1994 GMC Sierra

◆ Worse than typical
1994 GMC Sierra
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:15:38.057Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Sierra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1982: 1 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaints 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1990: 18 complaints 1990 1991: 12 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 72 complaints 1994: 190 complaints 1994 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 246 complaints 1997: 238 complaints 1998: 190 complaints 1999: 600 complaints 2000: 443 complaints 2000 2001: 264 complaints 2002: 249 complaints 2003: 206 complaints 2004: 188 complaints 2005: 117 complaints 2005 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 59 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2010: 34 complaints 2010 2011: 43 complaints 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2014: 101 complaints 2015: 53 complaints 2015 2016: 6 complaints 2017: 61 complaints 2017
1994: 190 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19821
19832
19871
19886
198916
199018
199112
199230
199372
1994190
1995261
1996246
1997238
1998190
1999600
2000443
2001264
2002249
2003206
2004188
2005117
200653
200759
200868
200937
201034
201143
201229
201339
2014101
201553
20166
201761

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY 33%

33% of complaints: visibility — 62 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION THE WIPERS OPERATED POORLY DUE TO A WIPER MOTOR DEFECT. *AK THE BRAKES FAILED TWICE. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030911

VISIBILITY 25%

25% of complaints: visibility — 47 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

A FIRE STARTED IN THE FIREWALL NEAR THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. A RECALL WAS ISSURED REGARDING THIS SPECIFIC INCIDENT, BUT CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO THE VIN. THE WIPERS HAD BEEN OPERATING ERRADICALLY FOR AWHILE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021119

SEATS 7%

7% of complaints: seats — 14 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20191028

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 4%

4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION THE WIPERS OPERATED POORLY DUE TO A WIPER MOTOR DEFECT. *AK THE BRAKES FAILED TWICE. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030911

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 4%

4% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

1994 — complaint volume: 190
R 19960314 — seat belts

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 ACTIVAT

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STITCHING THAT CREATES THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOP IN THE SHOULDER BELT(S).

Campaign 95V241000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19981215 — visibility

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 INTERMI

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.

Campaign 98V150001 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — seat belts

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."

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTOR PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY(S) WITH ONE HAVING THE NEWLY DESIGNED ENERGY-MANAGEMENT TWIN-LOOP SYSTEM.

Campaign 95V242000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (62 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (47 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 95V242000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 95V241000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 98V150001 (visibility) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1992 ▲ 2010 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 GMC Sierra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 GMC Sierra is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 GMC Sierra?

The most-reported component is visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 GMC Sierra have?

3 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.