1979 GMC K30 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1979 GMC K30 — 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1979 compare to other K30 years?

K30 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all K30 years to avoid →

Does the 1979 GMC K30 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

81V010000BrakesJanuary 13, 1981 · 320,677 units

Defect

FATIGUE CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER HOUSING. THIS MAY CAUSE A VACUUM LEAK AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BRAKES. AFTER PROLONGED USE, THE CRACKS MAY DEVELOP TO THE EXTENT THAT THE BOOSTER MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR FATIGUE CRACKS IN THE BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER. THOSE WITHOUT CRACKS WILL HAVE A SUPPORT BRACE INSTALLED. THOSE WITH EVIDENCE OF CRACKING WILL HAVE A NEW BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER AND SUPPORT BRACE INSTALLED. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT NO CHARGE.

79V142000LightingJune 6, 1979 · 15,328 units

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.

1979 GMC K30 — common questions

Is the 1979 GMC K30 reliable?

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.

Does the 1979 GMC K30 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 GMC K30. 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.

How does 1979 compare to other K30 years?

Does the 1979 GMC K30 have recalls?

1979 GMC K30 — common questions

Is the 1979 GMC K30 reliable?

Does the 1979 GMC K30 have recalls?

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