1990 GMC Sierra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 56%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 1990 GMC Sierra, 56% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1990 Gmc Sierra. The contact stated that the transmission suddenly caught fire. The dealer stated that the seals were leaking around the transmission and were the cause of the fire. The dealer also stated that it was not covered under warranty and would not assist with the repair costs. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The current mileage was 55,880. The left rear shock absorber fell off, the magnet cover plate of the differential came off and ruined the rear end twice. …”
NHTSA complaint #10336395, filed 2010-06, 55,000 miles“Brake pedal feels spongy when applying brakes. Problem happens at any speed. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything. The consumer stated that the master cylinder, the front disc pads and the rear brake cylinders had been replaced but the brake still goes to the floor. Certified technicians indicated that the 88,89 and 90 models had this problem as well. The consumer was concerned about the safety of driving this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #886452, filed 2001-04“When traveling at any speed and upon depressing the brake pedal the pedal traveled to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance/ brake fade away, resulting in an accident due to the dump valve within the brake system failing. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the dump valve.”
NHTSA complaint #817274, filed 1997-10“Excessive wear of front brake pad.; front pads have been replaced three times within a year. Also, when applying brakes, there is extended stopping distance which can lead to a potential accident. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #846240, filed 1999-08“Whenever the ABS brakes are applied, the brake pedal would continue to the floor before slowing/stopping vehicle. The brakes would lock up. This causes the vehicle to stop further than it should. Its an intermitten problem.”
NHTSA complaint #820567, filed 1997-12Related recalls
- 93V119000Aug 2, 1993Severe corrosion due to road salt at the joint of the stamped steel center section and the cast outer section can cause the sections to separate.Covers: GMC Sierra 1988–1992, Chevrolet Blazer 1988–1992, Suburban 1988–1992 +6 more
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 20 | 33% |
| 2015 | 3 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 10% |
| 2012 | 4 | 14% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 4 | 12% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 14 | 24% |
| 2006 | 27 | 51% |
| 2005 | 37 | 32% |
| 2004 | 74 | 39% |
| 2003 | 83 | 40% |
| 2002 | 145 | 58% |
| 2001 | 150 | 57% |
| 2000 | 228 | 51% |
| 1999 | 338 | 56% |
| 1998 | 62 | 33% |
| 1997 | 67 | 28% |
| 1996 | 47 | 19% |
| 1995 | 42 | 16% |
| 1994 | 14 | 7% |
| 1993 | 12 | 17% |
| 1992 | 7 | 23% |
| 1991 | 6 | 50% |
| 1990 | 10 | 56% |
| 1989 | 4 | 25% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1990 GMC Sierra
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 GMC Sierra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology