1998 GMC Sierra

Routine

Owners filed 190 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the GMC Sierra years to avoid. Which GMC Sierra years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
72,000 milesMedian miles at failure

50 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1998 GMC Sierra problems

58 of the 190 complaints (31%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes41
500
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor22
010
Steering8
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission7
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer6
000
Unknown or Other5
110
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration4
100
Suspension4
000
Service Brakes · brakes4
100
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor4
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 21, 2016200,000 milesMS

THE DASHBOARD CRACKED MIDWAYS AND SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER SIDE.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Dec 26, 2014129,000 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE CONTACT BUT THE REPAIR SPECIFICS WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. ....UPDATED 01/23/15 *BF UPDATED 9/11/2017*CN

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 10, 2014145,000 milesMN

BRAKES FAILED WHILE BACKING UP AND HIT A TREE. FOUND BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND REPLACED BRAKE LINE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 5, 201450,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO RECTIFY THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 96,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 1, 2013PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION LEAK. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2013VT

FAME ROT ALMOST COMPLETELY BROKEN ON BOTH SIDES IN REAR BY LEAF SPRING MOUNTS

Service Brakes
Filed May 3, 201386,000 milesOH

CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE ON STATE HIGHWAY. NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES, BUT REPAIRS INCLUDED BRAKE LINES, CALIPERS AND PADS DUE TO CORROSION OF SAID LINES AND CALIPER ASSEMBLIES. SHOP SAID THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR GM PRODUCTS REGARDLESS OF AGE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Apr 21, 2010DC

1998 GMC SIERRA. GMC BRAKE LINE CORROSION INVESTIGATION. THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED A CORROSION RELATED FAILURE OF THE LINE SUPPLYING THE REAR BRAKES. THE FAILED LINE WENT FROM A FITTING OVER THE GAS TANK TO A BRACKET ON THE FRAME OVER THE REAR AXLE. FROM THE BRACKET, A HOSE WENT TO THE DIFFERENTIAL, WHERE THE LINES WENT OUT TO THE REAR BRAKE CYLINDER. AN INSPECTION SHOWED NO OTHER CORROSION. *JB

Equipment
Filed Jun 22, 200896,971 milesUT

1998 GMC SIERRA 1500 EXT. CAB TRUCK. PURCHASED USED ON 6/03/08. ODOMETER READ 96,921MILES. LESS THAN 24 HOURS AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED WHAT FELT LIKE A SLIPPING IN THE TRANSMISSION GOING FROM 1ST TO 2ND, AND 2ND TO 3RD, UNDER 15 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE WAS WARM. I MENTIONED THIS TO THE DEALER, WHO HAD AGREED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR PARTIAL COSTS TO HAVE ALL THE FLUIDS FLUSHED AND FILLED WITH CLEAN FLUID AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF MY REGULAR SHOP, WHERE I HAD TAKEN THE TRUCK FOR INSPECTION 12 HOURS AFTER PURCHASE. AT THIS TIME I NOTICED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS CRACKED INTO THE LOCK AREA. I ASKED THE SERVICE SHOP (DIXIELAND TIRE) FOR A QUOTE ON REPAIR, THE MANAGER TOLD ME, "THAT IS A COMMON GMC PROBLEM, THE PARTS DEPT STOCKS ABOUT A DOZEN OF THOSE AND I'VE REPLACED AT LEAST 18 IN THE PAST YEARS.". THE PART COST $61.50 PLUS TAX AT 6.5%, AND LABOR OF $97.50. THE TRANSMISSION FLUSH COST $109.95 FOR THE SUPREME SERVICE. LESS THAN TWO DAYS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE CODE FOR IT CAME UP AS P1870, TRANSMISSION. THE TECH NOTICED THE SLIP. I WAS REFERRED TO A TRANS SHOP SINCE MY SERVICE SHOP DOESN'T HAVE CAPABILITY TO REPAIR TRANS. AT THIS TIME I NOTIFIED USED CAR DEALER WASHINGTON AUTO SALES THAT I WAS GOING TO HAVE THE TRANS CHECKED AND REMINDED HIM THAT I HAD NOTICED THE SLIP LESS THAN 24 HRS. AFTER PURCHASE. I ASKED IF HE COULD HELP ME WITH POTENTIAL COSTS HE SAID IT DEPENDED ON WHAT THE RESULTS WERE OF THE INSPECTION SCHEDULED FOR 6-24-08. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE FO

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 17, 2008UT

WHEN I BOUGHT MY USED 1998 GMC SIERRA 4X4 K1500 TRUCK IN 2003 THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT WORK! I TOOK IT INTO GUS PAULOS CHEVROLET TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THEY WARRENTY THE DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT SINCE IT WOULD NOT PULL OUT. THATS A 5 YRS OLD TRUCK SO NOW IN 2007 IT GOES OUT AGAIN, THIS TIME THEY ARE CHARGING ME FOR IT? THE SERVICE REP SAID "IT ONLY HAS A THREE YEAR WARRENTY".I THOUGHT IT'S A SAFTEY PART/ SAFTEY ISSUE AND THEY SHOULD FLIP THE BILL. WHAT IF IT FAILES IN A COLLISION? THE PART IS ON ORDER SO I SHOULD BE GETTING THE PART NEXT WEEK. " I HAVEN'T NEEDED IT DONE TILL NOW SINCE MY DAUGHTER IS OLD ENOUGH TO SIT UPFRONT". *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 17, 200771,000 milesNY

ABS BRAKE FAILURE. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 22, 2006127,000 milesMA

INTERMITTENTLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE. IF I TAP ON THE WINDSHIELD MOTOR CASE THEY MAY WORK FOR A WHILE. I CAN HEAR THE MOTOR RUN WHEN THEY ARE NOT WORKING. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed May 9, 2006TX

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL OFF & ON--MOSTLY NEVER WORK. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 1, 2006125,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THIS FIRST BEGAN FALL OF 2005. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED AND EXPLAINED NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE WIPERS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 13, 200670,000 milesMI

I HAVE A 1998 GMC SIERRA PICK-UP TRUCK. I HAVE EXPERIENCED ONGOING ANTI LOCK BRAKE SENSOR ISSUES SINCE LAST SPRING. THEY ENGAGE AT LOW SPEED AND MAKE IT HARD TO STOP IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED FOR THE FAILURE AT LOW SPEED. THE DEALER I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO (CAPITOL CADILLAC-LANSING MICH.) SAID THEY "COULDN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM". THIS WAS A RIDICULOUS STATEMENT BECAUSE IT "RECREATED" ITSELF TWICE AS I WAS LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP PARKING LOT. THEY WERE JUST NOT INTERESTED IN DEALING WITH IT. THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHY DOES IT NOT INCLUDE MY TRUCK?? I DON'T SEE WHY I SHOULD HAVE TO SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO HAVE THIS FIXED IF GM IS TAKING CARE OF OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 13, 200665,000 milesMI

BOTH FRONT BRAKE ABS SENSORS ON MY 1998 GMC SIERRA 4 WHEEL DRIVE HALF TON PICKUP TRUCK FAILED DURING A 90 DAY PERIOD IN 2005. THIS CAUSED THE ABS TO ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEED STOPS NEARLY RESULTING IN ACCIDENTS AND REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARING/ABS SENSOR ASSEMBLIES AT THE COST OF ABOUT $800. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN AUGUST 1998 AND HAS ABOUT 65,000 MILES OF USE. THE LOCAL GM REP AND GMC'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS TELLS ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING GM WILL DO ABOUT IT. THE LOCAL DEALER TELLS ME IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN FOR MANY YEARS!. *JB

Steering
Filed Feb 6, 200695,000 milesCT

GMC 1998 SIERRA P/U- STEERING SUDDENLY BECOMES LOOSE AND STEERING WHEEL JERKS TO THE RIGHT WHILE DECELERATING AND TURNING RIGHT. PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS ALTHOUGH NOT A DRASTIC. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS, HOWEVER NO SOLUTIONS FROM GMC OR DEALERSHIP. I HAVE HAD MANY CLOSE CALLS WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING WHEN THE STEERING SUDDENLY JERKS TO THE RIGHT. GM DEALER HAS NO CLUE AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 23, 200645,000 milesNY

MY WIFE AND I OWN A 1998 GMC K1500 4X4 PICKUP TRUCK. THIS VEHICLES SUFFERS FROM THE STOPPING PROBLEM DUE TO FOULING OF THE SPEED SENSORS IN THE WHEEL HUBS THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL FOR SIMILAR 1999-2002 VEHICLES. THE NHTSA HAS ENCOURAGED GM/GMC TO RECALL SIMILAR 1999-2002 VEHICLES. THE 1998 VEHICLES WITH THE SAME BRAKE SYSTEM DESIGN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL - YOU GUYS MISSED THE BOAT. WHY DIDN'T YOU SUGGEST THAT GM/GMC RECALL ALL VEHICLES REGARDLESS OF YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM? *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Dec 5, 200542,000 milesMA

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 05V379000 CONCERNING THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HER OWN EXPENSE. THE ABS ENGAGED AT LOW SPEEDS WHICH RESULTED IN A REAR END COLLISION. THERE WAS ONLY MINOR DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY BOTH VEHICLES. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Nov 8, 2005NY

DURING LOW SPEED BREAKING MY ANTILOCK BRAKES KICK IN CAUSING THE MY TRUCK NOT TO STOP WHEN INTENDED. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Nov 8, 200570,000 milesNY

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL 05V379000L FOR THE ABS SYSTEM. HOWEVER, THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS MODEL YEAR VEHICLE ALTHOUGH IT HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS INDICATED ON THE RECALL. WHILE HE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING GARAGE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO BUMP INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 29, 200560,000 milesNY

ANTI- LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN NOT NEEDED MAKING STOPPING DIFFICULT. THIS OCCURS DUE TO PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEEL HUB SPEED SENSORS. THE 1999 AND UP MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THE 1998 HAVE NOT. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED TWICE. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 18, 200560,000 milesIA

DT: THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SENSORS. THE ABS KICKS IN WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR STOPPING. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED SINCE OCTOBER OF 2003. HE HAS TO PUSH HARD ON THE BRAKE TO GET IT TO STOP THE VEHICLE. WHEN HE APPLIES PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE IT PUSHES BACK AGAINST HIS FOOT. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED THAT SOMEONE COULD BE HURT DUE TO THE DELAYED STOPPING. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO A DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT THE SENSORS WERE DIRTY, AND HAD MAJOR CORROSION WHICH CAUSED THEM TO WORK IMPROPERLY, AND BOTH SENSORS TO FAIL. THE CONTACT HAD THEM CLEANED. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT OCCURRED SINCE HE HAD THEM CLEANED. THE CONTACT FEARED THAT THE PROBLEM WILL COME BACK. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 30, 2005IA

DT: 1999 GMC SIERRA. CALLED GMC, AND THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE TRUCK WAS MADE IN CANADA, AND THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO GO TO CANADA TO HAVE THE TRUCK FIXED BECAUSE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR CANADA. WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MADE FOR CANADA. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE FIXED IN THE UNITED STATES. FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL FROM THE NEWSPAPER. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT IF THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON VEHICLE HE SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER. ITHE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE VEHICLE THROUGH A GMC DEALER IN THE UNITED STATES. SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOLD FROM THE GMC DEALER THAT VEHICLE WAS IMPORTED FROM CANADA. THE CONSUMER JUST WANTED BRAKES FIXED AND THE RECALL COMPLETED. *SC *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 16, 200546,500 milesWI

DT: THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE PREMATURELY ON DRY PAVEMENT WHEN SLOWING DOWN FROM 10 MPH-ZERO. IT WILL DO THIS NINETY-NINE OUT OF HUNDREDS TIMES. HAD TO INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE TREMENDOUSLY IN ORDER TO KEEP IT FROM HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. NOTICED THIS ON APRIL 15, 2003. THE ABS LIGHT DOES CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT IT WAS THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. THIS PROBLEM AROSE SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE DEALERS. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOFT AND IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH ABS SYSTEM.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Sep 6, 200552,000 milesNY

DT: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NO LONGER WORKING PROPERLY. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL WORK SOMETIMES. THE PROBLEM FIRST STARTED IN 2-2004. THE CONSUMER STATESDTHAT ONCE HE SMELLED A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS RECALL 02054 ON THE 1997 MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS AT THIS TIME. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Sep 1, 200591,000 milesNJ

DT: NOTICED WHILE UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK THAT FRAME WAS WET. COULD SEE THE BRAKE LINES CORRODED. NOTICED THIS ON AUGUST 29, 2005. HAD NOT CONTACTED GMC. WHEN PUSHING THE BRAKES THEY WORK, BUT DOESN'T FEEL LIKE IT SHOULD, IT'S LIKE STEPPING ON A GRAPE.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 15, 2005MO

DURING A HEAVY RAIN STORM THE WINDSHIELD MOTOR/WIPERS QUIT WORKING WHICH IMPAIRED MY VISION. *NM

Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift
Filed Aug 12, 2005150,000 milesVA

DT: CONTACT STATED THE JACK FAILED DURING USE ON 7-22-2005. CONTACT HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH JACK PRIOR TO TODAY. DEALER SAID THEY APPRECIATED HIM CALLED THEM. AS HE BEGAN TO APPLY PRESSURE THE THREADS STRIPPED. HE HAS NOT TALKED TO THE MANUFACTURER. *AK *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Aug 1, 20053,000 milesNY

CONTACT STATES: THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR ACTIVATES WHEN DRIVING ON DRY ROAD AT LOW TO NORMAL SPEED, 20-40 MPH. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR ACTIVATES WHEN IT IS NOT SUPPOSED TO OR WHEN IT IS NOT AN EMERGENCY. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT SEE THAT AS THE PROBLEM, AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR ACTIVATES OFTEN. COMPLAINT TO DEALER HAVE BEEN IGNORED. THIS HAPPENED SINCE SHE BOUGHT THE CAR. THE NUMBER FAILURES IT IS OVER 500. THE DATE OF INCIDENT DATE WAS WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTED TO OCCUR.*AK THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED, FOR THE FIFTH TIME, THE BUT THE ABS SENSOR WAS NOT CHECKED. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 18, 200580,000 milesTX

FAILURE IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM CAUSING SHORT WITH WINDSHIELD WASHER. FRIEND HAS 96 CHEVY WITH SAME PROBLEM. THEY FAIL TO WORK IN THE RAIN. WORK FINE DURING SUNSHINE. WORK ONLY OCASSIONALLY.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 17, 200578,000 milesWI

I HAVE HAD A ANTI-LOCKING BRAKE PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 12 MONTHS. I HAVE TO HAVE ONE SIDE REPAIRED ALREADY. I AM GOING TO HAVE THE OTHER SIDE FIXED SHORTLY. I READ A ARICLE IN THE LOCAL PAPER THAT THIS WAS A GM PROBLEM. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE CENTER AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. THEY TOLD ME TO CALL GM CUSTOMER SUPPORT THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT GM APPROVAL. I CALLED GM AND WAS TOLD AFTER REVIEWING MY SITUATION THAT THE TRUCK WAS TO OLD AND HAD TO MANY MILES. THIS IS A 1998 GMC SIERRA PICKUP WITH 93,000 MILES. IT HAD 78,000 MILES AT THE TIME THIS WAS DISCOVERED. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS PAID FOR BY GM AND REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIR I PAID FOR ALREADY.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 9, 200575,000 milesIN

DT: WHEN CONSUMER USED BRAKES AND WAS GOING AT LEAST 30-40 MPH AND RAN OVER A SEEM/POTHOLE, OR MANHOLE THE ABS BRAKES COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A GMC DEALER, AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Jun 3, 2005NY

1998 GMC SIERRA EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT ABS SENSORS. *MR RED GREASE WAS INSIDE OF THE SENSOR AREA. THE BRAKES WOULD PULSATE JUST BELOW 15 MPH. THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND PULL TO THE LEFT EACH TIME THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BELOW 15 MPH. THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD BOUNCE UP AND DOWN CREATING AN UNEASY FEELING TO EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE. THE ABS WOULD ACTIVATE PREMATURELY. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT HE SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED FOR A FAULTY BRAKE SYSTEM. *SC *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 2, 200586,980 milesMI

DT: CONSUMER STATES: HAVE PROBLEM WITH ABS SYSTEM. HAD FRONT BRAKES REPLACED TWICE BY GM. WHEN GOT VEHICLE BACK DROVE IT HOME, AND TOOK IT RIGHT BACK. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT LOW, AND DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL. WHEN YCOMING TO A STOP ABS SYSTEM KICKED IN, GOT WORSE AND WORSE. COMING TO A NORMAL INTERSECTION ABS WOULD KICK IN, TOOK VEHICLE BACK DEALER, KEPT VEHICLE AND DEALER SAID IT WAS KNOWN FOR HAVING LOW BRAKE PRESSURE. TOOK BACK AGAIN, REPLACED LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE ABS SENSOR. STILL HAING SAME PROBLEM.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed May 26, 2005120,000 milesMN

DT: ABS WILL NOT ENGAGE AT LOW SPEEDS ON SLIPPERY SURFACES. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed May 23, 2005AR

WIPERS STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY RAIN. HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEM FOR AROUND A YEAR BEFORE THEY FINALLY QUIT. CHECKED RECALLS , BUT THIS YEAR MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Wheel Speed Sensor
Filed May 16, 2005MI

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE ABS KICKS ON. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING LESS THAN 8 MPH. NO CODES ARE SET AND THE ABS LIGHT IS NOT ILLUMINATED. THIS MATCHES YOUR NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE05020. THE DEALERSHIP STATES IT IS THE EXACT PROBLEM GM IS MONITORING WITH THE 1999 - 2002. HOWEVER, THEY ARE NOT INCLUDING THE 1998 MODELS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed May 7, 200542,000 milesVT

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES PRE-MATURE ACTIVATION--1998 GMC SIERRA FAILED AT 45000 MILES REMOVED FUSE FROM PANEL TO DE-ACTIVATE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM AS THE SYSTEM IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION ON THE TRUCK WITH AN INABILITY TO STOP PROPERLY

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Feb 17, 2005PA

THE TAILGATE ON OUR VEHICLE FELL OFF, WHILE DRIVING, AFTER THE SUPPORT CABLES HAD BROKEN. LUCKILY THIS OCCURRED ON A LIGHTLY TRAVELED ROAD SO THAT NO VEHICLES BEHIND THE TRUCK HIT THE TAILGATE. THE TAILGATE IS GONE. ALL THAT REMAINS ARE HALF OF THE BROKEN SUPPORT CABLES. *JB

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Feb 16, 2005130,000 milesMI

COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL."MY PICKUP HAS OCCASIONAL RESISTANCE WHEN MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS CATCHING AND THEN LETTING GO. THE STEERING WHEEL JERKS A LITTLE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT'S MORE ANNOYING THAT ANYTHING. THE TRUCK HAS 130,000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT IT WITH 44,000 MILES. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN INTO THREE DIFFERENT SHOPS WITHOUT THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. " *NM *TT

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Feb 10, 2005112,000 milesRI

INTERMITTANTLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE. USUALLY AFTER THEY RUN A WHILE AND USUALLY STOP AT THE WORST TIME RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A HEAVY DOWNPOUR. WHEN I OPEN THE HOOD I CAN HEAR A SOFT BUZZING NOISE. WHEN I WIGGLE THE CABLE HARNESS ASSEMBLY THAT GOES TO THE MOTOR THE WIPERS WILL START AGAIN. BUT THEN WHEN I SHUT THE HOOD THE VIBRATION SOMETIMES CAUSES THE WIPERS TO STOP. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON SINCE LAST YEAR, 2004. THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM I HAVE READ ABOUT IN SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 03V15900.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 24, 2004WA

WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING ON A RAINY DAY. THIS RESULTED IN POOR VISIBILITY FOR DRIVER. DEALERSHIP INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED DUE TO VIN. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 23, 2004145,155 milesMS

WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED AND THEN MAY START AT A LATER TIME. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS WHEN IT STOPPED AUGUST 20, 2004 IN A DRIVING RAIN STORM AND WE HAD TO PULL OVER BUT IT SOON RESTARTED. LATER THE SAME DAY IT STOPPED AGAIN AND DID NOT RESTART PLACING US IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THIS MORNING IT IS WORKING AGAIN.*AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 3, 2004FL

WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT HOME. THEN, CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Aug 3, 2004FL

AFTER DRIVING FOR OVER 200 MILES, THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED. THE VEHICLE JERK AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Steering
Filed Jun 4, 200460,000 milesCA

WHILE MAKING SLOW RIGHT HAND TURNS CONSUMER NOTICE SURGING IN THE STEERING WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *NM

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 1, 200472,000 milesOH

WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT CROSSED A RED LIGHT. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUFFERED A BROKEN DISK IN BACK. *AK *MR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Mar 17, 200466,482 milesFL

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING AS INDICATED IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER RECALL 98V150001, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK *SC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 19, 2004NY

THE ENGINE DIED 3 TIMES WITHIN 10 MILES WITH A LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES. *PH ON TWO OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED AFTER THE VEHICLE SAT FOR A MINUTE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP DRIVER BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL. *NM

Complaints 1-50 of 190, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201761010Routine
20166210Routine
201553610Routine
20141011220Do not drive
201339310Routine
201229220Routine
201143200Routine
201034120Routine
200937100Routine
200868200Routine
200759220Routine
200653630Routine
20051171120Routine
20041881050Routine
2003206912Fatalities reported
2002249720Above average
2001264725Fatalities reported
20004431232Fatalities reported
1999600921Fatalities reported
1998 — this page190080Routine
1997238050Above average
1996246230Above average
1995261600Above average
1994190320Routine
199372310Routine
199230420Routine
199112200Routine
199018220Routine

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No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.