1990 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 GMC Sierra: 1 recall, 18 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Before 1999, Sierra was a trim level on GMC's C/K pickup, not a separate model. Owners often file these reports under the trim name. For the full picture, also see the 1990 C1500, 1990 K1500, 1990 C2500, 1990 K2500.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #93V119000 · 1993 · 341,364 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (10): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (4), leaks (2).
- Tires (3): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (3).
- Body & structure (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Suspension (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 GMC Sierra has 18 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (well below the 140 average). Complaints peaked in 2000 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 115,831 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (12 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Diesel |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Diesel |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | Diesel |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
FAQ
Does the 1990 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1990 GMC Sierra, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (10), tires (3), body & structure (2).
What gas mileage does the 1990 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 23 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 GMC Sierra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.