1990 GMC Sierra
Only 18 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 18 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 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE/ BRAKE FADE AWAY, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE DUMP VALVE WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILING.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971021
2 of 18 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
FIRE2 of 18 total reports mention: power train.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100615
TRANSMISSION FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981020
1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility.
FIRE1 of 18 total reports mentions: tires.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1990 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train 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 1990 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 1990 GMC Sierra?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 GMC Sierra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.