1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brakes problems

Owners reported brakes problems in 150 complaints for the 1998 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 33% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.

Complaints: 150 33% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage: 70,000 miles 59 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires: 9 and 2
Injuries and deaths: 0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When brakes problems show up

Based on 59 complaints that include mileage. 29% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.

View the numbers

Mileage	Complaints
0k to 20k miles	5
20k to 40k miles	5
40k to 60k miles	7
60k to 80k miles	16
80k to 100k miles	4
100k to 120k miles	9
120k to 140k miles	5
140k to 160k miles	3
160k to 180k miles	1
180k to 200k miles	3
200k+ miles	1

What the data shows

Of the 59 brakes complaints that report mileage, the median is about 70,000 miles, and 29% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 9 crashes, 2 fires.

What owners wrote

Braking power is insufficient, resulting in excessive rotor wear, and extended stopping distance. Also; when the brakes are applied rear wheels lock up, causing the ABS system to activate prematurely. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and has not been able to duplicate the problem.

Fire

ABS brakes on my truck engage at low speeds, making stopping difficult. GM has issued a recall for this problem for 1999-2002 trucks, but mine is a 1998. I called GM to verify the recall and was told that I did not qualify because my truck was a '98 and not a '99 problem has been happening for several months and almost every time I am at a slow speed. The recall needs to be expanded.

Reported at 90,000 miles, October 2005

Brakes problems in other years

Brakes problems across all Chevrolet models