Chevrolet / Silverado 3500 / 1998
1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 33% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of tires at 11%.
Complaints100
Crashes4
Fires2
Injuries3
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 33.0% · 33
Tires 11.0% · 11
Suspension 8.0% · 8
Power train 7.0% · 7
Fuel system, gasoline 6.0% · 6
Vehicle speed control 6.0% · 6
Steering 5.0% · 5
Fuel system, diesel 4.0% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 4 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 3 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filings are rising — 12 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 69,100 miles.
In owners' own words
While slowing down from high speed 55mph+, the brake system takes very long time to bring vehicle to a stop. In heavy rainfall, the problem tends to be exaggerated even worse. Even at very slow speed 5-10 mph, when brakes applied the brakes would lock up, causing on or both of the rear wheels to lock and skid. Pedal will then vibrate or shake as in experienced with an abs system under full-braking conditions. Service brakes, hydraulic
While driving into town with a snow plow on the truck approached an intersection and shifted to third gear to slow down, stepped on brakes and there was nothing. Pumped the brakes, and still nothing. Put the emergency brakes on and finally stopped. Contacted dealer, and dealer replaced the master cylinder. Dealer refused to give old parts. Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer was traveling about 15mph and was slowing down for a stop sign, applied the brakes, and in the process he hit a bump and vehicle rolled forward. When vehicle stopped, it was in the street passing the crosswalk. Abs braking system didn't kick in. Consumer stated that he has contacted the dealer. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…