1990 GMC Sierra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1990 GMC Sierra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes1037.0%
- Tires & wheels311.1%
- Body & structure27.4%
- Seat belts27.4%
- Suspension27.4%
- Transmission27.4%
- Electrical13.7%
- Steering13.7%
- Visibility13.7%
- Engine13.7%
- Interior & seats13.7%
- Powertrain (other)13.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
BRAKE PEDAL FEELS SPONGY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. PROBLEM HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK 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. *YH
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE IN A REPAIR SHOP AWAITING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE IT WAS NOTED THERE WERE CRACKS ON THE SIDE WALL OF ALL FOUR TIRES. HE WENT TO THE TIRE DEALER FROM WHERE THEY WERE PURCHASED, AND THE TIRE SHOP SAID THEY WOULD OFFER COST ASSISTANCE FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALL FOUR TIRES. THE TIRE IS A COOPER MASTERCRAFT AT, 265/75/R16. *AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB
TIRE SEPARATION; DAMAGE TO SPORTS SIDE FENDER WELL AND TAILPIPE. REQUIRED WHEEL WELL REPLACEMENT AND PAINTING.*AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S DOOR IS SAGGING, IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE HINGE , I AM GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE IT IN TO GET IT FIXED, AS IT DOES NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY NOW.*AK
CRACK IN FRONT SUPPORT MAIN FRAME.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH DRIVER'S AND MIDDLE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILING TO LOCK PROPERLY. BUCKLE WOULD UNLATCH BY ITSELF INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *ML
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
FRONT BRAKES FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
TRANSMISSION FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT FRAME IS CRACKED UNDER SEAT. SEAT REMAINS VERY UNSTABLE. POTENTIAL FOR SEAT COLLAPSE WHILE DRIVING
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*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. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEMSELVES PROPERLY AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT WORK. UPDATED EVOQ 08/05/10
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .