1998 GMC Sierra 1500 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 19%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 11 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500, 19% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 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 switch for the remote control outside mirrors caught fire. Ruining the switch, associated harness and the door panel. I have discussed this with my dealer quoting NHTSA campaign number 03v093000. He refuses to honor the recall saying my VIN was not included in the recall. I hope this complaint will help getting my vehicle included in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10127328, filed 2005-07, 53,740 miles“Windshield wipers fail to work intermittently, obviously I only attempt to use my wipers when it is raining. The last time I was driving in heavy rain on the interstate. I managed to get to the shoulder without incedent. This is a very dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10020706, filed 2003-05, 119,000 miles“I own a 1998 Gmc sierra and the windshield wipers work only part of the time. Upon searching the internet it seems to be a widespread problem among these vehicles, but the recall doesn't include this year even though the circuit board is the same .”
NHTSA complaint #10243162, filed 2008-09, 150,000 miles“Windshield wipers would quit while using them while raining or not. It's lucky I have rainx in my wiper fluid and on the wipers which gave me enough visibility to see, but this could be a very hazardous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10082684, filed 2004-07Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1% |
| 2025 | 7 | 6% |
| 2024 | 10 | 3% |
| 2023 | 7 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 7 | 1% |
| 2020 | 15 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 12 | 3% |
| 2016 | 14 | 4% |
| 2015 | 26 | 4% |
| 2014 | 21 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 11 | 19% |
| 1997 | 14 | 17% |
| 1994 | 10 | 77% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sierra 1500
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 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