1998 GMC Sierra problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 230 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median Sierra year — the 1998 model ranks #9 of 36 Sierra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 68 reports (30% of the total).
230
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
19
Crash-involved
8
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Sierra years?
What are the most common 1998 GMC Sierra problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 68 | 30% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 34 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 16 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 15 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 13 | 6% | — flat |
| Engine | 12 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 11 | 5% | — flat |
| Other | 10 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 10 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 9 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 7 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 6 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL 05V379000L FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS MODEL YEAR VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS INDICATED ON THE RECALL. WHILE HE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING GARAGE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE…”
“WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AT 50 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS . THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK TO A LICENSED MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. *JB”
“INITIAL PROBLEM 09/02/98 WAS BOTH REAR AXLE SEALS LEAKING CAUSING BRAKES TO FADE. AGAIN ON 11/04/98 REAR AXLE SEALS LEAKING, ADJUSTED BRAKES. 11/06/98 BRAKES LOCKING-UP. 11/13/98 BRAKES GRABBING, REPLACED BOTH REAR BRAKE SHOES, ABS LIGHT ON-MODULE NOT ACTIVATING BRAKE RELEASE-REPLACED ANTI-LOCK…”
“COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL."MY PICKUP HAS OCCASIONAL RESISTANCE WHEN MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS CATCHING AND THEN LETTING GO. THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS A LITTLE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT'S MORE ANNOYING THAT ANYTHING. THE TRUCK HAS 130,000 MILES ON IT. I…”
“THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. WHEN TURNING THE WINDSHEILD WIPERS ON, THE MOTOR MAKES A LOT OF NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. VEHICLE ALSO HAS THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS: ENGINE COOLANT TANK AND BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ARE LEAKING, BRAKES AND…”
1998 GMC Sierra — common questions
Is the 1998 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 230 complaints put the 1998 model at #9 of 36 Sierra years. It is one of the Sierra years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Sierra problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (68 complaints), visibility & wipers (34 complaints), transmission (16 complaints).
Does the 1998 GMC Sierra have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 GMC Sierra.
Is the 1998 GMC Sierra under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which GMC Sierra years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 1998, 2004, 1994, 2005, 2014, 1993. The cleanest record among Sierra years belongs to 1979.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.