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1998 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

The most common problem on the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 is brakes, typically around 80,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
59
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
19
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
13-18mpg

The worst 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    18
  • Visibility
    11
  • Transmission
    7
  • Steering
    6
  • Airbags
    4
  • Body
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500

Wipers 10ABS 8

Recalls 2

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported August 10, 1998 · 55,272 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: crew cab pickup trucks. The front, inner corner of the fuel tank can contact the body sill either intermittently or constantly. This movement can cause a discernible noise and, over time, can wear a hole in or crack the fuel tank at point of contact.
Risk
This condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank for wear and, either install a spacer between the fuel tank and the front crossmember, or if necessary, replace the fuel tank.

Recall number 98V187000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotorReported February 17, 1998 · 1,137 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 98V033000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 19

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 19 bulletins for the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500

1998 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD14-1619-2116-18
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD1418-1916
5.0L 8‑cylRWD13-1417-1815
6.5L 8‑cyl DieselRWD131715
6.5L 8‑cyl Diesel4WD131715
5.7L 8‑cylRWD12-1317-1814
5.0L 8‑cyl4WD121714
5.7L 8‑cyl4WD11-121613

What 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 30, 2021 · Body · AR

The dash is busted in several pieces and places.

Filed Feb 26, 2020 · Steering · 165,000 miles · CA

While traversing a freeway overpass going 60 to 65 MPH the truck suddenly lurched to the left. Fortunately no immediate traffic on my left. Really frightened me. After much research I discovered that a component (circuit board) of the new "speed sensitive" power steering could fail, making the truck think it was going slower and increase the power steering assist, causing the lurch to the left. This was after having the entire front end of the vehicle checked for alignment, faulty or damaged parts, any adjustments out of spec. They found no cause. I don't actually remember the date and have estimated the date below. I eventually solved the problem (after further research indicating that replacing the circuit board sometimes was only a temporary fix. The solution was installing a "kit" I found online that completely removed the new speed controlled power assistance. I probably had 4 or 5 instances of this occurring, and consider myself extremely fortunate not to have an accident or injury. This was the result of extreme vigilance once I had determined what was happening. During my research I found many reports of the problem, many tried fixes that didn't resolve the problem. One man spent $4000 to have the entire front end of his vehicle replaced, only to have the problem recur. What really bothers me is both why this did not result in a recall, and the fact that this happened so frequently and dealers would not recommend an actual fix, but let customers waste a lot of money "trying to fix" the problem, leaving this safety hazard in place.

Filed Jun 24, 2019 · Airbags · 230,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 gmc sierra 1500. While the contact was seated in the vehicle, the passenger side air bag deployed inadvertently. When the contact exited the vehicle, the driver's side air bag deployed without warning or an impact. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 230,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2016 · Airbags · SC · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 gmc sierra 1500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, a deer ran in front of the vehicle. The contact crashed into the deer. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle needed a front end alignment due to the collision. The contact received injuries to the head and knee, which required medical attention. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 5, 2016 · Airbags · MI · crash · 1 injury

"takata recall" on 02/17/2015 I [xxx] was involved in a single passenger (me) mva at "the macinac bridge" on the north side of the mackinac bridge rolling my truck into the toll booths located on the north end of the macinac bridge in the city of st ignace, mackinac county, michigan. The weather conditions that day were horrible. There were high winds, snow, sleet, rain, and I black ice ! 100% humidity ! After the accident came to a complete stop I opened my eyes and an inflator was launched directly at my head. If it had hit me there I would be dead right now. I reacted quickly by tilting my head to the right and the inflator hit the left side of my head using it as glide path thus changing the trajectory next is what I call the most horrific thing to ever happen in my entire 51 year life span thus far on earth, the inflator blew up off the back-side of my head point blank, changing my life as I know it forever. That day on 02/17/2015 the [xxx] everyone knows and loves actually died. What I can't believe is there is this survivor of one the most horrific recalls in modern day auto history and they label it a "silent recall" that just blows my mind, who ever heard of a "silent recall" and nobody wants to talk with him (me) for some strange reason or else know one who should know has been properly informed? Nor has anyone from gmc or takata called to at least apologize for the lifetime (closed head injury) inconvenience; why? :-((( sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jul 29, 2014 · Body, Transmission · 188,000 miles · FL

My dashboard became brittle, and falls apart if you touch it! Also my transmission has had to be rebuilt three times. But im only worried about my dash.

Filed Nov 1, 2012 · Brakes · 167,525 miles · MD

Applied break to start truck. Foot went to floor, very weak pedal. Checked brake fluid level, found front reservoir empty. Traced brake lines for leaks. Found portion of rear hard brake line between gas tank and rear axle rusted through at bend where brake line leaves frame rail and heads to connect to flexible line at rear differential. Entire area around leak, bottom of bed, frame rail, shock, spring, etc. Dripping with brake fluid. Replaced a previous section of rear brake linearound 125k miles prior to finding out this was a common problem with gmc / chevy trucks.

Filed Apr 17, 2012 · Visibility · 103,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would fail sporadically. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 103,000 and the current mileage was 107,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2011 · Visibility · 90,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would stop working sporadically. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage 90,000 and the current mileage is 139,000. Updated 10/21/11 *bf the wiper was repaired at a cost of $ 311.00. Update 10/26/11

Filed Sep 17, 2010 · Electrical · 64,000 miles · TN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 gmc 1500. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and discovered there was little to no power. None of the electrical components were operable. The contact inspected the vehicle and as he removed the covering from a plate under the steering column, he found that there were several burned wires. He then spliced the wires together and used a rubber protector to protect the wires from rubbing against the metal. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repairs. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 64,000.

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Compare the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500

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Questions about the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500

Is the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, fewer than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500?

Brakes, with 18 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is visibility (11).

How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V033000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad brakes?

The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2015 (229 complaints), 2014 (144 complaints) and 2000 (131 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 get?

Official estimates for the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 range from 13 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-16 city and 19-21 highway.

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