1994 GMC Sierra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › GMC › Sierra › 1994
These records cover every 1994 GMC Sierra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1994 GMC Sierra. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
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 and remedy
Risk
If the buckle released, the system would fail to provide adequate occupant restraint protection.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the stitching that creates the energy management loop in the shoulder belt(s).
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 and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupants of these seats may not be properly restrained.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the retractor portion of the seat belt assembly(s) with one having the newly designed energy-management twin-loop system.
Owner complaints
190 complaints2 involved a crash2 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seats
Seat back pivot pin broke. The seat can only recline. This IS very similar to recall 95v246000. But my vin doesn't show up when searched. Why IS my vin not included? This IS a 1994 GMC sierra sle. thanks
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. The contact stated that the driver's seat belt would not latch to the buckle. Also, the strap that goes across the driver's chest would not adjust to his height. The contact spoke with cole buick GMC (6600 s westnedge ave, portage, mi 49002, 269-323-3200) and…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. The contact stated that the driver's seat belt would not latch to the buckle. Also, the strap that goes across the driver's chest would not adjust to his height. The contact spoke with cole buick GMC (6600 s westnedge ave, portage, mi 49002, 269-323-3200) and was informed that the seat belts were not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 145,000.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
TL* the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were inoperable. The vehicle was diagnosed by the owner who stated that the circuit board to the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were inoperable. The vehicle was diagnosed by the owner who stated that the circuit board to the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 10433666 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). The failure and the current mileages were approximately 125,000. updated 11/29/11 *cn updated 12/12/11
- Visibility
TL* the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, the windshield wipers were activated but failed to function. the windshield wipers began to function after several attempts but the failure recurred sporadically. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, the windshield wipers were activated but failed to function. the windshield wipers began to function after several attempts but the failure recurred sporadically. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v150001 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer) bu the contact was advised that the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
- Seats
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. the contact stated that the bolt supporting the front seat backs sheared off and caused the seat backs to fall backwards. he repaired the issue himself after purchasing another set of bolts from the dealer two years ago. recently, the failure recurred while…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. the contact stated that the bolt supporting the front seat backs sheared off and caused the seat backs to fall backwards. he repaired the issue himself after purchasing another set of bolts from the dealer two years ago. recently, the failure recurred while driving approximately 45 mph. the contact was also driving when the failure occurred two years ago. the dealer and manufacturer stated that they could not assist. the current mileage was 193,377 and failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
I am experiencing intermittent problems with my wipers not working on a 1994 GMC sierra pickup. This problem has happened several times. Each time this happened the road conditions are wet and without the aid of the wipers working properly visibility IS near zero. this creates a dangerous…
I am experiencing intermittent problems with my wipers not working on a 1994 GMC sierra pickup. This problem has happened several times. Each time this happened the road conditions are wet and without the aid of the wipers working properly visibility IS near zero. this creates a dangerous condition while in heavy traffic. No warning signals are given when the wipers will or will not work. Most recently I called a GMC customer service representative and his response was that with the age of the truck this problem was considered normal wear. This left me the feeling that they (general motors) were not concerned with the issue. At this point the condition still exists. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt*: the contact stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 98v150001, regarding the visibility windshield wiper/washer. a recall letter was received, however the vehicle's vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer was alerted. updated 6/19/2006 - *nm
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Consumer 1994 sierra 1500 windshield wiper works on and off. *ts the starter was also replaced. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. the contact stated that there was an increase in stopping distance when the brakes were applied at lower speeds. the contact stated that the condition were worse when the roads were wet. When the vehicle was in the 4- wheel drive mode the ABS system w…
Dt: the contact owns a 1994 GMC sierra. the contact stated that there was an increase in stopping distance when the brakes were applied at lower speeds. the contact stated that the condition were worse when the roads were wet. When the vehicle was in the 4- wheel drive mode the ABS system w automatically shut off, and the vehicle stopped without any problems. also, when the vehicle in the 2-wheel drive mode a problem would always occurred when braking. the contact stated that while driving he tried to stop to avoid hitting a deer, but could not even though both feet were applied to the brake. there was a recall for a different model year, but the consumer's vehicle was not included although it experienced the same problems. the contact replaced the front rotors, back brake drums, all of the brake linings, and the front brake calipers. the dealership suggested that nothing was wrong with the brakes. the consumer has not contacted the manufacturer. the contact stated that the previous owners told him that there have been problems with the brakes since the vehicle was purchased. *sc . *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Rusted steel brake line going from front of vehicle to rear brakes. *Jb
- Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Dt: consumer owns a GMC sierra 1994. He was concerned about the spare tire mount. Vehicle had a cable that held the spare tire in place. The spare tire came off the vehicle, and consumer did not know where it may have come loose . Consumer noticed spare was gone about july 17, 2005. Then…
Dt: consumer owns a GMC sierra 1994. He was concerned about the spare tire mount. Vehicle had a cable that held the spare tire in place. The spare tire came off the vehicle, and consumer did not know where it may have come loose . Consumer noticed spare was gone about july 17, 2005. Then, consumer checked the spare mounting device and discovered that the cable broke due to rust. Cable looked as if it rusted t and failed. Also, consumer owned a 1989 GMC pickup which had the same problem. consumer noticed spare tire missing on 1994. then checked and found that 1989 vehicle also had spare tire, and cable rusted and broke. Consumer's son had a 1993 GMC with the same tire mounting device found that spare tire was and cable rusted and broke off. Consumer did not know where any of the vehicles lost the spare tires, or how long they have been missing. Consumer only drove on black top roads, and did not use vehicle off road. Also, consumer had a 2002 envoy which had the same mounting system for the spare, and was concerned that this problem may occur with envoy as well.*ak spare tire mounting cable assembly reust out. *tt
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: contact states that he owns a 1994 GMC sierra and that windshield wiper motor quit. consumer got onto the nhtsa website and saw there was recall 98v15001 for this problem. dealership told him that there was no recall . *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
The windshield wipers work intermittently. the consumer has been caught on several occasions in the rain and the windshield wipers did not work. this vehicle was included in the windshield wiper nhtsa recall 98v150001. *ak the consumer would firmly hit the wiper motor with his hand 2 or 3 times. they would start then stop during the rain. *sc *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I'm putting the 3RD tranny in my 94 GMC sierra truck. I'm not alone on this, I know of some people haven the same thing wrong on there GMC and chev trucks from the years 90-2000 trucks. Its mostly with 2ND and over drive. Like I said this will be the 3RD, the company that put the 2ND tranny in told me that these tranny have a lot of those problems with 2ND and over drive. *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers work intermittently. Sometimes they will not stop. Sometimes they stop mid-wipe. Sometimes they change speeds without my changing the settings. Called GMC when I discovered a recall for the same year and model for this exact problem, but they claim that my vin IS not a part of the recall.*jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Nhtsa recall 98v150001/ concerning windshield wiper wiring. Vehicle experienced windshield wiper problems. when the windshield wiper are on they will not go off, and consumer must play with the wiper switch for a while before they will turn off. Sometimes when turning them on they will not…
Nhtsa recall 98v150001/ concerning windshield wiper wiring. Vehicle experienced windshield wiper problems. when the windshield wiper are on they will not go off, and consumer must play with the wiper switch for a while before they will turn off. Sometimes when turning them on they will not operate. Consumer just recently purchased this vehicle, and provided the vin to the manufacturer, who was telling consumer the recall was out dated, and wanted consumer to pay out of pocket, and maybe reimbursed. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
While driving 30 mph in inclement weather windshield wipers failed. this caused poor visibility. however, consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. however, mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak the consumer a recall was issued, however he never received it. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wiper failure , I did not receive a recall as described on your website , the wipers will not start quite frequently and stop when they want to . This was mentioned to the dealer approximately 14 months ago . Please advise !*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Recall 98v15001, while driving in rainy weather front windshield wiper intermittently failed. Dealership did not repair the problem because the vin was not included. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wipers stop working (intermittent problem) or will not stop once started. I received a notice from GMC regarding a safety recall for 1994 pickup trucks, but when I contacted the dealer I was informed that the recall did not apply to my specific vin number -- even though I was…
Windshield wipers stop working (intermittent problem) or will not stop once started. I received a notice from GMC regarding a safety recall for 1994 pickup trucks, but when I contacted the dealer I was informed that the recall did not apply to my specific vin number -- even though I was experiencing the problems described in the safety recall. The recall IS coverd by GMC technical service bulletin 03023 and refers to problems with solder joints on the windshield wiper control circuit board. I contacted GMC customer service and the fact that the recall applied to my make and model of vehicle but that my specific vin number was not covered by the recall was confirmed. this IS an obvious safety issue and the recall should cover all vehicles affected by the identified defect. *Ak
- Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
Tailgate hinge and attachments. Cable bends, corrodes and breaks, allowing tailgate to fall free. Also causes a scrach line along bottom of tailgate. Same as on the 2000 to 2004 trucks that have been recalled. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers quit working and stuck in the upward position when in use. windshield wipers may or may not restart. This reduced the driver's visibility. dealership indicated that the windshield wiper circuit board was bad, and needed to be replaced. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
While driving in inclement weather, the windshield wipers stopped, but the motor continued. consumer was informed by the mechanic that this vehicle was not on recall for this problem. *Ak *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wiper motor stops operating intermittently, causing poor visibility to the driver during inclement weather. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers are experiencing the same defect as stated in recall 03 v 159 000; but this vehicle IS not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10209734This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10017191Supplement to bulletin 99-06-04-047a for fuel system cleaning.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10005412Spring slap noise from the rear of the gmt 400 series truck.
- 10002567Windshield wiper failure due to cracked boulder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition for a period of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of ownership or for these vehicles currently outside of this coverage until february 29, 2004.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 615106Product recall campaign involving windshield wiper motor replacement.
Every GMC Sierra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.