1994 GMC Sierra

◆ Worse than typical
1994 GMC Sierra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:49:43.050Z

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.

Complaints
190
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1994

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Visibility

61% of complaints

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1989 1990: 18 complaints 1991: 12 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 72 complaints 1994: 190 complaints 1994 190 1995: 261 complaints 1996: 246 complaints 1997: 238 complaints 1998: 190 complaints 1999: 600 complaints 2000: 443 complaints 2001: 264 complaints 2001 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 2009 2010: 34 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 2014: 101 complaints 2015: 53 complaints 2016: 6 complaints 2017: 61 complaints 2017
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1989 1990: 18 complaints 1991: 12 complaints 1991 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 72 complaints 1994: 190 complaints 1994 190 1995: 261 complaints 1996: 246 complaints 1997: 238 complaints 1997 1998: 190 complaints 1999: 600 complaints 1999 2000: 443 complaints 2001: 264 complaints 2001 2002: 249 complaints 2003: 206 complaints 2003 2004: 188 complaints 2005: 117 complaints 2005 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 59 complaints 2007 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 34 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 2014: 101 complaints 2015: 53 complaints 2015 2016: 6 complaints 2017: 61 complaints 2017
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1989 1990: 18 complaints 1991: 12 complaints 1991 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 72 complaints 1994: 190 complaints 1994 190 1995: 261 complaints 1996: 246 complaints 1997: 238 complaints 1997 1998: 190 complaints 1999: 600 complaints 1999 2000: 443 complaints 2001: 264 complaints 2001 2002: 249 complaints 2003: 206 complaints 2003 2004: 188 complaints 2005: 117 complaints 2005 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 59 complaints 2007 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2009 2010: 34 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2013 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility

61% · 115 reports

Most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-11

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

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, 2002-11-19

Seats

11% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.

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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-28

Service brakes

9% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Fuel system, gasoline

9% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and fuel injection system.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Fuel injection pump assembly failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-25

Fuel injection system malfunction.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-08

Power train

4% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1994Complaint volume 190 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1996-03-14Seat belts95V241000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the stitching that creates the energy management loop in the shoulder belt(S).

  3. R
    1998-12-15Visibility98V150001 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.

  4. R
    Date not on fileSeat belts95V242000 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.

Buy-smart checklist

1994 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 115 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V242000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 95V241000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 98V150001 · Visibility

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 GMC Sierra have?
3 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.