1989 GMC Sierra
Only 16 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 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 72 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 238 |
| 1998 | 190 |
| 1999 | 600 |
| 2000 | 443 |
| 2001 | 264 |
| 2002 | 249 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 188 |
| 2005 | 117 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 39 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 53 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 61 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
4 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Seat belts
4 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
1) over years of operation;2) buckle failed to catch the seat belt 3) probably have a recall to replace the buckle. Summary: seat belt stopped working.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-26
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 16 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.
Exterior lighting
2 of 16 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights.
Steering
2 of 16 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving my truck and the day of 27TH of February 2010 and when I was turning the steering wheel it was sticking like the steering gear box was locking up then it came loose again so on the day of March first 2010 I was making a left hand turn...
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-03
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1991-10-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-12-05 W-car hinge pin failure
-
R
1993-11-08Service brakes, hydraulic93V119000 Severe corrosion due to road salt at the joint of the stamped steel center section and the cast outer section can cause the sections to separate.
Remedy: Replace the front brake rotors with new rotors with a corrosion protection coating. However, if replacement of brake linings are necessary, it will be done at owner's expense since brake linings are…
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R
2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 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…
Remedy: 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 93V119000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 GMC Sierra 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 Sierra?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 GMC Sierra have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.