1998 Chevrolet Truck M/L Van
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Chevrolet Truck › M/L Van › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Chevrolet Truck M/L Van. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
42 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers will stop working when they have been on for more then 5 to 10 minutes. I have friends who have had the same problem with different year models.*ak
- Trailer hitches
I own a chevrolet 1998 crew cab pickup truck, and have a factory installed towing package. in august of this year I was towing a small ski boat, considerably less weight than the max allowed by the manufacturer, when the towing mechanism buckled, and disengaged from its housing on the truck. If…
I own a chevrolet 1998 crew cab pickup truck, and have a factory installed towing package. in august of this year I was towing a small ski boat, considerably less weight than the max allowed by the manufacturer, when the towing mechanism buckled, and disengaged from its housing on the truck. If not for the spare tire on the trailer, which supported the trailer, preventing it from striking the ground, I am sure I would have lost the trailer, and possibly my truck. I took the truck and disfigured towing mechanism to chevy, who responded with "too bad". no attempt to determine the cause, nor offer replacement was made. I ended up having a new towing package installed by a third party.*ak
- Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
This IS a description of a potential safety hazard:as you might know, C5 chevrolet corvettes (1997-2004) have a problem with the steering-column lock malfunctioning and leavcing owners stranded. I know of several owners thus affected, and they have had to have their cars towed. Gm has known about…
This IS a description of a potential safety hazard:as you might know, C5 chevrolet corvettes (1997-2004) have a problem with the steering-column lock malfunctioning and leavcing owners stranded. I know of several owners thus affected, and they have had to have their cars towed. Gm has known about this problem but has refused to issue a recall and fix the protential problems; they are handling each one individually to save money. my concern IS that I could end up far from home or in a bad section of town when the steering column locks up. If I don't have a bad accident, I will surely be stranded.*ak I would like to know, if gm has known about this problem since 1997, why haven't they addressed the issue yet? since the aftermarket has responded with a steering-column-lock bypass, I feel that gm should authorize a dealer to install it without voiding the warranty. Further, why did gm eliminate the steering -column lock on 2001 automatics, but not on the manual-transmission models? I would hope you could strongly urge gm to address this very real issue. I really love my corvette, but no car IS worth risking becoming an accident/breakdown statistic. sincerely, [xxx] 1998 chevrolet corvette automatic [xxx]
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Replacing intake gaskets for 2ND time. 1ST time at 55000 mi, 2ND at 85000 mi. Not aware of engine damage as of yet. Numerous complaints on this situation. Gm should be responsible for defect. Consumers need gov't to step in to pressure gm into resolving this situation. *jb
- Parking brake › Driveline
Automatic park brake system failed first time 6/14/01.automatic brake light on, rolling when unit put into park position.replaced solonoid,cable from atuator,brake shoes, and pump. failed second time 40,232 miles. Auto park light staying on,losing lots of transmission fluid,almost causing…
Automatic park brake system failed first time 6/14/01.automatic brake light on, rolling when unit put into park position.replaced solonoid,cable from atuator,brake shoes, and pump. failed second time 40,232 miles. Auto park light staying on,losing lots of transmission fluid,almost causing fire from all the oil. Unit rolling when put in to park. Replaced pressure switch on auto park system. fail third time 45,345 miles. Auto park light staying on. Unit rolls when put into park. Losing transmission fluid. Replaced hydraulic hose that actuates the auto park brake. very very dangerous with this unit rolling when in park. Accident waiting to happen.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring
Having serious problems with the electrical systems of the vehicle. when headlamps are operating, the vehicle constantly experiences power surges. voltage meter will constantly drop when turn signals and/or other electrical equipment IS on. have replaced the battery and replaced the alternator…
Having serious problems with the electrical systems of the vehicle. when headlamps are operating, the vehicle constantly experiences power surges. voltage meter will constantly drop when turn signals and/or other electrical equipment IS on. have replaced the battery and replaced the alternator twice so far. vehicle has stopped running several times due to the power surges. at the point of trading the vehicle in for another SUV (foreign model).*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Intermittent failure of windshield wiper motor. been going on for 4 months. been waiting for complete failure so defect can be detected. have been informed this IS a continuing problem on astro van. trying to find out if a recall or service bulletin has been issued for this problem! *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers will stop working completely while in use, or not work at all when needed. Can hear motor, but will not work. Causes poor visibility on wet road conditions.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Diesel
I have had several engine stalls on my 1998 6.5 chevrolet diesel engine. the engine will quit as if the switch IS turned off at random times and driving conditions. the danger that this poses in highway traffic can not be under stated. when the engine quits I also loose the power steering and…
I have had several engine stalls on my 1998 6.5 chevrolet diesel engine. the engine will quit as if the switch IS turned off at random times and driving conditions. the danger that this poses in highway traffic can not be under stated. when the engine quits I also loose the power steering and braking making this a very dangerious situation. although I have not had a crash when this condition occurs, I have had several close calls and have read on internet web sites others that have not been so lucky. my truck IS still under warranty but the dealerships are unable to fix the problem because (according to them) no error codes are received from the computer. the date listed below IS the most resent failure of the engine. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While driving over a bridge with anti-lock brakes applied when I ran over an expansion joint in the bridge the brake pressure went completely away and I had no braking power. This has happened several times also when hitting bumps in the roadway with the brakes applied. Called a chevrolet dealer…
While driving over a bridge with anti-lock brakes applied when I ran over an expansion joint in the bridge the brake pressure went completely away and I had no braking power. This has happened several times also when hitting bumps in the roadway with the brakes applied. Called a chevrolet dealer and was told this IS common. Had an independent mechanic check braking system and was told the anti-lock system was not going to work even if we spent the $2700.00 gm wanted for all new components to the system. I cannot come to a fast stop with this braking system, yet my old truck ( a 1978 chevy K-10 silverado ) never once had a braking problem. This newer truck ( a 1998 k-2500 silverado ) has had nothing but brake problems. I have also been told that many, many mechanics all over the country are disconnecting the ABS systems and their customers are really much happier and safer. If you cannot stop and you hit someone because the brakes are not functioning properly then I would say we have a problem.*ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Within warranty, the delco battery positive terminal leaked acid, eating battery cables (+) and spilling onto frame. The dealer replaced the battery with a new delco battery, replaced/repaired cables, cleaned, repaired and painted the frame area.*ak recently the new battery started leaking at the…
Within warranty, the delco battery positive terminal leaked acid, eating battery cables (+) and spilling onto frame. The dealer replaced the battery with a new delco battery, replaced/repaired cables, cleaned, repaired and painted the frame area.*ak recently the new battery started leaking at the positive pole again, destroying the cable lugs and spilling onto the battery holder. the dealer would not repair and stated that the delco side post batteries frequently have this problem. I believe this IS a safety issue because the vehicle will stop in traffic and damage to cables require expensive repair out of warranty. the delco problem IS not a normal wear event, but should be treated as a battery defect and replaced. My vehicle IS a 1998 chev. 2500 silverado 4X drive ext. Cab.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
1998 chevrolet pickup 1500 series, rear brake line ruptured due to rust, extremely unusual for an automobile of this age without exposure to corrosive road conditions. no consequenses other than unexpected and unwarrented repair costs.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers in my 1998 chevrolet S-10 pickup stopped working. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
1998 chevrolet S10 vin#[xxx] pickup. The windshield wipers may or may not come, when they come they may just stay up and not move again then you can't turn them off. I have had this problem from the day I purchased the pickup. I have called GMC customer service on 7-5-04 they told me they have a…
1998 chevrolet S10 vin#[xxx] pickup. The windshield wipers may or may not come, when they come they may just stay up and not move again then you can't turn them off. I have had this problem from the day I purchased the pickup. I have called GMC customer service on 7-5-04 they told me they have a recall that only covers models from 1994 to 1997 . The description in the recall IS exactly the problem, but there recall only goes to 1994-1997, I know this IS very dangerous because I was in a down pour on interstate 40 at 65 miles and turned on my wipers they came up and didn't move again.i thought I was going to be in a bad wreck when I hit my brakes in that rain. I know that this problem IS because of defective board on the wiper motor GMC corp. Should be ordered to recall 1998 models for this problem.*ak updated 07/25/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
There were no incidents leading to the failure of the windshield wipers on my 1998 chevrolet blazer. They simply do not operate when it rains, which has become quite a hazard, especially during sudden rain, while driving the vehicle in traffic!*ak while I have incurred no accidents due to this failure, I've had to stop in traffic, during inclement weather, as I could not see to maneuver the vehicle safely.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On my way back from a trip towing my horse trailer the brake pedal was beginning to get a little soft. When I got into my driveway the brake pedal went to the floor. Since I was traveling very slowly I was able to stop without hitting anything. My husband and I inspected the truck and found brake…
On my way back from a trip towing my horse trailer the brake pedal was beginning to get a little soft. When I got into my driveway the brake pedal went to the floor. Since I was traveling very slowly I was able to stop without hitting anything. My husband and I inspected the truck and found brake fluid leaking from the frame rail in front of the left rear wheel. We are having the leaking corroded metal brake line replaced at this time. We asked the mechanic to save the part. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Driving on the road, applied brakes, brake pedal went to floor, vehicle stopping distance was long. Stopped vehicle, checked brake reservoir. Fluid was down. Went around vehicle and found brake fluid leaking from frame rail forward of left rear wheel. problem was broken corroded metal brake line. I had it replaced. I did not retain the old part. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
We own a 1998 s10,chevrolet pickup. Several times over the last three years the windsheild wipers quit while driving. A few moments later they will start working again. This IS extremely intermittent! I took the truck to the local gm dealer but they said it was not listed in the recall for a…
We own a 1998 s10,chevrolet pickup. Several times over the last three years the windsheild wipers quit while driving. A few moments later they will start working again. This IS extremely intermittent! I took the truck to the local gm dealer but they said it was not listed in the recall for a windsheild wiper problem and would cost roughly $400 dolarrs to replace the pulse module. I understand that gm in canada recalled several vehicles for this same problem. Also I understand that several owners of this particular truck in the us has had the same problem. My question? IS gm responsible and has this been been done to alert gm?*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wiper cuts out. *la
- Fuel system, diesel
Repeated diesel injection pump failures. Twice within 40,000 miles. Part IS acknowledged by general motors as being defective but repairs were performed differently in second instance of repair. I was informed that fuel system flush and lift pump replacement were mandatory repairs to facilitate…
Repeated diesel injection pump failures. Twice within 40,000 miles. Part IS acknowledged by general motors as being defective but repairs were performed differently in second instance of repair. I was informed that fuel system flush and lift pump replacement were mandatory repairs to facilitate warranty repairs on diesel injection pump. The fuel system flush and lift pump replacement were not performed in first repair and conclusion IS that this neglect created second pump failure. Gm has refused to refund $1100.00 repair cost. *la
- Electrical system · Seats
S-10-bought new-day after lock on driver side would nt unlock from inside-repaired-seat belt always wet when rains-complained was told (no problem found) still wet when rains, handles broke three times fixed and break again-now have three handles behind seat-still broke-drivers side window(power)…
S-10-bought new-day after lock on driver side would nt unlock from inside-repaired-seat belt always wet when rains-complained was told (no problem found) still wet when rains, handles broke three times fixed and break again-now have three handles behind seat-still broke-drivers side window(power) will not go up often-or will go up only and inch or two-this started early on-complained was told (no problem found)this IS a big problem in cold weather or rain,windshield wipers will not work most of the time,at times they stop straight up on windshield or will not come on at all and next day they may or may not work-complained was told ( no problem found) transmission leak first year-repaired seat will suddenly slide backwards while taking off from stop light or just backing out of driveway. This IS very serious as my foot will not reach gas pedal when seat slides backwards and in traffic I have come close to being rear-ended many times as cars veer around me and horns honk-people thinking I have just stopped in road usually have to steer to side of road and stop to adjust seat again,always have to drive slightly leaning forward to put weight off seat,when taking off from stop etc. Complained-they fixed only one side and problem continued next day-complained again and was told I had to see employee named rick-rick was not in-that day,always complained about these things when taking truck in for oil changes and tire rotations etc. Drove to dealer one time after going to car wash and window would not go up-headliner dripping and floorboard full of water and I was soaking wet so they could see it was a problem-while there window would not work and employee saw the mess-was told the man I had to see about this was on vacation-checked back and found rick was no longer an employee--complained to gm and they responds with dealer had no record of any complaints-i have copies of oil changes with my complaints on them with (no problem found) typed on paper.*ak
- Unknown or other
The spare tire fell off of the truck because the very thin cable that holds it up broke and might have caused an accident on I 95. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
This IS a 1998 chevrolet p/u that has an intermittent windshield wiper problem. We also own a 1995 chevrolet p/u that was recalled for the same problem and was recently repaired. The 1998 p/u has exactly the same symptoms as the 1995 and needs to be recalled also.*ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Truck tailgate cables....i noticed the gm tail gate cable recall on model years 00-04; I own a 98 k1500 with 51,000 original miles and have had to replace the cables twice already!*ak
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive) · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Suspension › Front › Hub
Total loss of front end/abs/hub assembly units both sides, bearings/ rear rotors/pads and calipers. Also, slipping of 4-wheel drive switch into another gear, these have been replaced just 3 years ago and have let go again!!!!!!! *Ak