1998 GMC Sierra 2500 Problems
- Complaints
- 15filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500. The part named most often is brakes, with 8 complaints (53% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (3) and fuel system (2). 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 60% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 47,000 miles. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the rotor and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes8 53%
- Fuel system2 13%
- Steering2 13%
- Electrical system1 6.7%
- Engine cooling1 6.7%
Example complaints
Brakes: “When attempting to stop front brakes overpowered rear brakes in which anti-lock brake system kicked in and caused complete loss of braking ability. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced brake shoes and drums. But, problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #877290, filed 2001-01Transmission and drivetrain: “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. Consumer indicated that the seals were leaking grease or oil which caused the brakes to grab and release, grab and release when trying to come to a stop. This was a safety hazard because one day vehicle might not stop at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10057686, filed 2004-03, 59,283 milesFuel system: “The vehicle's fuel injections system is leaking. As a result, fuel was spraying over the whole engine compartment. The cause has yet to be determined.”
NHTSA complaint #10074423, filed 2004-05, 47,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
60% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 59,283 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra 2500 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Sierra 2500 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Sierra 2500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Sierra 2500 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Sierra 2500 2WD | 6.5L 8-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $6,400 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 98V033000Feb 17, 1998Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › RotorCovers: GMC Sierra 2500 1998, Chevrolet Suburban 1998, Tahoe 1998 +12 more
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 life of the vehicle.
Recall details for the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 7 on record; the latest 7 are shown.
- 10232287Feb 21, 2023Equipment. This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10226382Oct 18, 2022Brakes. This 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 own at a full turn.
- 10209734Mar 22, 2022Fuel system, Equipment. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10162149Jun 24, 2019Brakes. This 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 own at a full turn.
- 10248444Jun 30, 2014Equipment. Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10043504Jan 1, 2012Electrical system. Gmc/chevrolet: see docuemtn search button for owner letter. Auxiliary battery feed may cause fusible link to melt and open circuit to prevent damage or fire in wiring harness, due to electrical over…
Other model years of the GMC Sierra 2500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 9,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 28 | 1,300 | 1 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 107 | 9,904 | 4 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 33 | 34,000 | 1 | — | — | 40 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 45 | 15,167 | 3 | — | — | 65 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 52 | 53,000 | 6 | — | — | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 79 | 31,800 | 9 | — | — | 98 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 32 | 28,729 | 7 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 35 | 10,000 | 5 | 4 | — | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 37 | 22,060 | 6 | 4 | — | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 59 | 29,500 | 6 | 4 | — | 64 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 89 | 37,023 | 6 | 3–4 | — | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 30 | 39,000 | 2 | 2–4 | — | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 46 | 60,000 | 3 | 2–4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 31 | 68,500 | 3 | 3–4 | — | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2011 | 63 | 55,400 | 4 | — | — | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 10 | 77,000 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 31 | 39,600 | 5 | — | — | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 63 | 67,500 | 3 | — | — | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 83 | 70,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 66 | 43,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 115 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 11 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 143 | 60,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 160 | 73,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 134 | 85,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 134 | 65,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 48 | 91,000 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 36 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 15 | 47,000 | 1 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 14 | 100,000 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra 2500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 8 complaints (53% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 3.
Has the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 get?
The EPA rates the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 (Sierra 2500 2WD, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 14 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 GMC Sierra 2500 reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 47,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 59,283 miles; 60% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.