1994 GMC Sierra
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 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
33% of complaints: visibility — 62 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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
25% of complaints: visibility — 47 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow 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
7% of complaints: seats — 14 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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
4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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
4% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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
WORST 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: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.