1998 GMC Pickup: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1998 gm pickup truck with severe corrosion on front frame. Customer states that 7 other vehicles are unsafe to use due to this problem. *according to the consumers observation. The design of the crossmember provided no exit point for accumulated water, which allowed the build-up of sediment and the subsequent corrosion from within the frame structure. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2007
“Windshield wipers work intermittently. While driving and if hitting a bump or something they may completely fail, or come on while in a rain storm. Contacted the dealer. The problem still exists. *ak *tc”Owner report · Visibility · May 2004
“I have a 1998 gmc sierra p/u my wishield wipers have the following symptoms: wipers will not work or work intermittently; wipers stop working for no apparent reason, maybe even in mid-stroke; wiper function is erratic, with no delay feature, delay is the same regardless of setting, or no low- or high-speed setting. I've noticed that general motors has issued a recal for 1996 models and feel this is similar.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2004
Show 5 more owner reports
“1998 gmc pickup had the intake manifold gasket replaced and still continues to leak. I'm told by dealers its a nationwide problem and is very costly to repair $600 and my have caused engine damage. *nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2003
“Wheel cylinder cap cracked, brakes overheated, the dealer replaced both rear with cylinder and bled the brakes, later the dealer found on the ABS system the right rear wheel cylinder was leaking, dealer replaced rear brake shoes and rear wheel cylinder. *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1998
“1998 gmc pickup has frosted headlight lenses. Customer states they looked scratched. Mechanic told the contact that this model is subject to sand blasting by road debris. *kb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 1901
“Steering design is inadequate,when vehicle is parked on a decline, vehicle must be put in parked gear with releasing the brake pedal in order to turn wheels.”Owner report · Steering
“All 5 wheels came from the factory bent.maunfacturer refuses to provide consumer with straight wheels. No dealer will replace tires with wheels bent.*ak”Owner report · Wheels
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN E SPEED RACING COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: E SPEED RACING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT E SPEED RACING 909-923-3636.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
How other years compare
Check your exact Pickup by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 GMC Pickup reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 GMC Pickup. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1998 GMC Pickup have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.