1979 GMC Van recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1973-1979 LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH FLEXIBLE ENGINE COOLING FANS. THE FLEX FANS WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEAVY COOLING SYSTEM AND WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING. OVER TIME, CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FAN BLADE DUE TO FATIGUE, ENGINE MO…
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FAN BLADES, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
The fix: OWNERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE FAN ASSEMBLY TO CONFIRM IF IT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE FAN IN QUESTION. THE FAN ASSEMBLY HAS SEVEN FAN BLADES AND IS IDENTIFIED BY PART NUMBER 336032 ON EACH FAN BLADE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE FLEXIBLE FAN ASSEMBLY, YOU SHOULD REPLACE THE FAN. A NEW FOUR-BLADE FIXED PIT…
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 1979 VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 01I004000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- 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: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1973-1979 LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH FLEXIBLE ENGINE COOLING FANS. THE FLEX FANS WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEAVY COOLING SYSTEM AND WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING. OVER TIME, CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE FAN BLADE DUE TO FATIGUE, ENGINE MODIFICATIONS, OR VEHICLE CRASHES.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FAN BLADES, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: OWNERS ARE BEING ASKED TO INSPECT THE FAN ASSEMBLY TO CONFIRM IF IT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE FAN IN QUESTION. THE FAN ASSEMBLY HAS SEVEN FAN BLADES AND IS IDENTIFIED BY PART NUMBER 336032 ON EACH FAN BLADE. IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE FLEXIBLE FAN ASSEMBLY, YOU SHOULD REPLACE THE FAN. A NEW FOUR-BLADE FIXED PITCH FAN (PART NUMBER 461317) WILL BE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. GM RECOMMENDS THAT YOU NEVER STAND IN LINE WITH OR NEAR THE ENGINE COOLING FAN WHEN REVVING THE ENGINE. FOR THE OWNER'S PROTECTION, THE HOOD SHOULD BE CLOSED WHEN REVVING THE ENGINE. GM HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADVISE OWNERS TO REPLACE THE FAN ASSEMBLY. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
Notes:
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Latches / locks (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
04/24/1997 · Latches / locks
DOOR LATCHES FAIL CAUSING DOORS TO OPEN WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION.