RoadVitals

1995 GMC Sierra

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
261
Latest Dec 17, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Jul 1, 1998
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
3
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19
14 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 261 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 GMC Sierra, most frequently naming the visibility, brakes and interior & seats categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 3 NHTSA investigations name it; and 12 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Jul 1, 1998
1,557,585 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 98043View on NHTSA.gov

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Apr 4, 1996
379,004 units potentially affected
The defect: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
The risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Dec 13, 1995
40 units potentially affected
The defect: THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH FRONT SEAT BELT SYSTEMS WITH NO ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS AND MAY NOT MEET THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTOR PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY(S) WITH ONE HAVING THE NEWLY DESIGNED ENERGY-MANAGEMENT TWIN-LOOP SYSTEM.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA02006ClosedEngineering Analysis

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

Opened May 31, 2002
Closed Jul 23, 2003

AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTORLed to recall 03V159000
EA00024ClosedEngineering Analysis

HEADLIGHT

Opened Sep 26, 2000
Closed Dec 21, 2001
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PE00017ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HEADLIGHT

Opened Apr 11, 2000
Closed Sep 26, 2000

BASED ON THE REPORTS RECEIVED BY ODI FROM CONSUMERS, FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHT ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, AND MAY RESULT FROM REPEATED ADJUSTMENT OFTHE TILT STEERING WHEEL IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.REPEATED ADJUSTMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION MAY STRAIN THE WIRING IN THE HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT TO THE POINT OF FAILURE WHERE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, RESULTING IN THE UNANTICIPATED LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.ODI HAS CONCERNS REGARDING THE HIGH RATE OF WARRANTY REPAIRS FOR PROBLEMS POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, WITH THE RECOGNITION THE EACH INCIDENT OF HEADLIGHT FAILURE REPRESENTS A CONDITION OF VEHICLE DISABLEMENT.IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURER'S EVALUATION OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN RECEIVED, AND THIS OFFICE HAS INTEREST IN THE DETAILS OF THE METHODOLOGIES AND RESULTS OF THAT ASSESSMENT.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Dec 17, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

Part:Air bag Available:yes Safety: hit windshield twice after a frontal impact @ 50mph Inspected: no can't get anyone to look into it Warning: None Injuries:laceration on right side face from impacting windshield Looks as if it started to then stopped 2nd owner truck No prior wrecks Took 13 stiches to fix my face Vehicle:religiously maintained If air bag would've deployed would have not sustained any injuries

NHTSA ID
11560537
Incident
Apr 29, 2023
AirbagsSteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 14, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

Vehicle was regularly maintained and did not show any air bag codes on a reader. Was told by tow truck driver a new ball joint failed after recently being replaced. This caused me to lose steering around a small bend and lead me to go straight into a guardrail at 55mph. Upon impact of guardrail and a 10foot drop off the air bag never went off upon a 55mph head on impact. I had be rushed to hospital and with request for lifeline but was unavailable. I spent day and half in hospital and had to have 15 stiches put in my face from where impacted the windshield 2 or 3 times. Insurance totaled out the vehicle however still in possession of it and just ems ride to e.r. cost $3600. The contact stated the police report indicates brake failure or defective(unit 1).

NHTSA ID
11526959
Incident
Apr 30, 2023
Brakes
Filed Nov 14, 2016

WHILE TOWING OUR 42 FOOT CAMPER WITH THE 1 TON GMC DUALLY TRUCK WE HAD A SUDDEN LOSS OF TRUCK BRAKING CAUSING US TO RUN THRU A RED SIGNAL LIGHT. THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED AND BURST LEAVING VERY LITTLE BRAKING FROM TRUCK. THE BRAKES WERE INSPECTED BY A GM DEALER ONLY 6 MONTHS AGO AND WERE DEEMED OK AFTER A 1200 DOLLAR REPAIR BILL TO REPLACE REAR BRAKES. . THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE WITH SUCH A CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF BRAKING . THIS TRUCK IS MADE FOR TOWING AND SHOULD NEVER HAVE THE BRAKING EVER BE COMPROMISED. THE TRUCK HAS 125000 MILES AND SHOULD HAVE HAD A MORE DURABLE DESIGN INTEGRATED INTO THE BRAKE LINES.THERE ALSO WAS AN ENHANCED CHANCE FOR FIRE SINCE BRAKE FLUID WAS SPRAYED ON ENGINE WHEN BRAKES FAILED.

NHTSA ID
10926019
Incident
Nov 11, 2016
Mileage
125,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 13, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT IT MOVES FREELY. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT FRAME IS BREAKING AWAY FROM THE FLOOR BOARD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 3/9/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID
10150145
Incident
Feb 13, 2006
Mileage
137,400 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Oct 6, 2005

DT: THE VEHICLE WILL GO FASTER THAN THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE THE CONSUMER APPLIES TO THE GAS PEDAL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST WAS ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, AND SHE WENT TO HAVE IT REPLACED WHEN SHE DISCOVERED THE SECOND RECALL. THE SECOND WAS FOR THE THROTTLE CABLE. THE CONSUMER AND THE DEALER THOUGHT THAT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE REASON FOR THE PROBLEM. SHE HAD THE RECALL DONE ON 7-25-05. THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED AGAIN ON 8-12-05. SHE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY TOLD HER THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL ISSUE. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE BUTTERFLY INTAKE. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HER TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE NHTSA, AND SHE DID. SO. *AK *JB

NHTSA ID
10132869
Incident
Apr 21, 2005
Body & structure
Filed Aug 12, 2005

DT: WATER COMES THROUGH THE BACK OF THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND DRIPS INTO THE PASSENGERS SIDE FLOOR BOARD. A MECHANIC POINTED OUT THERE WAS RUST SO HE GLUED IT, BUT IT DID NOT HELP. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ID
10127895
Incident
Jul 8, 2005
Brakes
Filed Aug 1, 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THERE IS MASSIVE RUST ON THE REAR BRAKE LINE. THIS CAUSED THE BRAKE LINE TO RUPTURE. BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING OUT, CAUSING A PROBLEM WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE. THE SERVICE DEALER STATED THE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE DEALER DID NOT REMOVE THE OLD BRAKE LINE WHEN THEY INSTALLED A NEW ONE. *JB

NHTSA ID
10127443
Incident
Jun 5, 2005
Mileage
84,068 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 4, 2005

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILED TO OPERATE, REDUCING DRIVER'S VISIBILITY AND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN: THE CONSUMER READ ABOUT RECALL 98V150001 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR BUT WAS TOLD THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *NM

NHTSA ID
10111362
Incident
Oct 1, 2004

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

04-06-04-051F

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

020525006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT

020730024A

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

01570

SUSPENSION:REAR

SPRING SLAP NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE GMT 400 SERIES TRUCK. *MN

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Sierra by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017610037.8
2016620
2015536050.3
201410112053.9
2013393051.4
2012292051.1
2011432042.2
2010341045.6
2009371041.7
2008682250.8
2007592050.2
2006536052.7
200511711048.1
200418810051.8
20032069558.4
20022497865.4
20012647966.2
200044312965.4
199960091065.3
19981900246.8
19972380034.6
19962462358.9
1995Viewing2616360.6
19941903048.9
1993723051.6
1992304052.6
1991122039.9
1990182051.4
1989162154.7
1988621
1987100
1983200
1982100
1979001
1977200
1976200

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.