAS, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, "HICCUPPED" SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAVE TIGHTENED THE SCREW-IN POST DOWN (TWICE) TO THE POINT WHERE I HAVE ROUNDED THE HEX HEAD OFF AND THE WRENCH JUMPED OFF THE HEAD BUT, IT CONTINUES TO COME LOOSE. I SPOKE WITH AN AUTO PARTS STORE AND THEY RECOMMENDED AN ADHESIVE, WHICH I TRIED. IT STILL CAME LOOSE. I HAVE EVEN CHANGED OUT THE BATTERY BUT, STILL THE PROBLEM EXISTS. THIS WAS A VERY POPULAR YEAR FOR CHEVY W/T PICK UP TRUCKS. I CANNOT IMAGINE THESE PROBLEMS HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN RECALLS BEFORE NOW. THE OBVIOUS FIX IS TO REPLACE THE BATTERY WITH ONE THAT HAS TOP MOUNT POSTS. I WOULD ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE CABLES. WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY THAT WHEN THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN FLAW? *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 9, 2014157,000 milesKY
I STARTED MY TRUCK AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.THE BRAKELINES WERE RUSTED AND ALL THE FLUID LEAKED OUT.I PAID $200.00 TO GET THE LINE REPAIRED AND THE MECHANIC SAID IT,S A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE OTHER LINE REPLACED.HE ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL LINES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BEFORE LONG. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed May 5, 2014187,563 milesMD
WHEN TRYING TO LEAVE A PARKING GARAGE, I DEPRESSED THE PEDAL AND THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE PEDAL ALMOST WENT TO THE FLOOR. GOT IT HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. TOOK A LOOK UNDER THE TRUCK AND THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED. THE PLACE WHERE THE BRAKE LINE BROKE WAS IN A PLACE WHERE YOU COULD NOT PHYSICALLY REACH IT. THE OTHER LINES RUNNING ACROSS THE AXLE WERE ALSO HORRIBLY RUSTED. NOW I HAVE TO TAKE ALL OF THEM OFF, MEASURE, BEND, AND REFIT. I REFUSE TO PAY GM TO FIX THEIR SHODDY WORK. I OWNED A 1991 GMC SONOMA WITH OVER 300,000 MILES ON IT AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Apr 4, 2014184,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 184,000. UPDATED 06/17/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS INTERMITTENT SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN FOR A WEEK. THERE WAS ALSO AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. UPDATED 06/24/14
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 18, 2013130,000 milesNJ
1998 CHEVY SILVERADO K1500 BRAKE ISSUE: WHILE BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS (20-10 MPH) THE ABS WILL ENGAGE, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCE. ON SOME OCCASIONS THE PEDAL WILL BECOME VERY FIRM AND WILL REQUIRE PUMPING TO DISENGAGE THE ABS. ON OTHER OCCASIONS THE PEDAL WILL BE SOFT, GOING TO THE FLOOR, WHILE ABS IS ENGAGED. A CLEAR SAFTY ISSUE. A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED SINCE MANY OF THESE VEHICLES EXIST ON THE ROAD TODAY. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 31, 2013169,922 milesMD
PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY TO PARK INTO GARAGE, PRESSED ON THE BRAKE AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. PUSHED DOWN ON EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE TRUCK BEFORE IT HIT THE GARAGE WALL. *JS AFTER PLACING THE TRUCK IN PARK I OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE ONE OF THE BADLY RUSTED LINES CONNECTING TO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL LEAKING FLUID. INSPECTED ALL THE REST OF THE BRAKE LINES PERSONALLY ALL OF THE LINES ARE SEVERELY RUSTED LEADING TO ABS & MASTER CYLINDER. ONLY LINE NOT AFFECTED WAS THE REAR BREAK LINE I HAD REPLACED 2 YEARS AGO DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE.
Service Brakes
Filed Jul 21, 2013223,000 milesMI
MAIN REAR BRAKE LINE RUSTED LEAKING FLUID, LOST BRAKES. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 18, 2012MO
MY 1998 CHEVY W/T 4X4 HAS A DANGEROUS AND UNSATISFACTORY BRAKING PROBLEM. BRAKES ARE VERY WEAK AND SPONGY. THEY ARE UNDEPENDABLE AND UNSAFE. THERE IS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM DATING BACK TO 2009. I HAVE REPLACED PADS,SHOES,ROTORS, DRUMS,WHEEL CYLINDERS, ALL BRAKE SPRINGS AND HARDWARE,BRAKE LINES AND HOSES,MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE BOOSTER, AND WHEEL SPEED SENSORS. CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM IN THE ANTI LOCK COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM. THERE ARE RECALLS FOR 1999 MODELS FOR SAME PROBLEMS.WHY AREN'T 1998 MODELS INCLUDED. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY SAFETY ISSUES WITH MY, AND MANY OTHER TRUCK OWNERS AS WELL. NEXT SAFETY ISSUE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY WORK ON ONE SPEED, HIGH. OR THEY STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS CONTINUED TO BE REPORTED MANY TIMES. THIRD IS FUEL GAUGE ONLY WORKS FROM 3/4 TO FULL, DOESN'T MOVE UNTIL YOU RUN OUT (EMPTY). THESE ISSUES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE PROPER MANUFACTURER . ALL THESE COMPLAINTS FROM MYSELF AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER TAX PAYING AMERICANS , WE DESERVE TO BE SAFE AND PROTECT OTHER DRIVERS . *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 27, 2012100,000 milesKS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES REPEATEDLY FAILED. THE HUBS, CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WERE REPAIRED THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, THEY WOULD VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND SEIZE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANIC SHOPS FOR THE REPAIRS, BUT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES AVAILABLE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 16, 2012IN
EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAKING LEAVING STUDS IN THE HEADS, HEATING UP ENGINE COMPARTMENTS, RELEASES CARBON MONOXIDE, AFFECTS O2 SENSOR AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS IN SOME STATES. GM NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS 1999-2008 ISSUE. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS EXPENSIVE TO FIX. GM MECHANICS DENYING ANY SUCH ISSUES. PLEASE CHECK- IN TO THIS. OUR WHOLE FLEET AND OUR PERSONAL TRUCKS AFFECTED BY THIS. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 18, 201265,000 milesIN
ANTILOCK BRAKE SENSOR ACTIVATED THE BRAKES AT LESS THAN 5MPH JUST AS LISTED IN THE RECALL WHICH INCLUDES 1999 AND BEYOND. IT WAS A SERIOUS ISSUE SO I HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THEY FINALLY FOUND THE ISSUE WAS THE CORROSION ON THE AB SENSOR AND CLEANED THEM. THIS RESOLVED THE ISSUE. IT HAS NOW STARTED AGAIN AS OF DECEMBER 2011 WITH 84,000 MILES. IT IS EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE AS BEFORE AND AS LISTED IN THE RECALL FOR 1999 AND NEWER VERSIONS.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 24, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.