1989 GMC S15 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 1989 GMC S15 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other S15 years?

S15 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all S15 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 GMC S15 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Engine	2	18%	— flat
Electrical System	2	18%	▲ up
Lighting	1	9%	new
Seat Belts	1	9%	— flat
Seats	1	9%	— flat
Suspension	1	9%	new
Brakes	1	9%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	1	9%	new
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	1	9%	new

Does the 1989 GMC S15 have recalls?

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

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

93V008000EngineJanuary 14, 1993 · 215,052 units

Defect

THE ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADES BREAK AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE AND/OR VEHICLE INDUCED STRESS.

Consequence

IF THE BLADE BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE HOOD IS OPEN, APERSON WORKING UNDER THE HOOD OR IN THE VICINITY OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE STRUCKAND INJURED BY THE BLADE SEGMENT.

Remedy

INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED FAN ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I BOUGHT A 1989 JIMMY S15 LAST YEAR. DROM THE REPAIR BILLS THAT CAME WITH THE TRUCK THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THIS TRUCK IN THE SHOP COUNTLESS TIMES FOR SURGING. WHENEVER I AM STOPPED AT A LIGHT ETC- THE TRUCK SURGES FORWARD. I AM AFRAID OF AN ACCIDENT, ESPECAILLY WITH MY MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 23, 2004

“FAILURE OF THE HEATER CORE RESULTED IN POOR VISIBILITY AND NEAR ACCIDENT WHEN A THICK YELLOW STICKY GAS/FLUID CAME OUT OF VENTS AND COATED THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WHILE TRYING TO DEFROST. MJS”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 1, 1999

“THE CONSUMER (WHO IS NOW DECEASED HAROLD BRIDGES) WAS DRIVING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN HE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST WHO WAS DRIVING RECKLESSLY, THE CONSUMERS SEAT ADJUSTER RAILING FAILED, WHICH ATTRIBUTED TO SEVERE INJURIES IN WHICH THE CONSUMER WAS KILLED, HOWEVER THE MOTHER, ROSA LEYVA IS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · November 18, 1994

1989 GMC S15 — common questions

Is the 1989 GMC S15 reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 S15 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (2 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), seat belts (1 complaints).

Does the 1989 GMC S15 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 GMC S15. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 GMC S15 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.

How does 1989 compare to other S15 years?

What are the most common 1989 GMC S15 problems?

Does the 1989 GMC S15 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1989 GMC S15 — common questions

Is the 1989 GMC S15 reliable?

What are the most common 1989 S15 problems?

Does the 1989 GMC S15 have recalls?

Is the 1989 GMC S15 under NHTSA investigation?

Related