AI Damage1998 Chevrolet C Series: common problems
Owners of the 1998 Chevrolet C Series filed 17 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and steering. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 17
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 35% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 18% of all complaints
- 3 Suspension 18% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 12% of all complaints
- 5 Parking brake 6% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 7 Seat belts 6% of all complaints
- 8 Visibility 6% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 6 complaints (35% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Steering: 3 complaints (18% of all).
- Suspension: 3 complaints (18% of all).
- Structure: 2 complaints (12% of all).
- Parking brake: 1 complaints (6% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 17 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The occupants were wearing seatbelts and no one was injured. The vehicle was taken to the dealership; they were unable to determine the problem. The manufacturer was alerted.
Anti-lock brake system, heavy vibration while applying the brakes. Father inlaw had same problem on his 1998 chevy truck. Was there a recall on this problem.
The left tailgate support strap snapped. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Wiper motor works sporatically- was a cracked solder joint- was told not covered under recall because of year-1998, but seems to be an ongoing problem for chevy......
When turning left the power steering slipped without warning. The problem has occurred repeatedly but occurs less often when turning to the right.
4 axle seals replaced since life of vehicle. Replaced both seals on 06/07/00 at 34,424 miles. Replaced right rear seal on 01/09/01 at 38,598 miles. Presently the right rear seal failed again saturated brakes with differential fluid rendering them inoperable. Ts
Ball joint front passenger side is wearing out, and is about to break. Dealership is not willing to do anything. Please provide further information.
I was crusing along on the highway at approximately 55 mph when the vehicle suddenly began feeling rough. It quickly slowed down but was hard to control. (tiresize: p265-75r16)
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,820 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the C Series has 5 complaints (17 years in the data). This year has 17, above average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet C Series?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, steering, suspension. Total complaints: 17. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: seat belts (12%), rollaway, parking brake (6%), smoke, burning smell, fire (6%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1998 Chevrolet C Series?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1998 Chevrolet C Series from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1998 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.