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1998 GMC Sierra 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 3500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
11
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 problems

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

  • Brakes
    4
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    4
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 2

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported November 26, 2004 · 1,660 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1‑908‑231‑1804 or mobilityworks at 1‑800‑769‑8267.

Recall number 04V562000 · 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 3500

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 11

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

See all 11 bulletins for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500

What 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 13, 2012 · Brakes · 136,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 gmc sierra 3500. The contact stated that when he applied his brakes to release the gear shifter, the brake pedal went straight to the floor. The brake warning light illuminated immediately after. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the brake lines had burst and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was approximately 136,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Aug 17, 2011 · Acceleration · 120,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 gmc sierra 3500. The contact stated while the vehicle was stopped with the brake pressed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for inspection. The contact had not informed the dealer, and the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were 120,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2009 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · SC

About 4 years ago I had problems with my brake booster system on my truck when the brakes failed and it was hard to stop the truck. I had the brake booster replaced two times then had to have the power steering pump replaced as this is connected to my brake system. About a year after I had this work done gmc recalled the power steering pump on my truck. Now I am have problems with this system again. If I turn my truck right or left the brake activate just like you are pushing on the brake to stop. This has almost caused me to have an accident more them once. I understand from other owners that this system has a lot of problems with it and the only way to fix it is to remove this system and replace with a different type of system. I hope you can help me and other owners to get gmc to repair our brakes.

Filed Mar 2, 2007 · Body · 95,173 miles · FL

Severe vehicle frame corrosion/rusting of front frame extensions, particularly in area of steering box mounting of several agency owned 98-2000 year model chevrolet & gmc pickup trucks. Disposition is scrapping vehicles as beyond economical repair and unsafe to operate.

Filed Oct 16, 2003 · Visibility · OH

Windshield wipers came on and off intermittently while driving in inclement weather. This caused poor visibility. Dealership was contacted and stated that vehicle was not under recall.

Filed Nov 20, 2002 · Brakes · PA

Consumer stated that when trying to apply the brakes the brake pedal would go to the floor causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer notified ts

Filed Jul 2, 2002 · Brakes · MI

I have the misfortune of owning a 1998 gmc 1 ton dually, the rear brake drums have seals loacated on the inboard side that seal against a surface of the axle. As it is a full float axle, meaning there are tapered bearings in the brake drums the bearings are lubricated with axle fluid and the seals are there to prevent leakage of the fluid. The failure of a seal provides a fluid leakage path that is down the inside surface of the drum, across the surface of the drum which the brake linings contact and out between the backing plate and drum. I have had 3 seal failures on one side and 2 on the other. A failure of the seal allows 80w90 axle fluid to soak the break linings, as this is not obvious, the failure is noticed by increased stopping distance as the rear brakes are rendered useless by the contamination with axle fluid. Since 1-ton trucks are uasually sold to pull or haul this is an especially dangerous condition, with a full rated load the rear brakes are much more critical than that of a pass car. I talked to mechanics at gm dealerships and they say the seals have been a problem since as long as they can rember. I've since looked at the backside of the rear tires of dually and noticed the tell tale sign of a failed seal of axle fluid stains. Theres an awfull lot of 1 ton duallys on the road with no rear brakes.

Filed Jun 13, 2001 · Tires · KS

At 65mph vehicle started making a thumping sound. When consumer pulled over and started feeling around tire tread was separating. Right rear tire had at least 1,000 more miles to go. Consumer used the spare tire to go find a firestone dealer which they replaced and balanced tire for free. Consumer owns a 1999 motor home with a 98 chevrolet 3500 chassis with original tires size lt245/75r16 having 34,000 miles on them.*ak

Filed Oct 2, 2000 · Tires · NC

Pe-00020 original equipment on a 1998, gmc, van 3500, tire size lt24575r16. While driving 55 MPH on the highway tread on the right rear tire separated.

Filed Feb 14, 2000 · Fuel system · TX

Fuel injection system is continually failing. Consumer states that it is an electrical fuel injection system, and the sensor has been changed. Has been taken to the dealer 3 times.

Compare the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500

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Questions about the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500

Is the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500, fewer than a typical Sierra 3500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500?

Brakes, with 4 complaints. Next is fuel system (2).

How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 have?

2 recalls, covering equipment adaptive/mobility and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 brakes?

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

What year does the GMC Sierra 3500 have bad brakes?

The GMC Sierra 3500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2001 (16 complaints), 2004 (14 complaints) and 2000 (12 complaints).

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