1989 GMC S15
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT A 1989 JIMMY S15 LAST YEAR. DROM THE REPAIR BILLS THAT CAME WITH THE TRUCK THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THIS TRUCK IN THE SHOP COUNTLESS TIMES FOR SURGING. WHENEVER I AM STOPPED AT A LIGHT ETC- THE TRUCK SURGES FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040523
2 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and module.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING, UNDER THE HOOD FIRE, EA94-029 ACTIVE WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950208
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH DEATHSAFETY TIMELINE
THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES BREAK AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE AND/OR VEHICLE INDUCED STRESS.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED FAN ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 93V008000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 GMC S15 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V008000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 GMC S15 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 GMC S15?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 GMC S15 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.