1992 GMC Sierra: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (28% of complaints); the 1990 and 1991 model years look more trouble-free.
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 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The paint has been slowly chipping off, and now that I have had it for three years, it has gotten much worse. I use it mainly for driving to work on the freeway and through town.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2003
“Windshield wipers works intermittently. Windshield wipers come on and off without prior warning. Dealership aware of problem.*ak consumer states the washer fluid sprayer doesn't work correct either. *slc”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2001
“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 offerred and adjustment toward a replacement tire. Tire was manufacturered at ft. Wayne, in plant.( dot number: bf11r41337 tire size: 245/75/r16 )”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2000
“Tread on the continental american general 16 inch 10 ply tire began to come off the left back tire, causing truck to swerve back and fourth, camper on body of truck fell off, tearing side panel almost completely from the left of truck. Cj”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2000
“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 to dealer and I was charged $149.90 to replace wiper motor circuit module, p/n 12463017. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2000
“We feel that this is a defect, seatbelts are a safety item, if our grandchilden had been with us, we would not have been able to protect them, we cannot drive the vehicle due to having no safety restraints at all, we have contact a dealership and they are ordering the parts, its is costing usmoney that we don't not have. Our truck is only 7 years old and not that many miles on it, the seatbelts should not have broken. They are cheaply made, of plastic with plastic inside the restraint buckle.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 1999
“Manufacturer's recall # 99028 for the seat recliner bolts for the driver's and passenger's front seats. Dealer modified driver's seat, but not the passenger's seat, and said that he is not obligated to fix the passenger's seat, and wont fix I even though the recall specifically states the driver's and passenger/s seats. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Jul 1999
“Whenever brakes are applied it causes vehicle to veer to the left. Intermittently when brakes are released, vehicle veers vaguely to the right. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Can NHTSA provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 1999
“Had put vehicle in drive position when it suddenly accelerated. Vehicle hit another vehicle in front. Had no air bags & no injuries. Vehicle towed to body shop. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 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.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS SHOULD INSPECT THE HAND STARTED BRAKE PEDAL BOLTS AND TORQUE THEM TO SPECIFICATION.
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 1992 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 GMC Sierra. The most complained-about area is visibility (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 GMC Sierra problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 178,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 GMC Sierra have open recalls?
4 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.