1990 GMC Sierra: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Driver's door is sagging, it has something to do with the hinge , I am going to have to take it in to get it fixed, as it does not close all the way now.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2005
“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 tire is a cooper mastercraft at, 265/75/r16. *ak updated 12/27/05. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2005
“While driving about 35 mph or sometimes about 55 mph vehicle started vibrating without a warning. Took vehicle to dealer ,and they found out the cause of the problem were the tires. Firestone wildernes ht 235/ 75 r 15. *ak two of the four tires have crack line around tread cap. *yh”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tire separation; damage to sports side fender well and tailpipe. Required wheel well replacement and painting.*ak (tiresize: p235/75r15)( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 )”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
“Brake pedal feels spongy when applying brakes. Problem happens at any speed. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything. *ak the consumer stated that the master cylinder, the front disc pads and the rear brake cylinders had been replaced but the brake still goes to the floor. Certified technicians indicated that the 88,89 and 90 models had this problem as well. The consumer was concerned about the safety of driving this vehicle. *yh”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2000
“Vehicle experiencing problem with driver's and middle passenger's seat belt buckles failing to lock properly. Buckle would unlatch by itself intermittently. Dealer notified. *ak *ml”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 1999
“Excessive wear of front brake pad.; front pads have been replaced three times within a year. Also, when applying brakes, there is extended stopping distance which can lead to a potential accident. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 1999
“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 valve. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1996
“Whenever the ABS brakes are applied, the brake pedal would continue to the floor before slowing/stopping vehicle. The brakes would lock up. This causes the vehicle to stop further than it should. Its an intermitten problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 1995
“Owner has ABS brakes, he states that he has a low brake pedal and that he has a dump valve leak within the hydraulics. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 GMC Sierra. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1990 GMC Sierra have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.