1998 Chevrolet Express problems
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 Express problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Express 1998, several common problems have been reported. These include:
- Engine Coolant Sensor Signal: An issue related to the engine coolant sensor causing starting problems when the signal is over 2.5 volts, potentially putting the engine in clear flood mode.
These problems can impact the performance and safety of the Chevrolet Express 1998. It's essential for owners to address these issues promptly to ensure the proper functioning of their vehicles.
Are Chevy Express vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.
How long do Chevy Express engines last?
If you have a 4.3 V6 250,000 miles would be good. If you have a 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L V8 all are LS based engines. Those engines if cared for properly 300,000 is not uncommon. If you drive it like you stole it all the time you will be lucky to make 150,000 miles.
How many miles can you put on a Chevy Express van?
The 2021 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average wheel noise and fuel pump issues reported.
What is the recall on the Chevy Express van?
Recall # N202325160 Date: 03/18/2021 Recall: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.
Are Chevy Express vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.
How long do Chevy Express engines last?
If you have a 4.3 V6 250,000 miles would be good. If you have a 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L V8 all are LS based engines. Those engines if cared for properly 300,000 is not uncommon. If you drive it like you stole it all the time you will be lucky to make 150,000 miles.
What is the gas mileage for a 1998 Chevy Express?
14 MPG overall
The 1998 Express 1500 Passenger gets 14 MPG overall, with 12 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway.
How many miles can you put on a Chevy Express van?
The 2021 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average wheel noise and fuel pump issues reported.
1998 Chevrolet Express car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Express problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Structure problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Chevrolet Express vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Chevrolet Express complaints
The NHTSA has received 23 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Chevrolet Express.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-08
- VIN: 1GBFG15R5W1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FAILURE OF INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET CAUSING LOSS OF COOLANT AT 42000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 90008 MILES. *NM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-22
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2W1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HINGE BROKE COMPLETELY OFF WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE BEING APPLIED. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE DOOR WAS NOT FREQUENTLY USED. IN AN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE HINGE, THE DEALERSHIP MADE THE PROBLEM WORSE. *AK THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE PIN SEIZED UP DUE TO NO LUBRICATION. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-02
- VIN: 1GAGG25R2W1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DOOR HINGES FROZE UP AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONSUMER HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO CLOSE THE DOOR WHICH CAUSED THE DOOR TO BE MISALIGNED. *JB PH *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-16
- VIN: 1GAHG39R7W1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-16
- VIN: 1GAHG39R7W1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE REAR AXLE FAILED CAUSING OIL TO LINK FROM THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-04
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GCFG15M2W1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: SMELLED GASOLINE AND SAW FUEL DRIPPING FROM SIDE AND BOTTOM OF VAN...VAN SPUTTERED TO STOP, LOST POWER STEERING BUT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO CLOSED GARAGE PARKING LOT...DETERMINED PLASTIC FUEL LINE WAS PUNCTURED--THEY TOLD ME PART(FUEL LINE) WAS DISCONTINUED!??
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-23
- VIN: 1GNHG35J2W1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I NOTICED A CONTINUOUS TIRE THUMP" AND STOPPED THE VEHICAL AND CHECKED THE TIRES. THE LEFT FRONT TIRE HAD A FLAT SPOT IN THE CENTER OF THE TREAD, ABOUT 2IN X 1.5 IN. THERE WERE NO OTHER ABNORMATITIES. AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT 30 MORE MILES THE "THUMP" GOT ALOT MORE APPARENT AND I HEARD A LOUD "CLINKING" NOISE. I STOPPED AND INSPECTED THE TIRE AND FOUND THE TREAD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE TIRE OVER ABOUT A 12 IN. OF LENGTH WHERE THE STEEL BELT STOPS AT THE SIDE WALL. THE TREAD WAS STILL INTACT. I BELEIVE THAT IF I HAD NOT STOPPED WHEN I DID THAT TOTAL SEPERATION OF THE TREAD WOULD HAVE OCCURED WITHIN THE NEXT MILE OR SO. I HAVE THE TIRE IF YOU NEED TO INSPECT IT AND/OR I CAN SEND YOU PHOTOS .*AK (DOT NUMBER: VN1181A098 TIRESIZE: LT 245/ 75)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-30
- VIN: 1GBHG31R5W1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: AIR TEMPERATURE 100 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, AIR PRESSURE IN TIRE CHECKED AT 80 PSI COLD, SPEED 60MPH. THIS IS THE THIRD TIRE OF THIS SIZE AND MAKE, MADE IN CANADA. THIS ONE AND OTHER TWO HAD ABOUT 9 TO 10 THOUSAND MILES ON THE ROAD. EACH SUFFERED A TREAD SEPARATION. OTHERS HAD ODI#735190. *AK (DOT NUMBER: TPC 2012MS TIRESIZE: 24575R16 E)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-06
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2W1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PROBLEM IS IN BUCKLE FAILURES AND RETRACTOR FAILURES. RIVERSIDE VANS (CONVERSION CO.) SAID THEY HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THESE BELTS. I HAVE HAD 4 FAILURES. MFR. IS ATWOOD MOBILE PRODUCTS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: 1GCGG25R6W1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-15
- VIN: 1GCHG35R1W1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE WAS SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL. PULLED OVER AND NOTICED TIRE HAD A BLOWOUT.*AK CONSUMER STATES TIRE PEELED BACK AND BELT SEPARATED.*JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2W1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VARIOUS SEAT BELTS (RETRACTORS AND BUCKLES) HAVE FAILED. CONVERSION BY RIVERSIDE VANS, COLON, MI. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-20
- VIN: 1GCFG25M5W1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: ENGINE SHAKES AND RATTLES, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, VEHICLE STALLED WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN REPAIR SHOP DUE TO FUEL INJECTOR FAILURE, HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. SIDE CARGO DOOR WILL NOT LATCH AT BOTTOM, DEALER STATED RIGHT SIDE REAR DOOR LATCH LINK WAS MISALIGNED. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-02
- VIN: 1GAHG39R1V1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH 14 PASSENGERS WHEN I FELT THE VAN START TO RIDE ROUGH AND THEN FELT A FLAPPING FROM REAR OF VEHICLE. I THEN PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO FIND THE TIRE HAD COMPLETELY SHREDDED THE OUTER LAYER, BUT DID NOT BLOW OUT.*AK (TIRESIZE: 245/75R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 245/75R16 )
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-28
- VIN: 1GAHG39R8W1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY BRING HER CAR POOL HOME WITH SIX CHILDREN. SHE HEARD A LOUD THUMPING SOUND OCCUR ALL OF A SUDDEN. THE TIRE DID NOT BURST BUT WE LOST A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE TREAD. WE HAVE HAD THE TIRES REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES. THE SAME DAY THIS HAPPENED WE HEARD THESE TIRES WERE ALSO BEING INVESTIGATED. WE STILL HAVE THE TIRES IN OUR POSSESSION. (DOT NUMBER: VN11B1A307 TIRESIZE: LT245/75R1)
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-08
- VIN: 1GNHG35J9W1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I HAD SOME VIBRATION THEN THE TIRE TREAD PEELED OFF AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE VAN. II DROVE ON THE REMAING AIR BLADDER TILL I COULD GET THE TIRE REPLACED. THE DOT NUMBER I GVE YOU IS NOT FROM THE DAMAGED TIRE BUT 1 OF THE ORIGINAL 5 TIRES THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE.( DOT NUMBER: VN11B1A058 TIRE SIZE: LT24575R16 )
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCGG25R1W1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: PADS ARE WEARING OUT FROM THE INSIDE WITHOUT ANY WARNING GIVEN. BECAUSE PADS FROM OUTSIDE DO NOT WEAR OUT, SENSOR CANNOT WARN THE DRIVER .PADS WERE REPLACED 7 TIMES WITHIN 12 MONTHS, AND DEALER COULD DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-25
- VIN: 1GCGG25R1W1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ONGOING PROBLEM WITH EXCESSIVE WEAR WITHIN THE INSIDE OF BRAKE PADS. TOTAL OF 7 SETS OF PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHIN A YEAR. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-03
- VIN: 1GBFG15R3W1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRRORS SHAKE SO VIOLENTLY THAT DRIVER CANNOT JUDGE THE DISTANCE OF OTHER VEHICLES. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-29
- VIN: 1GCHG35R2W1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT BRAKES WEAR PREMATURLY INSIDE PADS WEAR BEFORE OUTSIDE PADS, THEREFORE THE ROTORS WILL GRIND BEFORE THEY SQUEEL FOR WARNING
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GBFG15R3W1
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING ON A BUMPY ROAD OR MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE CAR MAKES A 'HONKING' NOICE IN FRONT. *AK( DOT NUMBER: M3DD TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-14
- VIN: 1GBFG15R9W1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH SHOULDER BELTS FOR THE BACK BENCH SEAT WERE NOT BOLTED TO THE VAN FLOOR. DEALER CORRECTD PROBLEM BY ADDING WASHER AND NUTS ON EACH OF THE BOLTS. OWNER DOES NOT FEEL THAT WASHERS AND NUTS WERE BIG ENOUGH TO CORRECT PROBLEM. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2W1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ABOUT 25 MPH, THERE WAS A FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT FIRE. VAN WAS CHECKED BY DEALERSHIP. FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A DISPLACEMENT OF THE BOX IN THE WIRING FOR THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING SYSTEM. DEALER REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY SINCE THEY DID NOT INSTALL THE PART THAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *AK
1998 Chevrolet Express recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 Chevrolet Express.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OR BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTOR/HUBS WERE BUILT WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION GRAY IRON THAT CAN FAIL DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.
- Consequence: IF A DRIVER CONTINUES TO DRIVE WITH A CRACKED ROTOR, THE CRACKS COULD CONTINUE AROUND THE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLT CIRCLE AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
Negative 1998 Chevrolet Express car reviews
Positive 1998 Chevrolet Express car reviews
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This vehicle has been fantastic! It's amazing that in 90,000 miles, the only issues I've had were a bad computer due to a corrosion issue and an intake manifold gasket. Despite these minor setbacks, it still runs like it's brand new!
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Congratulations on your growing family! I can understand the hesitation in choosing between a full-size van, a mini, or a Suburban. However, it sounds like you made the right choice with the full-size van, especially with the cargo room it provides. It's great to hear that you have no regrets and that you can comfortably fit your whole family with plenty of cargo room to spare. The 5.0 V8 engine sounds impressive, with its smoothness and power, and it's great to know that towing up to 5000 lbs is no problem. The transmission is also very smooth, which is a testament to the quality of the GM product. With a mileage of about 15/18, it's also quite efficient. It's wonderful to hear that your van has been reliable and has never needed repairs (except for one body repair). It's no wonder that both you and your wife love it!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Chevrolet Express problems:
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Other years of Chevrolet Express
Are you having problems with your 1998 Chevrolet Express?
Tremaine Towne 2024-09-03
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my van. I bought it used and unfortunately, at 50,000 miles, the fuel pump went bad. I've had some trouble with the air conditioning too, and have spent over $1000.00 fixing it. I was hoping for better performance from a GM product, but unfortunately, I've had some issues. Additionally, I've noticed that the fit and finish could be improved, as the outside rear view mirrors vibrate excessively. Thanks for listening!
Xzavier Blanda 2024-06-29
I have a Mark III conversion van, so the interior is better than standard. While it's a good road warrior, I've had a few issues with it such as the ABS going out at 48k, the A/C at 25k, and a drive shaft leaking oil at 27k. The brakes are inadequate for such a large vehicle. At 59k, some bits and pieces of trim are departing or breaking, and I share the concern about vibrating rearview mirrors. The side door is also very flimsy. However, I am convinced that Chevy could build a better van if they tried. Now that my kids are bigger, our next car will be a Subaru, which I expect to last forever.
Leonardo Rolfson 2024-05-01
Hello! We've had our Chevy G1500 conversion van for 16 months now. When we bought it, it only had 62000 miles on it, but now it has 76000 miles. Unfortunately, we've had to spend some money on repairs in the past 16 months. We've had to replace the brakes twice, which cost us $600, and we also had to spend $1700 on a new transmission, $700 on the A/C (condenser), and $200 on a water pump. All in all, we've spent $3200 on repairs so far, and we're worried that there might be more to come.
Garfield O'Connell 2024-01-22
Hi there! I see that you've recently purchased a vehicle to pull your camping trailer. That's great! It's wonderful to hear that after 7 years, your vehicle is still running smoothly and reliably. However, I understand that you may have some concerns about the interior fit and finish. It seems that the plastic doesn't fit cleanly and the outside mirrors vibrate. I hope that these issues don't detract too much from your overall enjoyment of your vehicle. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help!