GMC S15 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the GMC S15 (1989–1994) that have at least 5 complaints. 1991 has the most, with 8. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (10 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All S15 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 6 | — | 2 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 8 | — | 3 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 8 | — | 1 | 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.
- Brakes10 40%
- Engine cooling4 16%
- Seat belts3 12%
- Electrical system3 12%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)2 8.0%
- Transmission and drivetrain1 4.0%
- Suspension1 4.0%
- Seats1 4.0%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1989: “I bought a 1989 jimmy S15 last year. Drom the repair bills that came with the truck the previous owner had this truck in the shop countless times for surging. Whenever I am stopped at a light etc- the truck surges forward. I am afraid of an accident, especailly with my my grandchildren in the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10073033, filed 2004-051994: “Our 1994 Gmc jimmy was being driven by my wife and had my two children inside. She exited the parking lot of the local food store. After crossing to the opposite side of the street, she noticed traffic stopped ahead for the upcoming stoplight. She applied the brakes, but nothing happened, and she started a four car chain reaction. This resulted in the damage of four vehicles and three emergency room visits. (includung my son, who hit & broke the windshield). It appears that everyone is o.k. At this point, all leaving under their own power. …”
NHTSA complaint #710985, filed 1999-091991: “1) oxygen sensor failed at 37k miles & wouldn't pass state emission inspection, whole system rewired. Oxygen sensor failed again at 73k miles, new sensor installed. Oxygen sensor failing at 117k miles. Have not had it replaced yet. (2) ABS system failed shortly after purchase and fixed (under warranty-no details from dealer). Abs failed again at 37k miles. Control module replaced. Abs failed again at 117k miles, simultaneous failure of several wheel sensors. Abs system issue at 140k miles - sensors and backing plates (?).”
NHTSA complaint #711064, filed 1999-09Other 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