Most common 1998 GMC Sierra problems
Share of the 190 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Sierra complaints by model year
Best Sierra years: 2020, 2018, 2009. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 1995, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1998 GMC Sierra:
Tailgate support cable breakage
Odi is upgrading rq04-010 and opening an engineering analysis to further investigate the tailgate support cables installed in 1998, 1999, and partial year 2000 silverados and sierras (c/k models).general motors is conducting recall campaign 04v-129 to replace the tailgate support cables originally installed in certain model year 2000 - 2004 sierras and silverados.general motors has advised odi that the materials…
Tailgate support cables
General motors is conducting a safety recall to remove and replace the tailgate support cables installed in 805,368 model year 1999 and 2000 gmt 800 model vehicles.the model year 1999 and 2000 gmt-800 series vehicles that will be campaigned had contributed a significant majority of the total complaints (87%) and injuries (79%) associated with the tailgate support cable breakage in the model year 1998 - 2000 c/k…
What 1998 GMC Sierra owners say
Brakes all 62 →
ABS braking system not engaging. Hub damage. Continuous need for new brakes. Finally an accident in nov 2002.after 7 months the repairs complete but I had to pay for new hubs even though this is a brake issue.after research I find that the hubs May be made improperly. The wreck was caused by a misaligned tone ring or ABS sensor.I believe the hubs are a part of this but the dealer denies it.my insurance covered most of the repairs weaver auto repaired many hoses and the engine oil coolant linesand on the 18th of June 2003,first day driving the truck after the repairs my engine acted like it blew. …
Dt: the contact states there is a NHTSA recall campaign 05V379000 concerning the anti lock brakes. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The contact repaired the vehicle at her own expense. The ABS engaged at low speeds which resulted in a rear end collision. There was only minor damage sustained by both vehicles. A police report was taken at the scene.
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 30 →
Intermittantly the windshield wipers become inoperable. Usually after they run a while and usually stop at the worst time right in the middle of a heavy downpour. When I open the hood I can hear a soft buzzing noise. When I wiggle the cable harness assembly that goes to the motor the wipers will start again. But then when I shut the hood the vibration sometimes causes the wipers to stop. This had been going on since last year, 2004. This is the exact same problem I have read about in similar complaints and the NHTSA campaign id 03v15900.
Dt: the windshield wipers are no longer working properly. The windshield wipers will work sometimes. The problem first started in 2-2004. The consumer statesdthat once he smelled a burning smell coming from the vehicle. When the consumer took vehicle to a dealership they told him that there was recall 02054 on the 1997 models for the same issue. The problem has not been repaired as of yet. There have been no accidents at this time.
Transmission & drivetrain
1998 GMC Sierra 1500 ext. Cab truck. Purchased used on 6/03/08. Odometer read 96,921miles. Less than 24 hours after purchase I noticed what felt like a slipping in the transmission going from 1st to 2nd, and 2nd to 3rd, under 15 MPH when the engine was warm. I mentioned this to the dealer, who had agreed to reimburse me for partial costs to have all the fluids flushed and filled with clean fluid at the recommendation of my regular shop, where I had taken the truck for inspection 12 hours after purchase. At this time I noticed the drivers side door handle was cracked into the lock area. I asked the service shop (dixieland tire) for a quote on repair, the manager told me, "that is a common GMC problem, the parts dept stocks about a dozen of those and I've replaced at least 18 in the past years.". The part cost $61.50 plus tax at 6.5%, and labor of $97.50. …
Don't have my VIN handy at the moment b/c my truck is in the shop having $1400 of transmission work done on it. It's a 1998 GMC Sierra 2wd, and the transmission went out 8/21/03. The tranny had 84,000 miles before comlete failure. The truck was driven by an exceptionally gentle driver, never used for towing (even though it came with a towing "package") and never abused in any way. Yesterday, it wouldn't reverse or go into 1st gear. Two weeks prior it began shifting hard, emitting a loud "clank" sound...we knew the end was near!
1998 GMC Sierra 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 | RWD | 13 / 17 / 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 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 GMC Sierra a good car?
Based on 190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Sierra rates avoid: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Sierra at the same age. It is one of the Sierra years we suggest avoiding. 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?
The brakes — 62 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (30) and transmission & drivetrain (15).
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Sierra have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 GMC Sierra. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Sierra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2018 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000, 1995, 1996 and 1997. See the full GMC Sierra years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Sierra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 18% 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.