1998 Chevrolet Explorer problems

General information about Chevrolet-Explorer
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks.

In production for a single generation since 1995, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity.

Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility (Wentzville, Missouri). Also, since 2017, GM has sourced commercial cutaway-chassis production from Navistar through its Springfield Assembly Plant (Springfield, Ohio).

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Common 1998 Chevrolet Explorer problems

The 1998 Chevrolet Explorer, like any other vehicle, has its share of common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:

Defective Plastic Intake Manifold: This is one of the worst vehicle complaints reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Explorer. The plastic intake manifold can become damaged, leading to a detrimental coolant leak. Overheating can cause an unnoticeable crack to appear, leading to coolant leakage from the manifold front. This issue is detected by an unusual vehicle idling and the appearance of engine check and warning lights on the dashboard. There is no specific repair for this fault, and a complete replacement of the plastic intake manifold is necessary.

Rear Seat Problems: Car drivers have reported issues with broken rear seat belt buckle assemblies. The front seat may not recline properly, and the rear passenger side seat belt may not retract as expected. The back seat belt can keep twisting, causing the seat belt to get trapped inside the seat belt mechanism, making replacement difficult due to design failure.

Heater Core Leaking: The 1998 Chevrolet Explorer models have a leaking heater core problem that requires expert mechanic diagnosis and replacement. This issue can cause the check engine light to come on and not go off, even after fixing it. Faulty oxygen sensors and engine problems can also contribute to this problem.

Suspension Problems: Quite a few Ford Explorers have suffered from suspension issues, giving an unacceptably bouncy ride quality. The ventilation system has also been the cause of an issue in which not enough air gets sent to the floor area while the car is defrosting.

Power Door Locks: Power door locks can cause a few issues on the Ford Explorer, most notably when the actuator disengages from the bracket, preventing you from getting into the vehicle.

Rear Wipers: Rear wipers on Ford Explorers are also known to be prone to the odd glitch, in which they either work erratically or fail to work at all. The first time you discover this will be on a day when it’s pouring.

These issues can affect the reliability and performance of the 1998 Chevrolet Explorer. It is essential to address these problems promptly to avoid more severe or life-threatening accidents. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent these issues, and expert mechanics can diagnose and repair any faults.

1998 Chevrolet Explorer car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Explorer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Visibility problems
Seats problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Chevrolet Explorer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Chevrolet Explorer complaints

The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Chevrolet Explorer.

2004-06-22

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-05-10
Components: SEATS
Summary: WHILE DRIVING/PARKING DRIVER'S SEAT RECLINED BACKWARDS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Add Complaint

1999-03-29

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: EA 9900, GAS PEDAL STICKS, CONSUMER MUST SURGE THE VEHICLE TO MAKE IT MOVE FOWARD. *AK

Add Complaint

1999-02-01

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-11-01
VIN: 1FMZU32E6WZ
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: REAR WINDOW WIPER FAILED. YH

Add Complaint

1999-02-01

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1FMZU32E6WZ
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: DOOR MIRROR MALFUNCTIONED. YH

Add Complaint

1999-02-01

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1FMZU32E6WZ
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: DOOR MIRROR MALFUNCTIONED. YH

Add Complaint

1998-09-18

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-09-16
VIN: 1FMZU34E9WU
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: VEHICLE ROLLS FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS WITH THE SLIGHTEST DECLINE OR UPHILL SITUATION.

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Chevrolet Explorer problems:

Common Problems with 1998 Chevy Express 3500 Cargo Van ...

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/5j2p5-1998-chevy-express-van-blowing-i-bad-fuel-pump.html

Sep 9, 2011 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.

1998 Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems and Complaints - 26 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1998-chevrolet-express-3500/problems

Top 1998 Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems · Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged · Fuel Level Sensor Failure · Replace Fuel Filter Every 30,000 to ...