Model year record

1998 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls & problems

The 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 has 4 safety recalls and 59 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (16 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints59filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentOct 24, 2007

Equipment

Recall 07E088000121,680 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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, gasolineMay 19, 2006

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 06E04300088,303 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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, gasolineAug 10, 1998

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 98V18700055,272 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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, hydraulicFeb 17, 1998

Foundation components › Disc › Rotor

Recall 98V0330001,137 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Sierra 1500 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 4WD Diesel

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $6,400/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 4WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	16	0	0	0	76,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Motor; Windshield wiper/washer	11	1	1	1	81,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Differential unit	8	0	0	0	92,500 mi
SteeringLinkages; Steering wheel/handle bar	6	1	0	2	55,210 mi
StructureBody › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments; Interior panels › Dashboard	4	0	0	0	110,213 mi
Air bagsFrontal › Sensor/control module	4	2	0	2	—
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood	3	0	1	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system; Delivery › Fuel pump	3	0	0	0	—
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	3	0	0	0	125,000 mi
Service brakes, airAntilock	2	1	0	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Retractor	1	0	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner	1	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
The dash is busted in several pieces and places.
Nov 30, 2021
Steering
WHILE TRAVERSING A FREEWAY OVERPASS GOING 60 TO 65 MPH THE TRUCK SUDDENLY LURCHED TO THE LEFT. FORTUNATELY NO IMMEDIATE TRAFFIC ON MY LEFT. REALLY FRIGHTENED ME. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT A COMPONENT (CIRCUIT BOARD) OF THE NEW "SPEED SENSITIVE" POWER STEERING COULD FAIL, MAKING THE TRUCK THINK IT WAS GOING SLOWER AND INCREASE THE POWER STEERING ASSIST, CAUSING THE LURCH TO THE LEFT. THIS WAS AFTER HAVING THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CHECKED FOR ALIGNMENT, FAULTY OR DAMAGED PARTS, ANY ADJUSTMENTS OUT OF SPEC. THEY FOUND NO CAUSE. I DON'T ACTUALLY REMEMBER THE DATE AND HAVE ESTIMATED THE DATE BELOW. I EVENTUALLY SOLVED THE PROBLEM (AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH INDICATING THAT…
Jan 1, 2015 · 165,000 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SEATED IN THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
Jun 21, 2019 · 230,000 miles
Air bagsCrash1 injury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DEER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE COLLISION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND KNEE, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Mar 13, 2016
Air bagsCrash1 injury
"TAKATA RECALL" ON 02/17/2015 I [XXX] WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE PASSENGER (ME) MVA AT "THE MACINAC BRIDGE" ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE MACKINAC BRIDGE ROLLING MY TRUCK INTO THE TOLL BOOTHS LOCATED ON THE NORTH END OF THE MACINAC BRIDGE IN THE CITY OF ST IGNACE, MACKINAC COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE WEATHER CONDITIONS THAT DAY WERE HORRIBLE. THERE WERE HIGH WINDS, SNOW, SLEET, RAIN, AND I BLACK ICE ! 100% HUMIDITY ! AFTER THE ACCIDENT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP I OPENED MY EYES AND AN INFLATOR WAS LAUNCHED DIRECTLY AT MY HEAD. IF IT HAD HIT ME THERE I WOULD BE DEAD RIGHT NOW. I REACTED QUICKLY BY TILTING MY HEAD TO THE RIGHT AND THE INFLATOR HIT THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD USING IT AS GLIDE PATH THUS…
Feb 17, 2015
Power train
MY DASHBOARD BECAME BRITTLE, AND FALLS APART IF YOU TOUCH IT! ALSO MY TRANSMISSION HAS HAD TO BE REBUILT THREE TIMES. BUT IM ONLY WORRIED ABOUT MY DASH. *JS
Mar 16, 2004 · 188,000 miles
Service brakes
APPLIED BREAK TO START TRUCK. FOOT WENT TO FLOOR, VERY WEAK PEDAL. CHECKED BRAKE FLUID LEVEL, FOUND FRONT RESERVOIR EMPTY. TRACED BRAKE LINES FOR LEAKS. FOUND PORTION OF REAR HARD BRAKE LINE BETWEEN GAS TANK AND REAR AXLE RUSTED THROUGH AT BEND WHERE BRAKE LINE LEAVES FRAME RAIL AND HEADS TO CONNECT TO FLEXIBLE LINE AT REAR DIFFERENTIAL. ENTIRE AREA AROUND LEAK, BOTTOM OF BED, FRAME RAIL, SHOCK, SPRING, ETC. DRIPPING WITH BRAKE FLUID. REPLACED A PREVIOUS SECTION OF REAR BRAKE LINEAROUND 125K MILES PRIOR TO FINDING OUT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GMC / CHEVY TRUCKS. *TR
Oct 31, 2012 · 167,525 miles
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
Nov 2, 2011 · 103,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.