1998 GMC Sierra 1500 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 12%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, 12% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles.
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.
“My dashboard became brittle, and falls apart if you touch it! Also my transmission has had to be rebuilt three times. But im only worried about my dash.”
NHTSA complaint #10617386, filed 2014-07, 188,000 miles“1998 extended cab Gmc sierra 1/2 ton. Rear differential exploded at 60,000 miles. Transmission was rebuilt and now it is acting up again at 80,000 miles. This truck has never been driven by anyone other than myself. This truck has never been abused and I followed the maintenance suggestions in the book. Is there some problem with this make/model. I have always owned Gmc products and never had any trouble like this.”
NHTSA complaint #10147270, filed 2006-01, 60,000 miles“While driving through a stop light I heard and felt a metallic bang. The transmission dropped into 1st gear and wouldn't shift up. I lost reverse too.”
NHTSA complaint #10251788, filed 2008-12, 104,000 miles“My transmission has failed 3 times, each time losing reverse, 2nd and 4th. The first time between 40k -50k the second time about 65k and the third at about 95k miles. I rarely pull heavy loads in this truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10005831, filed 2003-02, 45,000 miles“Events leading up to the failure are unknnow, at no time was adverse stress or strain placed on this vehicle. The problems began in november 2003 when I lost first gear in my automatic transmission. I dropped the pan to replace the filter and fluid, there were metal roller bearings and metal debree in the pan. I had to have the transmission replaced. 80,000 miles is way too young for a transmission to fail. March, my water pump began leaking, I replaced it. April, my heater core began leaking, I by passed it. May, my radiator began leaking, I had to have it replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10068359, filed 2004-05, 81,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 35 | 24% |
| 2025 | 28 | 22% |
| 2024 | 73 | 19% |
| 2023 | 92 | 18% |
| 2022 | 113 | 19% |
| 2021 | 145 | 24% |
| 2020 | 99 | 20% |
| 2019 | 140 | 21% |
| 2018 | 131 | 43% |
| 2017 | 118 | 33% |
| 2016 | 84 | 24% |
| 2015 | 99 | 14% |
| 2014 | 69 | 9% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 6% |
| 2011 | 24 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 2% |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% |
| 2005 | 11 | 6% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 9 | 5% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 12% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 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 31, 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