Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 1998 Chevrolet Silverado
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 278 owner complaints are on file.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 82 complaints
- Visibility 44 complaints
- Steering 21 complaints
- Electrical System 19 complaints
- Tires 16 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 15 complaints
Of the 278 complaints on file, 16 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 278 complaints, owners report 12 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $6,500–$12,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 1998 Chevrolet Silverado exhibits average reliability, with the most prominent issues being hydraulic brake system defects and visibility problems. Other systems such as steering and electrical have fewer complaints, suggesting less frequent concerns. The lack of recall data limits our ability to assess potential manufacturer responses to these issues.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic brakes | 80,000–120,000 miles | $300–$800 | common |
| Visibility systems | 70,000–110,000 miles | $100–$400 | common |
| Steering | 90,000–130,000 miles | $250–$700 | occasional |
| Electrical system | 100,000–140,000 miles | $200–$600 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake system inspection
- Cooling system service
- Transmission fluid change
- Tire rotation and balance
- Battery check and service
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Spongy or fading brakes
- Dimming headlights
- Steering wheel wobble
- Unresponsive ignition
- Unusual tire wear
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.