1998 Chevrolet Pickup Problems
- Complaints
- 74filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles, 13 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems — most commonly the ABS engaging unexpectedly or the pedal sinking toward the floor, sometimes after a bump, and occasionally rusty or split brake hardware. Windshield wipers that stop or work intermittently in rain, and fuel pumps that quit without warning, are the next most frequent themes, with many reports coming at higher mileages.
- Brakes
ABS engages unexpectedly or brakes feel weak
- 14 complaints (19%)
- median 131,500 mi at 8.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2009
Complaints describe the anti-lock system activating over bumps, reflectors, or slippery-but-not-slick pavement, and the pedal going down farther than expected or nearly to the floor before the truck stops. Several owners say the master cylinder, front hubs, or wheel speed sensors were replaced, and some report the symptom returned after repairs. A few mention cracked hubs or failing wheel sensors triggering ABS at low speed. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 50,000 to about 165,000 miles, often on rough roads or wet surfaces.
What to check: Test-drive over bumpy pavement and wet surfaces and note whether the ABS kicks in or the pedal sinks; ask for service records on the master cylinder, hubs, and wheel speed sensors. A service bulletin notes the hydro-boost unit is replaced rather than repaired when the pedal applies on its own.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brake pedal must be pushed almost to the floor to stop vehicle. Dealer says there is no recall on faulty brakes, but I have heard there are many complaints on this Pickup model. Where can I get more information?”
NHTSA complaint #715049, filed 1999-11“The ABS brake system when braking and or you hit a bump, pothole or depression the brakes go into anti lock and do not come out. It takes about 1/3 more distance to stop. I had one accident where I was on the I-5 freeway, traffic stopped, I applied the brakes and had to go between two cars. I hit the side of one car. This problem occurs most of the time. It is very dangorous since normal stopping distance is suddenly increased and there is nothing I can do when it happens. I have had it in the shop about 6 times.”
NHTSA complaint #756133, filed 2001-12 - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield wipers stop or work intermittently
- 11 complaints (15%)
- median 75,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2004
Owners describe wipers that cut out in rain, sometimes staying dead until the motor or a wire under the hood is moved, and some needed a wiper control circuit board replaced. Several complaints note a wiper recall and a special policy covering similar repairs, but say their vehicle was not included. Dealers generally pointed to the wiper motor, relay, or control board. Reported from about 30,000 to over 140,000 miles, usually noticed in rain or wet weather.
What to check: Run the wipers on every speed setting, including intermittent, and ask whether the wiper motor, relay, or control board has been replaced or any wiper policy applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Windshield wipers fail intermittently. Problem was first noticed over a year ago while on a cross country vacation in light rain. A year later the wipers have degraded to almost a complete component failure. Even though my truck is a 98', I was wondering if this is a continuation of recall #98043.”
NHTSA complaint #765054, filed 2002-08“While driving in a rain storm. The windshield wipers completely stopped working. The consumer had to get out of the vehicle to lift the hood and hit the wiper motor or move the wiper to make them work. . Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #10096612, filed 2004-10, 141,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel pump quits with no warning
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 70,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2001–2004
Complaints describe the truck stalling or dying in traffic when the fuel pump fails, with no warning beforehand; one owner of a small fleet reported repeated failures across several trucks. Another owner reported a fuel tank that had worn through where something touched it, and another an injector pump replacement after stalling. Dealers reportedly told owners there was no recall covering the fuel pump. Mileage is not stated in most of these reports; the failures are described as sudden and unrelated to a specific age or condition.
What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump has ever been replaced and how recently; a pump change is often the only way to assess this, so factor its cost into the price.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The fuel pump failed while driving causing the truck to stop in traffic which we feel is a safety issue with out employee. We have three of these trucks which have all had fuel pump failures. One truck has had two failures. The dealer says this is not a national issue but we know that the dealer changes many failed fuel pumps. One truck has has two failures.”
NHTSA complaint #764352, filed 2002-07“Fuel pump failure while driving causing truck to stop in traffic. Our company has three of these trucks and has had four fuel pump failures. The fuel pump gives no warning before failure causing the truck to stop in traffic. We feel that is a safety issue which is dangerous for our employees.”
NHTSA complaint #764351, filed 2002-07 - Transmission and drivetrain
Hard 2-3 shift, clutch and driveline wear
Mentioned in 5 of 51 sampled complaints
Owners describe a hard clunk when the automatic shifts from second to third once warmed up, which one dealer called normal while the owner found it excessive. Manual-truck owners report clutch replacement more than once, with noise and difficulty engaging gears returning. Others report loss of reverse and, in a few cases, front axle or differential parts coming apart. Reported at varied mileages, with the hard shift showing up after 10-15 minutes of driving and clutch issues often within the first few years.
What to check: Drive long enough to get the transmission warm and feel for a clunk into third; on a manual, check clutch engagement and listen for noise. If it is a 4WD truck, confirm the 4WD engages and the service light stays off.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My clutch first went out within one year of owning the vehicle; just before the warranty expired. We took the vehicle to the dealership and they fixed it under warranty. We then had a one-year warranty on the replacement parts. Approximately one month after the replacement part warranty expired, my clutch went out again. This time we had to pay over a thousand dollars to repair it. …”
NHTSA complaint #764391, filed 2002-07“After vehicle is warmed up (10-15 min), the transmission shifts hard into third gear with a clunk . Dealership indicates this is normal and quoted a bulletin from manufacturer, but it is excessively loud. Separate dealership replaced u joint earlier and problem was not cured. This only happens when shifting from second to third.”
NHTSA complaint #751537, filed 2001-09 - Electrical system
Battery cable and terminal failures, lighting faults
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 30,000 mi at 9.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 1999–2007
Complaints describe sudden loss of all electrical power, including engine and lights, traced to side-post battery terminal corrosion or stacked positive cables losing contact, sometimes after a bumpy road. One owner reported acid leaking from a replacement battery and corrosion risk to nearby lines. Other reports cover tail light units and bulbs burning out repeatedly and a brake-light/turn-signal fault a dealer called a design issue. The battery-related reports came at low mileage (about 30,000-40,000) and earlier in the vehicle's life; the lighting complaints give no mileage.
What to check: Inspect the battery terminals and cable ends for corrosion or looseness and check that all exterior lights, brake lights, and turn signals work; ask whether the battery has been replaced and when.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“- the contact stated that the replacement AC delco battery model # 78-6yr for the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup with 30,000 failure mileage leaks acid. Certain AC delco batteries manufactured in 2000 and 2001 with side posts terminal had the potential to leak acid through the terminals. This failure has the potential to corrode frames, sheet metal, brake lines, battery leads and fuel lines. The current mileage was 40,000. Update *4/23/07tr”
NHTSA complaint #10185291, filed 2007-03, 30,000 miles“Battery terminal corrosion caused complete shut down of engine/lights, and all other systems in traffic. Imagine your car stopping in heavy traffic with no warning. I have found others with the same experience. The hazard flashers did not work.”
NHTSA complaint #737834, filed 2000-12
Buying note. Check the brakes carefully on a test drive, especially over rough or wet pavement, and confirm the wipers and all lights work. Ask for records on the fuel pump, brakes, and battery cables, since these are the areas owners most often write about on this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 51 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 74 consumer complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup. 13 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes22 30%
- Electrical system7 9.5%
- Fuel system7 9.5%
- Tires7 9.5%
- Exterior lighting4 5.4%
- Engine cooling2 2.7%
- Seats2 2.7%
- Suspension2 2.7%
Also reported: Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “While driving at 30 MPH consumer heard a loud bang noise coming from the front of vehicle. When the consumer tried to depress the brakes pedal went to the floorboard. Consumer traveled the rest of the way home doing less than 10 MPH. The brake rotors had split in half and were barely functional. Manufacturer had been notified of the problem, but would not solve the problem. The consumer stated a recall was issued for this problem back in 1993/1994. The consumer feels that the manufacturer has not totally fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10044326, filed 2003-11, 150,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in the recall regarding the windshield wipers, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10015611, filed 2003-04, 40,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Brakes are still extremely soft and require full brake pedal extension. Master cylinder replaces, front hubs replaced. Truck still requires too much pedal and the pedal is soft and pedal goes almost to the floor”
NHTSA complaint #751535, filed 2001-09Electrical system: “Within one year of owning vehicle, both rear tail light units burned out . We took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced both right and left rear tail light units. Since the replacement of both units, the light bulbs will burned out approximately every two months. Three months ago (apr-02) both rear tail light units burned out again and had to be replaced. There's seems to be a problem with these tail light units burning out and burning out the bulbs every two months.”
NHTSA complaint #764389, filed 2002-07Mileage when problems were reported
23% of the 13 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 113,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Chevrolet Pickup version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup 2500 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Pickup 2500 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Pickup 2500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Pickup 2500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Pickup 2500 2WD | 6.5L 8-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $6,400 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10112034Jan 28, 2014Body and structure. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this…
- 10112546Nov 6, 2012Brakes. This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10016707Sep 28, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Four wheel drive inoperative and the 4wd service light will illuminate. Diagnosis may reveal that the atc fuse could be open, possible dtc c0308, or various u codes may be set. The encoder motor may…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Pickup
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 10 | 24,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 17 | 33,300 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 17 | 35,750 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 32 | 41,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 39 | 36,750 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 74 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 75 | 84,500 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 60 | 38,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 79 | 74,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 58 | 73,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 13 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 16 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 11 | 42,253 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Pickup model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup?
Owners of this model year most often describe brake problems — most commonly the ABS engaging unexpectedly or the pedal sinking toward the floor, sometimes after a bump, and occasionally rusty or split brake hardware. The issues reported most often: ABS engages unexpectedly or brakes feel weak; Windshield wipers stop or work intermittently; Fuel pump quits with no warning.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup have?
NHTSA recorded 74 consumer complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 22 complaints (30% of the total), followed by visibility with 15.
Has the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup (Pickup 2500 2WD, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Pickup reported?
Among the 13 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 113,000 miles; 23% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.