GMC 1500 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the GMC 1500 (1990–1996) that have at least 5 complaints. 1994 has the most, with 29. Across all years, the part named most often is visibility (19 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All 1500 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 24 | 74,890 | 0 | 2 | — | Stable |
| 1994 | 29 | 111,000 | 0 | 1 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 8 | — | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)19 35%
- Brakes10 19%
- Electrical system6 11%
- Transmission and drivetrain4 7.4%
- Steering4 7.4%
- Seats4 7.4%
- Fuel system4 7.4%
- Tires3 5.6%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1994: “My brake lights don't work ived tried every thing to fix them and I cant seemed to find the problem I was wondering if the wireing or brake switch were recalls”
NHTSA complaint #10995905, filed 2017-06, 5 miles1996: “Dt: consumer bought a vehicle as is , and for the first time I drove it, 3 hours after I bought it, the radiator blew. The garage that serviced the vehicle said the ball joints were ready to fall apart. The steering was very dangerous and the rear end made a humming noise. In addition, the engine light and air bag light came on. He said the vehicle should not have been on the road. The seller will not repair or reimburse for any of the defects.”
NHTSA complaint #10121000, filed 2005-05, 77,781 miles1990: “While driving a loud noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer pulled over , and saw that the passenger's side rear tire tread separated from the vehicle. Consumer changed the tire, and drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection. Firestone, fr480, p235/75r15, #DOT number hdhl1pa066.”
NHTSA complaint #10097676, filed 2004-10Other GMC models
9,015 complaintsGMC Acadia
5,592 complaintsGMC Yukon
5,013 complaintsGMC Sierra
3,929 complaintsGMC Terrain
3,135 complaintsGMC Jimmy
2,712 complaintsGMC Envoy
2,456 complaintsGMC Yukon XL
2,442 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology