VehicleVerdict

1992 GMC Sierra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1992 GMC Sierra sits mid-pack among Sierra years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (27% of the total).

33

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Sierra years?

Sierra NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 GMC Sierra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers927%
Brakes721%
Seat Belts39%
Tires & Wheels39%
Transmission26%
Speed Control26%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%
Engine13%
Electrical System13%
Fuel System13%
Latches & Locks13%
Other13%

Does the 1992 GMC Sierra have recalls?

4 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.

94V044001Fuel SystemApril 5, 1994 · 2,595 units

Defect

VEHICLES ALTERED BY PAS, INC. HAVE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS FUEL TANKS THAT CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION, WHICH CRACK THE E-GLASS WRAPPING. THIS STRESS CORROSION CRACKING CAN LEAD TO TANK RUPTURES.

Consequence

IF THE TANK RUPTURES, PERSONAL INJURY TO INDIVIDUALS IN OR NEAR THE VEHICLE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

GM IS OFFERING TO EXCHANGE THESE VEHICLES WITH A COMPARABLY EQUIPPED 1994 GASOLINE 1/2 OR 3/4 TON GM PICKUP. IF THE OWNER CHOOSES NOT TO EXCHANGE THE NATURAL GAS VEHICLE, GM WILL REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE.

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.

92V056000BrakesApril 14, 1992 · 177 units

Defect

THE PIVOT BOLT HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ITS SUPPORT BRACKET MAY BE IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED AND MAY NOT HAVE ENGAGED THE LOCKING MATERIAL ON THE BOLT. THE BOLT CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE NUT.

Consequence

IF THE PIVOT BOLT DISENGAGES FROM THE NUT WHILE THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF BRAKE CONTROL AND COULD RESULT INA VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS SHOULD INSPECT THE HAND STARTED BRAKE PEDAL BOLTS AND TORQUE THEM TO SPECIFICATION.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN A RAIN STORM. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND WAIT FOR THE RAIN TO LET UP BEFORE I COULD CONTINUE. LATER, DURING THE SAME DRIVE, I WAS ABLE TO TURN ON THE WIPERS, BUT THEN THEY WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. REPORTED FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 24, 2000

“ON ANY KIND OF ROAD CONDTIONS WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE REAR WHEELS LOCK UP. THIS HAPPENS MORE WHEN MOISTURE IS IN THE AIR OR DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS. . THIS CONDTIONS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. GMC IS UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 7, 1992

“TREAD SEPARATION - TREAD PEELED OFF FROM MAIN BODY OF TIRE AT 70 MPH. TIRE WAS INSPECTED BY A GOODYEAR DEALER AND HE GOOD NOT DETERMINE REASON FOR FAILURE. DEALER TALKED WITH MICHELLEN IN ORDER TO OBTAIN GUIDANCE ABOUT REASON FOR FAILURE. MICHELLEN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE REASON FOR FAILURE BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 9, 2000

“RECEIVING END OF DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT BROKE AND WILL NOT HOLD THE BUCKLE INSIDE OF IT. DEALER SAID THE IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, CONSUMER FEELS THAT SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT, IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE DEALER.*AK *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 1, 2000

“UNDER CARRIAGE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FUMES STEMMED FROM WIRES AND GAS LINE. CONSEQUENCE: TORQUE CONVERTER BLEW. DEALER'S.., COMMENTS REPLACEMENT OF PRIOR RECALL BEFORE PURCHASE. CORRECTIVE ACTION DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 21, 1997 · fire

1992 GMC Sierra — common questions

Is the 1992 GMC Sierra reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 33 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sierra year, with 4 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1992 Sierra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (9 complaints), brakes (7 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 1992 GMC Sierra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 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.