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 PER YEAR
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.
4 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041026
2 of 16 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.
2 of 16 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights.
2 of 16 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
CRASHShow 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, 20100303
SAFETY TIMELINE
W-CAR HINGE PIN FAILURE
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 N
Campaign 93V119000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V119000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.