1998 Gmc Sierra 1500 problems
The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
History
The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks, slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. For the 1968 model year (seven years before the Silverado), GMC C/K trucks used variations of the Sierra name (Sierra, Sierra Classic, Sierra Grande, and High Sierra). Even after the C/K series officially ended, GM still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes, to denote a two-wheel drive (CC), and four-wheel drive (CK).
For the 1988 GMT400 model architecture, Chevrolet retained the C/K model nomenclature, with GMC branding its full-size line as Sierras. While sharing the same body and chassis, the model chronology of the Silverado and Sierra are different, with five generations of the Sierra, while four of the Silverado.
In 2018, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chevrolet unveiled the first medium-duty Silverado, expanding the model line to a 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD chassis cab. Largely the successor to the 2003–2009 GMT560 chassis, the medium-duty trucks are exclusive to Chevrolet, with no plans for an equivalent GMC version. Instead, Navistar International (now partnering with GM) would sell the medium-duty trucks as a rebadged counterpart, called the CV. This is in fact a very similar nod to how the Avalanche did not have a GMC Yukon–based equivalent, but instead, Cadillac would take its place as the former's rebadged counterpart, the Escalade EXT.
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Common 1998 Gmc Sierra 1500 problems
The 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to electrical, engine, and brakes issues.
- Electrical Problems:
There have been three reported electrical problems, with a total of three NHTSA complaints.
- Engine Problems:
Three engine problems have been reported, with two NHTSA complaints. One of the issues is coolant leaks or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets, which can cause engine damage and may require replacement of the intake manifold gasket, costing approximately $1,000.
- Brakes Problems:
Two brakes problems have been reported, with 19 NHTSA complaints. The most common issue is the failed steering wheel position sensor, which may cause a service stability message to appear on the dashboard. Replacing the sensor, which costs around $200 to $300, should fix this issue.
- AC/Heater Problems:
One AC/heater problem has been reported, with four NHTSA complaints. This issue is related to the heater core, which may leak coolant into the passenger compartment.
- Body/Paint Problems:
One body/paint problem has been reported, with four NHTSA complaints. This issue is related to the paint peeling off the truck's body.
- Fuel System Problems:
One fuel system problem has been reported, with four NHTSA complaints. This issue is related to the fuel pump, which may fail and require replacement.
- Seat Belts/Air Bags Problems:
One seat belts/air bags problem has been reported, with five NHTSA complaints. This issue is related to the frontal airbag sensor/control module, which may fail and require replacement.
- Transmission Problems:
One transmission problem has been reported, with four NHTSA complaints. This issue is related to the transmission shifting roughly or not shifting at all.
- Windows/Windshield Problems:
Nine windows/windshield problems have been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. These issues include the windshield wipers not working properly, the windshield cracking, and the rear window not working properly.
- Steering Problems:
Six steering problems have been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. These issues include the steering wheel being hard to turn, the power steering failing, and the steering column making noise.
- Drivetrain Problems:
Four drivetrain problems have been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. These issues include the transfer case leaking and the driveshaft making noise.
- Exterior Accessories Problems:
Three exterior accessories problems have been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. These issues include the tailgate not working properly and the bed liner cracking.
- Interior Accessories Problems:
One interior accessories problem has been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. This issue is related to the interior lights not working properly.
- Suspension Problems:
One suspension problem has been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. This issue is related to the suspension making noise.
- Exhaust System Problems:
One exhaust system problem has been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. This issue is related to the exhaust making noise.
- Cooling System Problems:
One cooling system problem has been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. This issue is related to the radiator leaking.
- Lights Problems:
One lights problem has been reported, with no specific NHTSA complaints mentioned. This issue is related to the headlights not working properly.
The average cost to fix these problems is $1,100, with an average mileage of 60,000 miles.
What years did the GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
GMC's Sierra 1500 is one of the toughest pickups there is, offering a plethora of powertrain options to suit buyers' needs. However, owners report transmission problems in models from 2009 to 2013, including hesitating between shifts.
Is GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Yes, GMC trucks are among the most reliable pickups on the market. Year after year, the J.D. Power Dependability Study has ranked the Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500HD in the top five of their respective segments.
What year Sierra is most reliable?
Overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 is worth it if you're willing to keep up with regular maintenance for the machine. We recommend 2004, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018 options as your top picks on the market.
What is the most common problem with GMC?
Nearly every GMC model experiences issues with its HVAC system. The air conditioning condenser on the 2015 Sierra 1500 is known to fail. It seems the Envoy is the only model that escapes this issue.
Is GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Yes, GMC trucks are among the most reliable pickups on the market. Year after year, the J.D. Power Dependability Study has ranked the Sierra 1500 and Sierra 2500HD in the top five of their respective segments.
Does GMC Sierra have engine problems?
The 2022 GMC Sierra engine issues are one of the largest GMC scandals in recent years. It is more than likely that customers will be dissuaded from buying this truck in the near future but hopefully, General Motors will manage to address all the issues quickly.
What is the best year for the Sierra 1500?
Overall, the GMC Sierra 1500 is worth it if you're willing to keep up with regular maintenance for the machine. We recommend 2004, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018 options as your top picks on the market.
What years did the GMC Sierra have transmission problems?
GMC's Sierra 1500 is one of the toughest pickups there is, offering a plethora of powertrain options to suit buyers' needs. However, owners report transmission problems in models from 2009 to 2013, including hesitating between shifts.
1998 Gmc Sierra 1500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Gmc Sierra 1500.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1998 Gmc Sierra 1500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1998 Gmc Sierra 1500.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE FRONT, INNER CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK CAN CONTACT THE BODY SILL EITHER INTERMITTENTLY OR CONSTANTLY. THIS MOVEMENT CAN CAUSE A DISCERNIBLE NOISE AND, OVER TIME, CAN WEAR A HOLE IN OR CRACK THE FUEL TANK AT POINT OF CONTACT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AND A DISTINCT FUEL ODOR IF THE TANK WERE FILLED ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE HOLE OR CRACK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK FOR WEAR AND, EITHER INSTALL A SPACER BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER, OR IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IF A DRIVER CONTINUES TO DRIVE WITH A CRACKED ROTOR, THE CRACKS COULD CONTINUE AROUND THE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLT CIRCLE AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
Negative 1998 Gmc Sierra 1500 car reviews
Positive 1998 Gmc Sierra 1500 car reviews
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When I first got my truck, I quickly realized that I needed more power and better fuel economy. After doing some research online, I found some great products that I could easily install myself. Thanks to these upgrades, I now get an impressive 19-20 MPG on the highway and 17-18 MPG in the city, all for around $700. It's worth noting that the A/C compressor and alternator tend to wear out quickly, but I was able to replace them under my extended warranty at 65000-68000 miles.
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I have been the proud owner of a 1997 GMC Sierra Stepside 4.3L V6 for quite some time now, and I must say that it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Although it has been a work truck and has a lot of miles on it, I have only had to do limited work on it. Here are the few things I have had to fix: 1) Shifter cable, 2) Power Steering Pressure Line, and 3) Steering Column Shift Mechanism. The last one was my fault, as I was on vacation back home in Florida when the shifter cable was going bad. Instead of changing it immediately, I waited and the cable fully failed, so I had to manually shift it from the tyranny and that snapped the bracket. However, most people won't have this problem. I have driven this truck from Gulfport, MS to West Palm Beach, FL and back twice, which is around 3,000 miles, and have also driven it from town to town for work, adding another 1,000 miles. I have even hauled 1.5k+ pounds of material at a time, all in the span of 3 months. That's not counting all the other miles I've put on her, so I can confidently say that I have put this truck through more than most people will ever use their vehicle for, and she has never failed me. I bought this truck used from a coworker who also used it as a work truck, and I only paid $1,500 for it. So, no matter what vehicle you use, you'll most likely never put it through what this one has been through.
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Your truck sounds like a reliable and efficient machine! In the 3 years that you've owned it, you've only had to do brakes once and one tune up (plugs, wires & a cap), which is impressive. With the 4.3L V6 and a 5sp manual tranny, you get a solid 20 miles to the gallon in the summer and about 19 to 19.5 miles to the gallon the rest of the year. Living in New Hampshire, it's great that you have a 2 wheel drive truck with tire chains that can crawl out of almost anything. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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I am extremely confident in stating that this is the best truck I have ever owned. Although there were some minor issues, they were easily resolved by myself. Unfortunately, the truck was totaled due to the negligence of another driver who was distracted by his satellite radio.
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I'm glad to hear that you love your truck, despite the inconvenience of having to take it back to the dealership seven times for the same water leak under the passenger side dash. It sounds like it has plenty of power, room, and reliability.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Gmc Sierra 1500 problems:
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Other years of Gmc Sierra 1500
Are you having problems with your 1998 Gmc Sierra 1500?
Erik Torphy 2024-07-11
At 40000 miles, the U joints had to be replaced at my cost. The brakes are terrible, with slow stopping and frequent replacement. The mid-size V-8 engine only gets 12 miles per gallon. Additionally, there is poor fit and finish on the interior, and now the wheel bearings need to be replaced at 60K.
Clint Satterfield 2024-06-20
I got a great deal on this vehicle at the dealership in Urbana Ohio, but unfortunately, I've had a lot of issues with it. From electrical problems to brake and transmission issues, it's been a frustrating experience. The power steering has gone out multiple times and the windshield wipers have even stopped working in the rain. This experience has made me reconsider my loyalty to GM products. I'm now considering purchasing a reliable Japanese car with the insurance money.
Malcolm Feest 2024-03-11
At 48,000 miles, the transmission began to shift hard. Despite a transmission service, the new fluid burned up after only 8-9,000 miles. The dealer's service department was unhelpful, and the transmission had to be replaced for $725.00. Unfortunately, at 51,000 miles, the same issue arose again, and neither GM nor the dealer were able to assist. However, we were able to find a transmission specialist in Reno, NV who informed us that this was a common issue with these trucks, caused by a GM design defect in a small $21.70 switch in the torque converter. They were able to replace the switch for less than $400.00, and we have not experienced any further problems in the past 9 months.