1998 GMC Sierra 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 33%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 155,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500, 33% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 155,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Gmc SIERRA 3500. The contact stated that when he applied his brakes to release the gear shifter, the brake pedal went straight to the floor. The brake warning light illuminated immediately after. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the brake lines had burst and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was approximately 136,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10484467, filed 2012-11, 136,000 miles“Consumer stated that when trying to apply the brakes the brake pedal would go to the floor causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer notified ts”
NHTSA complaint #8023036, filed 2002-11“I have the misfortune of owning a 1998 Gmc 1 ton dually, the rear brake drums have seals loacated on the inboard side that seal against a surface of the axle. As it is a full float axle, meaning there are tapered bearings in the brake drums the bearings are lubricated with axle fluid and the seals are there to prevent leakage of the fluid. The failure of a seal provides a fluid leakage path that is down the inside surface of the drum, across the surface of the drum which the brake linings contact and out between the backing plate and drum. …”
NHTSA complaint #763739, filed 2002-07Related recalls
- 98V033000Feb 17, 1998Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification…Covers: GMC Sierra 3500 1998, Chevrolet Suburban 1998, Tahoe 1998 +12 more
Related service bulletins
- 10226382Oct 18, 2022This 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…
- 10162149Jun 24, 2019This 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 20% |
| 2025 | 5 | 29% |
| 2024 | 11 | 22% |
| 2023 | 2 | 7% |
| 2022 | 4 | 13% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 7 | 14% |
| 2019 | 4 | 31% |
| 2018 | 6 | 43% |
| 2017 | 5 | 38% |
| 2016 | 6 | 32% |
| 2015 | 4 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 1 | 7% |
| 2012 | 1 | 11% |
| 2008 | 1 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 19% |
| 2006 | 2 | 18% |
| 2005 | 10 | 42% |
| 2004 | 14 | 58% |
| 2003 | 3 | 43% |
| 2002 | 9 | 45% |
| 2001 | 16 | 44% |
| 2000 | 12 | 46% |
| 1999 | 9 | 47% |
| 1998 | 4 | 33% |
| 1997 | 4 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500
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