1998 GMC Sierra 3500 Problems
- Complaints
- 12filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 128,000miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500. The part named most often is brakes, with 4 complaints (33% of the total), followed by fuel system (2) and tires (2). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 128,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns 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. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin 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.
- Brakes4 33%
- Fuel system2 17%
- Tires2 17%
- Electrical system1 8.3%
- Body and structure1 8.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 8.3%
Example complaints
Brakes: “About 4 years ago I had problems with my brake booster system on my truck when the brakes failed and it was hard to stop the truck. I had the brake booster replaced two times then had to have the power steering pump replaced as this is connected to my brake system. About a year after I had this work done Gmc recalled the power steering pump on my truck. Now I am have problems with this system again. If I turn my truck right or left the brake activate just like you are pushing on the brake to stop. This has almost caused me to have an accident more them once. …”
NHTSA complaint #10254211, filed 2009-01, 175,000 milesFuel system: “Fuel injection system is continually failing. Consumer states that it is an electrical fuel injection system, and the sensor has been changed. Has been taken to the dealer 3 times.”
NHTSA complaint #856864, filed 2000-02Tires: “At 65mph vehicle started making a thumping sound. When consumer pulled over and started feeling around tire tread was separating. Right rear tire had at least 1,000 more miles to go. Consumer used the spare tire to go find a firestone dealer which they replaced and balanced tire for free. Consumer owns a 1999 motor home with a 98 chevrolet 3500 chassis with original tires size lt245/75r16 having 34,000 miles on them.”
NHTSA complaint #890297, filed 2001-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 120,000 and 136,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V562000Nov 26, 2004Equipment adaptive/mobilityCovers: GMC Sierra 3500 1998–2002, Ford E-350 1997–2000, 2004, E-150 1997–2000, 2004 +8 more
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
- 98V033000Feb 17, 1998Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › RotorCovers: GMC Sierra 3500 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 3500 → · 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, 2022Equipment, Fuel system. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10200090May 17, 2021Equipment. This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 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
Other model years of the GMC Sierra 3500
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 2,250 | 2 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 17 | 40,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 50 | 36,000 | 3 | — | — | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 28 | 33,800 | 1 | — | — | 47 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 32 | 31,154 | 3 | — | — | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 20 | 101,500 | 5 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 51 | 28,700 | 8 | — | — | 95 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 13 | 53,004 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 14 | 53,800 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 13 | 21,000 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 19 | 27,500 | 7 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2015 | 31 | 38,500 | 7 | — | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 7 | 68,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 14 | 49,218 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 9 | 31,200 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 20 | 77,250 | 5 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2009 | 5 | 36,600 | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 25 | 59,000 | 3 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 16 | 36,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2006 | 11 | 49,974 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 24 | 50,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 24 | 84,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2003 | 7 | 60,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 20 | 79,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 36 | 63,540 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 26 | 57,007 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 19 | 59,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 12 | 128,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 10 | 95,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Sierra 3500 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 4 complaints (33% of the total), followed by fuel system with 2.
Has the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 128,000 miles and the middle half falls between 120,000 and 136,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
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.