1998 GMC Sierra 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sierra 1500 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 GMC Sierra 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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).
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 and remedy
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.
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Owner complaints
59 complaints6 involved a crash2 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
The dash is busted in several pieces and places.
- 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…
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 replacing the circuit board sometimes was only a temporary fix. The solution was installing a "kit" I found online that completely removed the new speed controlled power assistance. I probably had 4 or 5 instances of this occurring, and consider myself extremely fortunate not to have an accident or injury. This was the result of extreme vigilance once I had determined what was happening. During my research I found many reports of the problem, many tried fixes that didn't resolve the problem. One man spent $4000 to have the entire front end of his vehicle replaced, only to have the problem recur. What really bothers me IS both why this did not result in a recall, and the fact that this happened so frequently and dealers would not recommend an actual fix, but let customers waste a lot of money "trying to fix" the problem, leaving this safety hazard in place.
- 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.
- Air bags
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…
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.
- Air bags
"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…
"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 changing the trajectory next IS what I call the most horrific thing to ever happen in my entire 51 year life span thus far on earth, the inflator blew up off the back-side of my head point blank, changing my life as I know it forever. That day on 02/17/2015 the [xxx] everyone knows and loves actually died. What I can't believe IS there IS this survivor of one the most horrific recalls in modern day auto history and they label it a "silent recall" that just blows my mind, who ever heard of a "silent recall" and nobody wants to talk with him (me) for some strange reason or else know one who should know has been properly informed? Nor has anyone from GMC or takata called to at least apologize for the lifetime (closed head injury) inconvenience; why? :-((( sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Power train · Structure
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
- 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…
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
- 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.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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…
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 *bf the wiper was repaired at a cost of $ 311.00. Update 10/26/11
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC 1500. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and discovered there was little to no power. None of the electrical components were operable. The contact inspected the vehicle and as he removed the covering from a plate under the steering column, he found that there…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC 1500. The contact attempted to start the vehicle and discovered there was little to no power. None of the electrical components were operable. The contact inspected the vehicle and as he removed the covering from a plate under the steering column, he found that there were several burned wires. He then spliced the wires together and used a rubber protector to protect the wires from rubbing against the metal. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for repairs. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 64,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I was approaching a busy intersection at a normal speed. When I used the brake it instantly went to the floor. No brakes! I went through the intersection into an empty lot. Thank god no accident. The brake line rotted because gm routed cheap steel lines in areas where sand, salt and water collect. GMC refused to cover the repair and it cost me 500.00. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Component: service brakes, hydraulic details: the ABS pulsates at low speeds, usually at 10 mph or slower. I've almost hit several vehicles because my '98 GMC sierra wouldn't stop. I see where they had a recall on 99 and newer trucks, but they need to go back further. This happens everytime I go to slow down. GMC refuses to acknowledge problem prior to 1999. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The ABS pulsates at low speeds, usually at 10 mph or slower. I've almost hit several vehicles because my '98 GMC sierra wouldn't stop. I see where they had a recall on 99 and newer trucks, but they need to go back further. This happens everytime I go to slow down. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Driveline
While driving through a stop light I heard and felt a metallic bang. The transmission dropped into 1ST gear and wouldn't shift up. I lost reverse too. *Tr
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer
I own a 1998 GMC sierra and the windshield wipers work only part of the time. Upon searching the internet it seems to be a widespread problem among these vehicles, but the recall doesn't include this year even though the circuit board IS the same . *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
When I bought truck (120,000 miles) the previous owner informed me that the gas tank was full. after 200 miles I wondered why the gas gauge was still on full. talked to several people with the same problem, same vehicle who had to replace the sending unit on the fuel pump. this corrected the problem. gm needs to start taking responsibility for vehicle defects. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Had a antifreeze leak for months. started looking around and noticed the fitting from the heater core return line into the engine block was corroded and ready to fall of. I barely touched the return line and it the fitting snapped off. I'm the 3RD person I know with this same problem, same vehicle. there IS obviously a problem here gm needs to address. *tr
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Tailgate support cable rusted through and broke. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC sierra 1500. while approaching a stop between 1-5 mph, the brakes vibrated, made a hissing sound, and lunged forward. the mechanic diagnosed a failure with the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. the contact's vehicle year was not included in nhtsa campaign ID…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC sierra 1500. while approaching a stop between 1-5 mph, the brakes vibrated, made a hissing sound, and lunged forward. the mechanic diagnosed a failure with the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. the contact's vehicle year was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). the contact filed a complaint with GMC on march 10, 2008 and was issued confirmation number 71-1609860847. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 111,500 and failure mileage was 111,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the 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…
Tl*the 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 *cn updated 03/05/08 *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS slow speed activation . Have replaced sensors twice . *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers will not always work. When raining they go off or stall. Pulling on wippers manually will retart them occationaly. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Gas pedal sticks all the time when you first step on pedal. You then accelerate in a jerky manner as you have to press it hard to get it to unstick!!! Also dos it on our 2001 grand prix and my fathers 1999 chevrolet pickup.*ak
- Steering
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
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Several months ago, my airbag light came on and didn't extinguish. I took my 1998 GMC extd. Cab pickup to the dealer and they completed repairs ($755.14, even at a discounted rate). the problem was the sir coil intermittently was grounding, causing a short in the sdm module. my airbag has never…
Several months ago, my airbag light came on and didn't extinguish. I took my 1998 GMC extd. Cab pickup to the dealer and they completed repairs ($755.14, even at a discounted rate). the problem was the sir coil intermittently was grounding, causing a short in the sdm module. my airbag has never deployed and the truck has never been involved in an accident. since airbags were mandated back in 1998, I would have hoped that I would never have had a problem with that system! Seems to me this should be warranted for the life of the car, barring deployment from an accident. *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10237671This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10226382This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10209734This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10178353This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10162149This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10161004This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10160637This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a customer?s request to remove or disable the Bi-Fuel Compressed Natural Gas system. General Motors does not condone the removal of the original equipped Compressed Natural Gas systems.
- 10129088This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10078876This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the hydro-boost IS not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10034428Chevrolet:gmc: engineering information-fuel tank pressure sensor, dtcs p0446, p0451 or p0454 set. GMC engineering IS attempting to determine the root cause of the above concern.
- 10032462Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement IS necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for noise, no power assist, no or low pressure and leaking conditions has indicated a high number of no trouble found results. All 1997-2010 vehicles and light trucks; 2010 and prior hummers H2/H3 and saab 9-7X vehicles.
- 634339Some customers may comment on front door hinge pin bushing wear, front door sag, or door chucking movement in extreme operating conditions.
- 619742This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service.
- 619741Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on; the transmission IS stuck in third gear; and / or the instrument cluster IS inoperative.
Every GMC Sierra 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.