Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 GMC C30 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS OPERATED BY THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT LUBRICANT ON THE ACTUATING PLUNGER. THIS CAN CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE STOPLIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE CRUISE CONTROL, IF ACTIVATED, TO STAY ELECTRICALLY ENGAGED.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE STOPLIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT NO COST TO OWNER.
Defect
THE FRONT HOSES ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE IMPROPERLY ORIENTED HOSE FITTINGS, RESULTING IN A RUBBING CONTACT BETWEEN THE RIGHT BRAKE HOSE AND THE UPPER CONTROL ARM OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION OR IN A TWISTED LEFT HOSE RESULTING IN A FAULTY ATTACHMENT AT THE FRAME FITTING. SHOULD EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS EXIST, THEY COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN BRAKE HOSE FAILURE CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND CONSEQUENT LOSS OF THE FRONT BRAKING ACTION.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ONE OR BOTH FRONT BRAKE HOSES AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 GMC C30. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.