VehicleVerdict

1990 GMC Sierra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1990 GMC Sierra sits mid-pack among Sierra years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 40% of all reports (12 of 30), far ahead of tires & wheels at 3.

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Sierra years?

Sierra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted721 complaints1976: 2 complaints1977: 4 complaints1979: 0 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 5 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 6 complaints1989: 22 complaints1990: 30 complaints1991: 12 complaints1992: 33 complaints1993: 109 complaints1994: 221 complaints1995: 327 complaints1996: 310 complaints1997: 302 complaints1998: 230 complaints1999: 721 complaints2000: 557 complaints2001: 333 complaints2002: 291 complaints2003: 248 complaints2004: 224 complaints2005: 152 complaints2006: 65 complaints2007: 71 complaints2008: 84 complaints2009: 48 complaints2010: 43 complaints2011: 67 complaints2012: 46 complaints2013: 46 complaints2014: 132 complaints2015: 67 complaints2016: 8 complaints2017: 77 complaints
Sierra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 GMC Sierra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1240%
Tires & Wheels310%
Transmission310%
Suspension27%
Engine27%
Seat Belts27%
Body & Structure27%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Electrical System13%
Seats13%
Steering13%

Does the 1990 GMC Sierra have recalls?

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

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

93V119000BrakesAugust 2, 1993 · 341,364 units

Defect

SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE/ BRAKE FADE AWAY, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE DUMP VALVE WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE DUMP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 1996 · crash

“DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE IN A REPAIR SHOP AWAITING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE IT WAS NOTED THERE WERE CRACKS ON THE SIDE WALL OF ALL FOUR TIRES. HE WENT TO THE TIRE DEALER FROM WHERE THEY WERE PURCHASED, AND THE TIRE SHOP SAID THEY WOULD OFFER COST ASSISTANCE FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALL FOUR TIRES. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · November 9, 2005

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 10, 1992 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 10, 1992 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 10, 1992 · fire

1990 GMC Sierra — common questions

Is the 1990 GMC Sierra reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sierra year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1990 Sierra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 1990 GMC Sierra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 GMC Sierra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Sierra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 1998, 2004, 1994, 2005, 2014, 1993. The cleanest record among Sierra years belongs to 1979.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.