RoadVitals

1998 GMC Sierra 3500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Nov 13, 2012
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Oct 24, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 12 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500, most frequently naming the brakes, fuel system and tires & wheels categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 11 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes433.3%
  • Fuel system216.7%
  • Tires & wheels216.7%
  • Visibility18.3%
  • Electrical18.3%
  • Driver assistance18.3%
  • Body & structure18.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E088000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 24, 2007
121,680 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The 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.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
04V562000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Nov 26, 2004
1,660 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.
MOBILITY WORKSManufacturer number 04E-058View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 12
Brakes
Filed Nov 13, 2012

TL* 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 ID
10484467
Incident
Nov 10, 2012
Mileage
136,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 17, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SIERRA 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WITH THE BRAKE PRESSED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT HAD NOT INFORMED THE DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

NHTSA ID
10419883
Incident
Aug 3, 2011
Mileage
120,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 8, 2009

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. I UNDERSTAND FROM OTHER OWNERS THAT THIS SYSTEM HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH IT AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO REMOVE THIS SYSTEM AND REPLACE WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SYSTEM. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME AND OTHER OWNERS TO GET GMC TO REPAIR OUR BRAKES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10254211
Incident
Mar 9, 2008
Mileage
175,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 2, 2007

SEVERE VEHICLE FRAME CORROSION/RUSTING OF FRONT FRAME EXTENSIONS, PARTICULARLY IN AREA OF STEERING BOX MOUNTING OF SEVERAL AGENCY OWNED 98-2000 YEAR MODEL CHEVROLET & GMC PICKUP TRUCKS. DISPOSITION IS SCRAPPING VEHICLES AS BEYOND ECONOMICAL REPAIR AND UNSAFE TO OPERATE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10184019
Incident
Mar 2, 2007
Mileage
95,173 mi
Visibility
Filed Oct 16, 2003

WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL.*AK

NHTSA ID
10044133
Incident
Oct 16, 2003
Brakes
Filed Nov 20, 2002

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 ID
8023036
Incident
Nov 2, 2002
Brakes
Filed Jul 2, 2002

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. I HAVE HAD 3 SEAL FAILURES ON ONE SIDE AND 2 ON THE OTHER. A FAILURE OF THE SEAL ALLOWS 80W90 AXLE FLUID TO SOAK THE BREAK LININGS, AS THIS IS NOT OBVIOUS, THE FAILURE IS NOTICED BY INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE AS THE REAR BRAKES ARE RENDERED USELESS BY THE CONTAMINATION WITH AXLE FLUID. SINCE 1-TON TRUCKS ARE UASUALLY SOLD TO PULL OR HAUL THIS IS AN ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS CONDITION, WITH A FULL RATED LOAD THE REAR BRAKES ARE MUCH MORE CRITICAL THAN THAT OF A PASS CAR. I TALKED TO MECHANICS AT GM DEALERSHIPS AND THEY SAY THE SEALS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE AS LONG AS THEY CAN REMBER. I'VE SINCE LOOKED AT THE BACKSIDE OF THE REAR TIRES OF DUALLY AND NOTICED THE TELL TALE SIGN OF A FAILED SEAL OF AXLE FLUID STAINS. THERES AN AWFULL LOT OF 1 TON DUALLYS ON THE ROAD WITH NO REAR BRAKES.*AK

NHTSA ID
763739
Incident
Jun 10, 2000
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 13, 2001

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.*AK *SLC

NHTSA ID
890297
Incident
Apr 11, 2001

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIT3665L

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

04-06-04-051F

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.

100089006H

EQUIPMENT

This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).

PIT3665H

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Recalls

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Vehicle Recalls

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Sierra 3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026220—
2025161042.5
2024433051.6
2023281055.9
2022303061.5
2021205152.6
2020518162.6
2019137063.0
2018146049.9
2017137062.4
2016196042.0
2015307155.2
2014731—
2013144158.5
2012941—
2011205150.3
2010251—
2009551—
2008253355.8
2007163352.4
2006110049.5
2005241035.0
2004241038.9
2003710—
2002203157.4
2001363259.7
2000264157.8
1999193049.5
1998Viewing124052.4
1997103059.7
1996100—
1995000—
1994000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.