1995 GMC Sierra recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
6 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. DUE TO A THIN CASE CASTING, AN EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION LEAK CAN OCCUR.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE TRANSMISSION OIL TO SPRAYONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND RESULT IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION CASE ASSEMBLY FOR THE INVOLVED CASE CASTING. IF THE ASSEMBLY IS INVOLVED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1995 SIERRA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V026000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
Summary: DUE TO A THIN CASE CASTING, AN EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION LEAK CAN OCCUR.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE TRANSMISSION OIL TO SPRAYONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND RESULT IN A POSSIBLE VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION CASE ASSEMBLY FOR THE INVOLVED CASE CASTING. IF THE ASSEMBLY IS INVOLVED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED.
Notes: SYSTEM: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; COOLING UNIT AND LINES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 4L80-E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-810-456-4547. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Visibility (wipers / glass)
What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1995 SIERRA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V150001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH FRONT SEAT BELT SYSTEMS WITH NO ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS AND MAY NOT MEET THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
What could happen: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTOR PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY(S) WITH ONE HAVING THE NEWLY DESIGNED ENERGY-MANAGEMENT TWIN-LOOP SYSTEM.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1995 SIERRA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V242000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH FRONT SEAT BELT SYSTEMS WITH NO ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS AND MAY NOT MEET THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTOR PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY(S) WITH ONE HAVING THE NEWLY DESIGNED ENERGY-MANAGEMENT TWIN-LOOP SYSTEM.
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; FRONT, FMVSS NO. 208. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, WITH EXTENDED CABS, AND EQUIPPED WITH 6.5L NATURALLY ASPIRATED DIESEL ENGINES AND 6.5L TURBO DIESEL ENGINES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
4. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
What could happen: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1995 SIERRA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V057000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROL; FMVSS NO. 124. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS, CAB/CHASSIS, UTILITY AND MULTI-PURPOSE TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH GASOLINE ENGINES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
5. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT-CABLE LOCK CLIP CAN BACK OUT OF ITS INSTALLED POSITION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CABLE ADJUSTMENT. WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION, THE "PARK" INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.
What could happen: THE VEHICLE CAN MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT NOTICE THAT THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS NOT ON AND DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SHIFT CABLE AND INSTALL A LOCK CLIP.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1995 SIERRA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V139000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT-CABLE LOCK CLIP CAN BACK OUT OF ITS INSTALLED POSITION RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CABLE ADJUSTMENT. WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION, THE "PARK" INDICATOR LIGHT MAY NOT ILLUMINATE.
Consequence: THE VEHICLE CAN MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY IF THE DRIVER DOES NOT NOTICE THAT THE INDICATOR LIGHT IS NOT ON AND DOES NOT APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADJUST THE SHIFT CABLE AND INSTALL A LOCK CLIP.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWERTRAIN; AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH M30/MT1 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME,SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
6. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. IF BOTH THE LAP-BELT AND SHOULDER-BELT ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS ON THE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES RELEASE AT OR NEAR THE SAME TIME, ACCELERATION FORCES CAN CAUSE THE BUCKLE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE AND ALLOW THE BUCKLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE LATCH.
What could happen: IF THE BUCKLE RELEASED, THE SYSTEM WOULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT PROTECTION.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STITCHING THAT CREATES THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOP IN THE SHOULDER BELT(S).
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1995 SIERRA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V241000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Summary: IF BOTH THE LAP-BELT AND SHOULDER-BELT ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS ON THE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES RELEASE AT OR NEAR THE SAME TIME, ACCELERATION FORCES CAN CAUSE THE BUCKLE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE AND ALLOW THE BUCKLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE LATCH.
Consequence: IF THE BUCKLE RELEASED, THE SYSTEM WOULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT PROTECTION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STITCHING THAT CREATES THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOP IN THE SHOULDER BELT(S).
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; FRONT. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, EXTENDED CAB, EQUIPPED WITHGAS ENGINES OR 6.5L H.O. TURBO DIESEL ENGINES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1995 GMC Sierra owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (150), Brakes (49), Hydraulic (46), Seats (26), Transmission / drivetrain (16).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
12/17/2023 · Airbags · crash
Part:Air bag Available:yes Safety: hit windshield twice after a frontal impact @ 50mph Inspected: no can't get anyone to look into it Warning: None Injuries:laceration on right side face from impacting windshield Looks as if it started to then stopped 2nd owner truck No prior wrecks Took 13 stiches to fix my face Vehicle:religiously maintained If air bag…
06/14/2023 · Steering · crash
Vehicle was regularly maintained and did not show any air bag codes on a reader. Was told by tow truck driver a new ball joint failed after recently being replaced. This caused me to lose steering around a small bend and lead me to go straight into a guardrail at 55mph. Upon impact of guardrail and a 10foot drop off the air bag never went off upon a 55mph h…
11/14/2016 · Brakes
WHILE TOWING OUR 42 FOOT CAMPER WITH THE 1 TON GMC DUALLY TRUCK WE HAD A SUDDEN LOSS OF TRUCK BRAKING CAUSING US TO RUN THRU A RED SIGNAL LIGHT. THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED AND BURST LEAVING VERY LITTLE BRAKING FROM TRUCK. THE BRAKES WERE INSPECTED BY A GM DEALER ONLY 6 MONTHS AGO AND WERE DEEMED OK AFTER A 1200 DOLLAR REPAIR BILL TO REPLACE REAR BRAKES. . T…
07/01/2011 · Engine · fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1995 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THEY ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FIRE MOST LIKELY ORIGINATED NEAR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND STEE…
12/12/2009 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 50MPH IN THE RAIN AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING. I HAD THEM IN THE LOW SPEED SETTING. IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER THE MOTOR HAD A CHANCE TO COOL OFF AND THEY WERE TURNED BACK ON. I HAVE NOT YET ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE ANY COMPONENTS. *TR
07/09/2007 · Engine
VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DRIVING EVENTUALLY STALLING . HAD VEHICLE IN 6 DIFFERENT REPAIR SHOPS. WE HAVE HAD IT TUNED UP, REPLACED PLUG WIRES, SENSORS, AND DISTRIBUTOR AMONG OTHER THINGS. THE VEHICLE WILL DRIVE FINE FOR A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS AND THEN THE SAME PROBLEM WILL OCCUR.*AK
02/13/2006 · Seats
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT IT MOVES FREELY. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT FRAME IS BREAKING AWAY FROM THE FLOOR BOARD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 3/9/2006 - *NM
10/06/2005 · Engine
DT: THE VEHICLE WILL GO FASTER THAN THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE THE CONSUMER APPLIES TO THE GAS PEDAL. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST WAS ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, AND SHE WENT TO HAVE IT REPLACED WHEN SHE DISCOVERED THE SECOND RECALL. THE S…