1998 Chevrolet Silverado Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 5%of 279 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,541miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, 5% of the 279 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,541 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Truck has 2 bad rods, and needs a crank only have 52k on it and it looks new we just put a trans in it jan 03 and now it needs a motor wow!!!! We have 8 autos all chevy this truck is a junk!!!!!t thanks ..”
NHTSA complaint #10069118, filed 2004-01, 52,000 miles“Transmission went out it started that when you put it reverse it didn't want to go then put into drive then reverse it worked. Then while driving we pulled into parking spot and tried to reverse it was totally gone. Windshied wipers stop working on and off. You can hear the motor they won't move and at most times it effects the windshield washer fluid so it doesn't work.”
NHTSA complaint #10019200, filed 2003-05, 82,222 miles“While driving the vehicle made a loud banging noise. The consumer had the u joints replaced, thinking that would correct the problem. Upon starting the vehicle again and taking off, the noise came back. However, the consumer put the vehicle into reverse and the transmission locked up.”
NHTSA complaint #10103147, filed 2005-03, 65,541 miles“While down shifting the u-joints broke and driveshaft separated and fell onto the road. Vehicle was in 4-wheel drive when this occurred. Mechanic replaced both u-joints , added oil, and reinstalled the driveshaft. The problem recurred while shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10061038, filed 2004-03, 89,000 miles“The support cables that retained the tailgate broke while loading a snow trailer, which caused the tailgate to collapse. No injuries to report. The dealer was notified. The dealer informed the consumer that the vehicle was not covered under a recall. The consumer stated that there were no weight restrictions posted for the capacity of the endgate. The consumer was loading a craftsman 5 hp compact snow thrower 165 lbs on the truck. The selling dealer offered to cover the cost of replacing the broken cables at their expense. …”
NHTSA complaint #10108817, filed 2005-03, 13,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 33 | 26% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 11 | 14% |
| 2014 | 37 | 30% |
| 2013 | 11 | 17% |
| 2012 | 11 | 16% |
| 2011 | 4 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 21 | 11% |
| 2006 | 8 | 4% |
| 2005 | 29 | 9% |
| 2004 | 49 | 8% |
| 2003 | 81 | 12% |
| 2002 | 70 | 10% |
| 2001 | 64 | 7% |
| 2000 | 103 | 8% |
| 1999 | 97 | 6% |
| 1998 | 14 | 5% |
| 1997 | 35 | 13% |
| 1996 | 22 | 12% |
| 1995 | 20 | 8% |
| 1994 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 10% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado
89 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsTires
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology