Most common 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Share of the 59 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Sierra 1500 complaints by model year
Best Sierra 1500 years: 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019. Compare all years →
1998 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
What 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Brakes
I have had multiple incidents where the brakes have to be applied quick and hard in traffic or on turns where the road is somewhat slightly bumpy or rough and the brakes will chatter and buzz, the pedal goes to the floor and the truck will not stop. On the April 1999 incident the car in front of me stopped in a turn lane to enter a freeway and I had to hit the brakes quick and hard. Well they again rattled and buzzed, the pedal went to the floor and the truck did not stop. I in turn bumped the car in front of me. There was little damage to the car. My truck instead suffered to an overinflated body shop bill to the tune of #3,000.00. The selling dealer did the body repairs and checked the brakes. Mr. …
Tl contact owns a 1998 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving at any speed, the rear brakes shake. The vehicle was taken to a service station and the tires were replaced and balanced, the brakes were adjusted, and the brake shoes and rear brake pads were replaced. However, the rear of the vehicle continues to shake. The contact was informed that the brake shoes move about and there was no way they could be repaired. The contact also stated that the ABS light and the service engine soon light were illuminated and have been since April of 2006. The current mileage was 161,000 and failure mileage was 147,625. Updated 3/5/08 updated 03/05/08
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The switch for the remote control outside mirrors caught fire. Ruining the switch, associated harness and the door panel. I have discussed this with my dealer quoting NHTSA campaign number 03V093000. He refuses to honor the recall saying my VIN was not included in the recall. I hope this complaint will help getting my vehicle included in the recall.
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 the wiper was repaired at a cost of $ 311.00. Update 10/26/11
Transmission & drivetrain
Events leading up to the failure are unknnow, at no time was adverse stress or strain placed on this vehicle. The problems began in November 2003 when I lost first gear in my automatic transmission. I dropped the pan to replace the filter and fluid, there were metal roller bearings and metal debree in the pan. I had to have the transmission replaced. 80,000 miles is way too young for a transmission to fail. March, my water pump began leaking, I replaced it. April, my heater core began leaking, I by passed it. May, my radiator began leaking, I had to have it replaced. The radiator and heater core are being stored for a short time for me until I can decide if I am going to begin legal class actions on the faulty cooling system on this GMC serria 1500 pickup. GMC offered no assistance.
1998 extended cab GMC Sierra 1/2 ton. Rear differential exploded at 60,000 miles. Transmission was rebuilt and now it is acting up again at 80,000 miles. This truck has never been driven by anyone other than myself. This truck has never been abused and I followed the maintenance suggestions in the book. Is there some problem with this make/model. I have always owned GMC products and never had any trouble like this.
1998 GMC Sierra 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 6.5L 8-cyl turbo diesel | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 12 / 18 / 14 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 a good car?
Based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Sierra 1500 rates better than average: 65% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sierra 1500 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 Sierra 1500?
The brakes — 18 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (11) and transmission & drivetrain (7).
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, the most recent from August 10, 1998 (tank assembly). 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 Sierra 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2019. See the full GMC Sierra 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 81,000 miles; 16% 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.