1998 Chevrolet W3500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK CHASSIS. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT-TO-STEERING BOLT WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY. THIS CAN CAUSE STEERING NOISE, LOOSE STEERING, AND AN UNCENTERED STEERING WHEEL.
What could happen: LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING SHAFT AND RETIGHTEN TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 W3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V151002.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TRUCK CHASSIS. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT-TO-STEERING BOLT WAS NOT TIGHTENED PROPERLY DURING ASSEMBLY. THIS CAN CAUSE STEERING NOISE, LOOSE STEERING, AND AN UNCENTERED STEERING WHEEL.
Consequence: LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING SHAFT AND RETIGHTEN TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
02/04/2002 · Wheels / tires
RIGHT FRONT LUGS: NUTS WORKED LOOSE AND DAMAGE STUDS. REPLACED STUDS AND SET AT 140 FT.POUNDS, LATER ROTATED TIRES AND TORQED WHEELS AND AFTER LESS 200 MILES RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WORKED LOOSE TWO TIMES AND DAMAGED WHEEL STUDS.