1998 GMC Sierra 2500: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The truck shut off no power brakes, steering. This happened while pulling a trailer. The gmc dealer informed me that the shut off was the result of a pump mounted driver (pmd) failure on the 6.5l diesel motor. Very unsafe should have resulted in a accident. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2014
“Windshield wipers began to fail suddenly on and off while driving in the rain and eventually quit working all together. I checked with the dealer for recalls and found that there were recalls for this problem on chevy & gmc trucks from 1994 to 1996. My truck is a 1998 but it was built in 1997. I waited for the recall to be extended however I finally spent $60.00 and replaced the defective part. I know 3 other people with 1998 chevy/gmc trucks who have all had this problem. One resulted in the death of a child and the imprisonment of the driver who was unable to file a complaint. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2006
“The horn suddenly quit working . I checked all electrical components and found that the horn it's self has failed. I have not corrected the problem to this point. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“The vehicle's fuel injections system is leaking. As a result, fuel was spraying over the whole engine compartment. The cause has yet to be determined. *la”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2004
“Consumer stated that rear seals were leaking. Consumer purchased vehicle used, and was told that seals were replaced at 30000 miles by the original owner. Currently, these seals needed to be replaced again. Consumer indicated that the seals were leaking grease or oil which caused the brakes to grab and release, grab and release when trying to come to a stop. This was a safety hazard because one day vehicle might not stop at all. *ak *mr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2004
“While driving stepped on brake pedal, and pedal went down halfway, the rest was rock hard, and vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. *ak *ml”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2000
“Knock in 5.7 g.m. Motor with 60,000 miles. I was told this is a common problem and it would go away after the truck is started cold this is normal. How can this be normal? How can gm get away with this? I bought the truck new in 1998 and have all the oil change records at every 3000 miles. Now around 70,000 I will be looking to put in a new motor. Is there any place I can go for help on this problem and do you have other complaints? *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 1998
“While traveling consumer tried to make a sudden stop. Pressed the brake pedal to the floorboard and vehicle continued to travel. Then slowly came to a stop. Please providefurther details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1998
“While driving consumer notice severe driveline vibration which shakes the steering wheel and truck, dealer rotated and balanced the tire during 3000 mile check up, vehicle ran a little better, but still vibrated.*et”Owner report · Power Train
“When attempting to stop front brakes overpowered rear brakes in which anti-lock brake system kicked in and caused complete loss of braking ability. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced brake shoes and drums. But, problem still occurs. Please provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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, 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.
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: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 2500 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 Sierra 2500 reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. 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.