Most common 1998 GMC C/K problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC C/K complaints by model year
Best C/K years: 2002, 1999, 2000. Years to avoid: 1997. Compare all years →
1998 GMC C/K recalls (1)
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Certain sport utility vehicles, Mini vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 GMC C/K:
Driver door electrical fires
By letter dated March 19, 2003, the manufacturer notified NHTSA of the decision to initate a safety recall campaign on selected vehicles within the subject population.the campaign involves 507,000 c/k and m/l vehicles built during model years 1997-1998.the recall involves vehicle models with high incident rates and built at selected assembly plants.a contributing factor to the defect wasinherent variations in…
What 1998 GMC C/K owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Consumer states while driving under rainy conditions sometimes windshield wipers will quit without warning. Windshield wipers May or May not come back on.
Wiper work intermittently. There is a recall for GM k1500 1992-97, but this vehicle is a 1998. I have found other complaints for 1998 with this same issue.
Brakes
I am writing about issues with the brake systems in 1998 GMC siera ext. Cab p/u. The issue at hand is the deployment of the ABS system while you are driving, it has caused numerous close calls. I spoke to my mechanic today said it would cost well over $600.00 to correct issue, and he has ran across this issue with numerous GMC pick ups. I have already replaced brakes and rotors twice on the front brakes, I have maintained this vehicle the way I am supposed to maintian it. I have also been in an accident in my own driveway because if this ABS problem.as I was backing up I aplied brakes, and the ABS deployed. I'm just glad it wasn't a child that was behind me. It seems that GMC has numerous problems with their braking systems.
Total loss of brakes at low speed due to a.b.s. Computer failure resulting in a crash. (1)vehicle passed government safety inspection. Within one month rear axle seals leaked new brakes were replaced at local independent shop with new brake pads due to oil contamination commented did not like my brakes after test drive. Vehicle taken to local dealer for evalution. Sevrice manager determined the reed switches in front both required to be replaced at a cost of $750 I asked if there was any kind of recall for this problem as I had experienced it before in a work truck . I was told this was an old truck with nearly 200,000 kilometers on it. I was also told no, there are no service issues or recalls and I was responsable. I wanted a second opinion on the diagnosisupon returning home the next day I struck a telephone pole at less than 5 m.p.h. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 GMC C/K a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 C/K rates average: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the C/K at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 GMC C/K?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the brakes (5) and fuel & propulsion system (1).
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC C/K have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 GMC C/K, the most recent from March 7, 2003 (exterior). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC C/K?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 1999 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997. See the full GMC C/K years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC C/K problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 14% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.