Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1991 GMC C1500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
5
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 20% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 20% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 20% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 20% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
Consequence
THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy
INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, BRAKE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD AND DID NOT STOP VEHICLE.CONSUMER HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKES DUE TO THE ABS SYSTEM WHICH KICKED IN, AND CAUSED THE BRAKES NOT TO WORK. *AK”
“DRIVER'S BUCKLE FAILED TO LATCH PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REPLACED BUCKLE ON 10-21-94 WITH APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES OF WEAR. AT APPROXIMATELY 40,000, ON 5-17-99, BUCKLE FAILED TO LATCH AGAIN. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO CORRECT PROBLEM.SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK”
“FOR THE RECORD I WANTED TO INFORM YOU THAT I HAD ONE WILDERNESS AT III COME APART ON ME AT APPROX 70 MPH IT WAS A REAR TIRE AND CAUSED NO ACCIDENT BUT THE SEPERATED TREAD DID DO DAMAGE TO MY FENDER. THIS OCCURED BEFORE I HAD ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECALL, SINCE THEN I FOUND A SECOND TIRE THAT WAS…”
“WINDSHIELD WIPERS OFTEN STOP WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN IT IS RAINING. YOU CAN SOMETIME PULL ON THE WIPER BLADES TO GET THE WIPERS TO START WORKING AGAIN BUT SOMETIMES THIS DOESN'T WORK EITHER. *JB ”
The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 GMC C1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.