Model year record

1993 GMC Sierra recalls & problems

The 1993 GMC Sierra has 3 safety recalls and 72 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility (25 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints72filed by owners

Crashes · fires4 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingAug 11, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0500001,921 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Fuel system, otherApr 5, 1994

Storage › Tank assembly

Recall 94V0440012,595 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLES ALTERED BY PAS, INC. HAVE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS THAT CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION, WHICH CRACK THE E-GLASS WRAPPING. THIS STRESS CORROSION CRACKING CAN LEAD TO TANK RUPTURES.
Risk: IF THE TANK RUPTURES, PERSONAL INJURY TO INDIVIDUALS IN OR NEAR THE VEHICLE MAY OCCUR.
Fix: GM IS OFFERING TO EXCHANGE THESE VEHICLES WITH A COMPARABLY EQUIPPED 1994 GASOLINE 1/2 OR 3/4 TON GM PICKUP. IF THE OWNER CHOOSES NOT TO EXCHANGE THE NATURAL GAS VEHICLE, GM WILL REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE.

SeatsSep 27, 1993

Mid/rear assembly

Recall 93V163000303 vehicles

Problem: THE REAR BENCH SEAT DOES NOT MEET THE LOAD REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS," BECAUSE THE MANUAL LATCH MECHANISM ON THE FOLDING FULL BENCH REAR SEAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE BACK FRAME LOWER CROSS TUBE WITH DOMED HEAD STEEL RIVETS INSTEAD OF THE BOLTS SPECIFIED.
Fix: THE RIVETS MUST BE REPLACED WITH THE CORRECT BOLTS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1993 GMC Sierra C-K 1500

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Sierra 1500 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,300/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 4WD Diesel

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,650/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 4WD Diesel

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,650/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD Diesel

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,650/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,650/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 2WD Diesel

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,650/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 4WD Diesel

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,650/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 4WD Diesel

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,650/year to fuel

Sierra 1500 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Motor; Windshield wiper/washer	25	1	0	0	75,000 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner; Mid/rear assembly	16	1	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Drum › Drum	12	3	0	0	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift	12	1	0	1	20,425 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	7	0	1	1	—
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Front › Buckle assembly	6	0	0	2	1,500 mi
Unknown or other	6	0	0	0	116,438 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	5	1	0	0	87,510 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	3	1	0	0	—
TiresTread/belt	3	0	0	0	—
EquipmentElectrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.	3	0	0	0	1,500 mi
Latches/locks/linkagesTailgate › Latch; Hood › Latch	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
RECALL SUBJECT: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY REPORT RECEIPT DATE: 04-05-1994 NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 94V044001 MANUFACTURE: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. SUMMARY: VEHICLES ALTERED BY PAS, INC. HAVE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS THAT CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION, WHICH CRACK THE E-GLASS WRAPPING. THIS STRESS CORROSION CRACKING CAN LEAD TO TANK RUPTURES. CONSEQUENCE: IF THE TANK RUPTURES, PERSONAL INJURY TO INDIVIDUALS IN OR NEAR THE VEHICLE MAY OCCUR. REMEDY: GM IS OFFERING TO EXCHANGE THESE VEHICLES WITH A COMPARABLY EQUIPPED 1994 GASOLINE 1/2 OR 3/4 TON GM PICKUP. IF THE OWNER CHOOSES NOT TO EXCHANGE THE NATURAL GAS VEHICLE, GM WILL REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE.
Nov 1, 2017
Engine and engine cooling1 injury
I WENT OUT ONE MORNING AND STARTED MY TRUCK AND HEARD A RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I GOT OUT AND OPENED THE HOOD. ALMOST INSTANTANEOUSLY THE ENGINE BACKFIRED AND THE COOLING FAN BLEW APART AND FRAGMENTS OF METAL CAME THROUGH THE PLASTIC SHROUD AND INTO MY FACE AND HEAD CAUSING SERIOUS AND WOULD HAVE BEEN FATAL INJURY TO MYSELF. IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE FAST RESPONSE OF THE PARAMEDICS WHO FLEW ME TO THE HOSPITAL BY CHOPPER. I AM NOW BLIND MISSING AN EYE AND MY FACE AND HEAD ARE SCARED ALONG WITH POSSIBLE BRAIN DAMAGE. PLEASE DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO KEEP THIS TRAGIC ACCIDENT FROM HAPPENING TO ANYONE ELSE. *TR
May 25, 2013 · 210,000 miles
Electrical system › Ignition
I PURCHASED A 1993 GMC SIERRA PICKUP FOR MY SON FROM MY FATHER WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER. MY FATHER TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF IT MAKING ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCES AS WE HAVE DONE AS WELL AFTER PURCHASING IT. MY SON WAS ON HIS WAY TO SCHOOL WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. HE WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE TRUCK AND HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. LUCKILY HE DID NOT LOOSE CONTROL NOR DID HE CRASH HEAD ON INTO THE ON COMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. ONCE STOPPED HE COULDN'T GET THE IGNITION TO TURN OFF WITH THE KEY. HAD TO JIGGLE THE STEERING COLUMN AROUND TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. HE DID THIS WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WE HAD THE TRUCK TOWED BACK TO OUR HOME…
Mar 24, 2009 · 220,000 miles
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN WITH MY WIPERS ON LOW SPEED, THEY SUDDENLY STOPPED, JUST AS A TRUCK WAS PASSING ME, WITH THE ROAD WATER THROWN ON THE WINDSHIELD BY THE SEMI, I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD AHEAD. I COULD SEE IN MY SIDE MIRROR THAT I WAS CLEAR ON MY RIGHT SIDE, SO I PULLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. I ALSO OWN A 1991 3/4 TON SILVERADO WHICH I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE WIPER DELAY FUNCTION, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE NOT TOTALLY STOPPED AS THE SIERRA'S DID. I SPOKE WITH SOME OTHER GM TRUCK OWNERS WHO SAY THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE WIPER SYSTEMS OF THEIR TRUCKS, SOME AS FAR BACK AS 1988 MODELS. *JB
Mar 11, 2006
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 03V159000; GENERAL MOTORS ISSUED A WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. HOWEVER, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *AK *SC *JB
Apr 11, 2005
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND OFF OWN THEIR OWN. *AK WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. GENERAL MOTOR CORPORATION (GM) ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL ON 1994-1996 GMC LIGHT TRUCKS, AND TRUCK'S WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. *LA
May 20, 2004 · 75,000 miles
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS TO WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, CAUSING WIPERS TO STOP RUNNING RANDOMLY.*AK
May 1, 2001 · 74,000 miles
Power train
REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION 4 TIMES, RECALL ON SEATS WERE FIXED BUT BOLTS KEEP BREAKING SO I BOUGHT NEW SEATS OF A DIFFERNT STYLE AND REPLACED THEM AFTER A 5 YEAR PROBLEM. PAINT HAS BEEN FLAKING OFF THE TRUCK FOR APPOXIMATELY 4 YRS AND I CANT GET THE DEALER OR GM TO DO ANYTHING WITH THIS PAINT PROBLEM. THEY SAY IT IS BECAUSE I AM THE SECOND OWNER. THE TRUCK WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BUT THE TOP OF THE CAB AND THE BED IS ALL THAT NEEDS PAINTED, AND THEY WERE NOT DAMAGED IN ANYWAY BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.
Oct 15, 2003 · 150,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.