1998 GMC Sierra 1500: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500
On the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, the failure owners report most often is ABS module or sensor failure, with 11 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 80,000 miles. Overall it scores 67 out of 100, high risk for a 1998.
High risk for a 1998 — 100th riskiest of the 271 1998 vehicles we can rate. 68 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 26 named failure modes on the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, and the three most-reported carry 34% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
ABS module or sensor failure leads with 11 reports and about 1.8 per 1,000 vehicles.
Wiper or washer failure follows with 6 reports, median 80,000 miles.
Other steering problem follows with 6 reports, median 55,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into brakes (18), glass (9) and steering (7).
The mileage the reports cluster at
42 of the reports on the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 80,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 14% by 50,000 miles, 60% by 100,000 miles and 83% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 1 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 50,000 and 60,000 miles, which alone holds 14% of the dated reports.
10% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, so this is mostly a story about older, higher-mileage cars.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 26. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 1 report came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 6 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 4 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.71, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: ABS module or sensor failure at $500–$2,400, wiper or washer failure at $120–$800, other steering problem at $350–$2,400 and other powertrain problem at $400–$4,500. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
16% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 11 | 6 | — | 93k | — | 1.8 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 6 | 4 | — | 81k | — | 1.0 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 6 | 3 | — | 55k | — | 1.0 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 5 | 4 | — | 104k | — | 0.8 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 5 | 2 | — | 70k | — | 0.8 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 3 | 2 | — | 114k | — | 0.5 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 3 | 3 | — | 50k | — | 0.5 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other visibility problem | glass | 3 | 3 | — | 103k | — | 0.5 | $150–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 2 | 2 | — | 144k | — | 0.3 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 105k | — | 0.3 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 2 | 1 | — | 76k | — | 0.3 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.3 | $200–$900 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 2 | 2 | — | 55k | — | 0.3 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 2 | 1 | — | 188k | — | 0.3 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Water pump failure | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 81k | — | 0.2 | $500–$2,200 | High |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 97k | — | 0.2 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Airbag failed to deploy in a crash | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $1,000–$5,000 | Critical |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 1 | 1 | — | 64k | — | 0.2 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 1 | 1 | — | 110k | — | 0.2 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 1 | 1 | — | 2 | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.2 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 1 | 1 | — | 40k | — | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Unclassified problem | other | 1 | 1 | — | 230k | — | 0.2 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 draws about 11 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 89th percentile of complaint rates among 1998 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 6,141 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 1998 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
ABS module or sensor failure
When driving below 10 miles per hour my vehicle ABS breaks are vibrating . So you have to pump the brakes and then you get a soft break pedal and you need to keep pumping the break pedal to stop the vibration.
Dt: the contact stated while driving he depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and the anti lock brakes kicked in and out. Instead of stopping it will just slow the vehicle down. Repairs have been made.*ak the consumer was told the wheel speed sensor malfunctioned. Updated 01/25/06. *jb
Wiper or washer failure
Windshield wipers fail to work intermittently, obviously I only attempt to use my wipers when it is raining. The last time I was driving in heavy rain on the interstate. I managed to get to the shoulder without incedent. This is a very dangerous situation.
On a 1998 gmc sierra 1/2 ton pickup. Faulty windshield wiper control board. Solder joints pn control board will crack causing wipers to fail at random times, creating an unsafe situation when in traffic. Tapping or jerking on the wipers will temporarily reactivate them. This is a known issue by gm for over 15 years and recalls have been made on previous vehicles, but are not offered on vehicles after 1997. *jb
Other steering problem
Dt: steering position sensor failed for the third time when making a turn. The resistance went away, it turned free. The consumer told the dealer it happened frequently. The sensor was replaced twice and this was third time. *ak this caused the operator to make an uncontrolled over-steer turn. *sc *jb
While driving at almost any speed the steering seems to "slip" especially when turning left, however this also occurs when turning to the right. This on a couple of occasions has almost got me in an accident. Dealer does not seem to either find or recognize that the problem exists. *jb
Recalls on the 1998 model year
NHTSA has issued 4 recall campaigns covering the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, affecting an estimated 7,368 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover equipment, fuel system, gasoline, fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly and service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
EQUIPMENT
121,680 vehicles 2007-10-24- Defect
- Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are not affected by this recall. The gasket of the oil filter becomes more pliable under high temperatures and pressures.
- Consequence
- This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
- Remedy
- Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during november 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
88,303 vehicles 2006-05-19- Defect
- Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The connector on the fuel filter was not manufactured to honeywell's specification. As a result, the o-ring may not seat correctly on the fuel line.
- Consequence
- This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on october 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
55,272 vehicles 1998-08-10- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- This condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
- 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
1,137 vehicles 1998-02-17- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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 work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 1998 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 1998 compares with the other years
High risk for a 1998 — 100th riskiest of the 271 1998 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 30 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1997 comes out best at 60 and 2019 worst at 81, with 1998 itself at 67.
If the model year is negotiable, 1997, 1999 and 2012 score lower than 1998 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 1996–2000 generation specifically, 1997 is the strongest year at 60 and 2000 the weakest at 70.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 1996-2000 generation, 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 scores best at 60 and 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 worst at 70.
Where these figures stop being useful
68 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 68 reports, 42 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 62% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500?
The most-reported failures are abs module or sensor failure (11 reports, median 95,000 miles), wiper or washer failure (6 reports, median 80,000 miles) and other steering problem (6 reports, median 55,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
It scores 67 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 100th riskiest of the 271 1998 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 1998 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the GMC Sierra 1500 is best?
Within the 1996–2000 generation, 1997 scores best at 60 out of 100 and 2000 worst at 70. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed