MotorDeets

1998 GMC Sierra 3500: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500: 2 recalls, 12 owner complaints.

2vehicle recalls
12owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
1998 GMC Sierra 3500
Photo: SsmIntrigue · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Before 1999, Sierra 3500 was a trim level on GMC's C/K pickup, not a separate model. Owners often file these reports under the trim name. For the full picture, also see the .

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #98V033000 · 1998 · 1,137 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #04V562000 · 2004 · 1,660 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.

Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair May not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.

The fix: 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.

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: 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 fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.

Equipment Equipment recall #07E088000 · 2007 · 121,680 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: This condition May cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Brakes (hydraulic)3
Fuel system2
Tires2
Electrical1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Body & structure1
Speed control / throttle1
Brakes1

What owners describe

The 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 has 12 owner complaints, ranking #22 of 31 Sierra 3500 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 19). Complaints peaked in 2000 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 128,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (10 complaints, 1 recalls), 1999 (19 complaints, 1 recalls).

FAQ

Does the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 GMC Sierra 3500, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (3), fuel system (2), tires (2).

Where can I get a 1998 GMC Sierra 3500 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Sierra 3500 years

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