Model year record

1995 GMC Sierra recalls & problems

The 1995 GMC Sierra has 6 safety recalls and 261 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility (147 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints261filed by owners

Crashes · fires19 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths14 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

VisibilityJul 1, 1998

Windshield wiper/washer

Recall 98V1500011,557,585 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.

Vehicle speed controlApr 4, 1996

Vehicle speed control

Recall 96V057000379,004 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: 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.

Seat beltsDec 13, 1995

Front

Recall 95V24200040 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTOR PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY(S) WITH ONE HAVING THE NEWLY DESIGNED ENERGY-MANAGEMENT TWIN-LOOP SYSTEM.

Seat beltsDec 13, 1995

Front

Recall 95V241000630,099 vehicles

Problem: IF BOTH THE LAP-BELT AND SHOULDER-BELT ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS ON THE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES RELEASE AT OR NEAR THE SAME TIME, ACCELERATION FORCES CAN CAUSE THE BUCKLE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE AND ALLOW THE BUCKLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE LATCH.
Risk: IF THE BUCKLE RELEASED, THE SYSTEM WOULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT PROTECTION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STITCHING THAT CREATES THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOP IN THE SHOULDER BELT(S).

Power trainJul 26, 1995

Automatic transmission

Recall 95V13900036,641 vehicles

Problem: THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT-CABLE LOCK CLIP CAN BACK OUT OF ITS INSTALLED POSITION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CABLE ADJUSTMENT. WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION, THE "PARK" INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.
Risk: THE VEHICLE CAN MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT NOTICE THAT THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS NOT ON AND DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SHIFT CABLE AND INSTALL A LOCK CLIP.

Power trainFeb 16, 1995

Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines

Recall 95V02600013,853 vehicles

Problem: DUE TO A THIN CASE CASTING, AN EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION LEAK CAN OCCUR.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE TRANSMISSION OIL TO SPRAYONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND RESULT IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION CASE ASSEMBLY FOR THE INVOLVED CASE CASTING. IF THE ASSEMBLY IS INVOLVED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED.

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

1995 GMC Sierra

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 2500 2WD Diesel

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,050/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 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 Diesel

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

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

Sierra 2500 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Sierra 2500 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Sierra 2500 2WD Diesel

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $6,000/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 4WD Diesel

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $6,000/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 4WD Diesel

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $6,400/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Sierra 2500 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/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	Injuries	Typical mileage*
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer › Motor; Windshield wiper/washer	147	0	0	87,071 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	51	3	2	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner; Front assembly › Power adjust	27	2	2	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission	15	1	1	—
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	13	13	9	—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Linkages	8	1	0	—
Exterior lightingBrake lights; Turn signal › Switch	8	0	0	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Column	8	1	1	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Mechanical › Carrier/rack	7	0	0	—
TiresTread/belt	7	0	1	—
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Front › Retractor	6	2	1	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	6	0	0	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Air bagsCrash1 injury
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
Apr 29, 2023
Air bagsCrash1 injury
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…
Apr 30, 2023
Service brakes
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…
Nov 11, 2016 · 125,000 miles
Seats
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
Feb 13, 2006 · 137,400 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
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…
Apr 21, 2005
Structure
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
Jul 8, 2005
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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
Jun 5, 2005 · 84,068 miles
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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
Oct 1, 2004

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

NHTSA defect investigations

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREClosedLed to recall 03V159000
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.
EA02006 · opened May 31, 2002 · closed Jul 23, 2003
HEADLIGHTClosed
EA00024 · opened Sep 26, 2000 · closed Dec 21, 2001
HEADLIGHTClosed
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…
PE00017 · opened Apr 11, 2000 · closed Sep 26, 2000