MYRModel Year Report

1998 GMC Sierra

◆ Worse than typical
1998 GMC Sierra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:12.122Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
190
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

35% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1989 1990: 18 complaints 1991: 12 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 72 complaints 1993 1994: 190 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1996: 246 complaints 1997: 238 complaints 1998: 190 complaints 1998 190 1999: 600 complaints 2000: 443 complaints 2001: 264 complaints 2002: 249 complaints 2003: 206 complaints 2004: 188 complaints 2005: 117 complaints 2005 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 59 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 34 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 2014: 101 complaints 2015: 53 complaints 2016: 6 complaints 2017: 61 complaints 2017
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1989 1990: 18 complaints 1991: 12 complaints 1991 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 72 complaints 1993 1994: 190 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 246 complaints 1997: 238 complaints 1998: 190 complaints 1998 190 1999: 600 complaints 2000: 443 complaints 2001: 264 complaints 2001 2002: 249 complaints 2003: 206 complaints 2003 2004: 188 complaints 2005: 117 complaints 2005 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 59 complaints 2007 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 34 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 2014: 101 complaints 2015: 53 complaints 2015 2016: 6 complaints 2017: 61 complaints 2017
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1989 1990: 18 complaints 1991: 12 complaints 1991 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 72 complaints 1993 1994: 190 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 246 complaints 1997: 238 complaints 1998: 190 complaints 1998 190 1999: 600 complaints 2000: 443 complaints 2001: 264 complaints 2001 2002: 249 complaints 2003: 206 complaints 2003 2004: 188 complaints 2005: 117 complaints 2005 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 59 complaints 2007 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 34 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 2014: 101 complaints 2015: 53 complaints 2015 2016: 6 complaints 2017: 61 complaints 2017

1998: 190 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19821
19832
19871
19886
198916
199018
199112
199230
199372
1994190
1995261
1996246
1997238
1998190
1999600
2000443
2001264
2002249
2003206
2004188
2005117
200653
200759
200868
200937
201034
201143
201229
201339
2014101
201553
20166
201761

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

35% · 67 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Brakes failed while backing up and hit a tree. Found brake line was severely rusted and replaced brake line.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-10

Fame rot almost completely broken on both sides in rear by leaf spring mounts

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-08

Catastrophic brake failure on state highway. No accident or injuries, but repairs included brake lines, calipers and pads due to corrosion of said lines and caliper assemblies.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-03

Visibility

18% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving in rainy weather for a long period of time at 50 MPH, the driver noticed smoke coming from the vents . The following day, the consumer took the truck to a licensed mechanic and was told the windshield wiper motor caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-12

Power train

8% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and seal.

CRASH

Steering

8% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and hydraulic power assist system.

Engine and engine cooling

6% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and emission control.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 190 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2004-09-28Recall queryClosed 2005-04-14 Tailgate support cable breakage
  3. I
    2005-04-14Engineering analysisClosed 2006-04-11 Tailgate support cables

Buy-smart checklist

1998 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 67 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 GMC Sierra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 GMC Sierra is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 GMC Sierra?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 GMC Sierra have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

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