1998 GMC Sierra 1500 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 5%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, 5% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The wipers do not always work. There seems to be a short of some kind in the system. I can get them to work by manually moving them sometimes. Also I'm having a problem with the brake lights working. I have replaced the tail light assembly twice. Again it seems to be a short in the system, they work on and off, its very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10167436, filed 2006-09, 50,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10356172, filed 2010-09, 64,000 miles“Gas gauge acted erratically. Warming up vehicle while sitting in idling position for about 10 minutes and all of sudden heard a loud noise. Vehicle stopped running, smoke was coming out from around the fuel tank. Contacted dealer. Still under warranty, was told that the wiring harness that is attached to the fuel tank had a short, it was melted.”
NHTSA complaint #855800, filed 2000-01Related service bulletins
- 10237671May 19, 2023This 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…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 14% |
| 2025 | 26 | 21% |
| 2024 | 43 | 11% |
| 2023 | 64 | 13% |
| 2022 | 83 | 14% |
| 2021 | 76 | 13% |
| 2020 | 81 | 17% |
| 2019 | 95 | 14% |
| 2018 | 43 | 14% |
| 2017 | 54 | 15% |
| 2016 | 54 | 16% |
| 2015 | 96 | 13% |
| 2014 | 129 | 17% |
| 2013 | 6 | 5% |
| 2012 | 8 | 7% |
| 2011 | 17 | 6% |
| 2010 | 10 | 6% |
| 2009 | 20 | 9% |
| 2008 | 31 | 8% |
| 2007 | 22 | 8% |
| 2006 | 20 | 14% |
| 2005 | 67 | 38% |
| 2004 | 81 | 38% |
| 2003 | 43 | 24% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 2 | 2% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology