Is the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1998 GMC Sierra 2500

○ Not enough data

1998 GMC Sierra 2500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:42.642Z

Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 15
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1998: 15 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	1
1997	14
1998	15
1999	36
2000	48
2001	134
2002	134
2003	160
2004	143
2005	115
2006	66
2007	83
2008	63
2009	31
2010	10
2011	63
2012	30
2013	46
2014	30
2015	89
2016	59
2017	37
2018	35
2019	32
2020	79
2021	51
2022	45
2023	32
2024	104
2025	28
2026	14

Known problem areas

Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Service brakes

9 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Power train

3 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline and seal.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-16

Also filed under Steering and fuel/propulsion system

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-06

Steering

2 of 15 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

Show complaint excerpts

Anti-lock brake failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-22

Also filed under Service brakes, air

Visibility

1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility.

Fuel/propulsion system

1 of 15 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

1998-03-15Service brakes, hydraulic98V033000 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…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" And, if found, replace the rotor.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

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).

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 98V033000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 07E088000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.