MotorDeets

1993 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1993 GMC Sierra: 2 recalls, 72 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
72owner complaints
4mention a crash
18best combined mpg
1993 GMC Sierra
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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 1993 C1500, 1993 K1500, 1993 C2500, 1993 K2500.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls 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.

Seats Vehicle recall #93V163000 · 1993 · 303 vehicles

What's wrong: The rear bench seat does not meet the load requirements of fmvss 207, "seating systems," because the manual latch mechanism on the folding full bench rear seat was attached to the back frame lower cross tube with domed head steel rivets instead of the bolts specified.

Why it matters:

The fix: The rivets must be replaced with the correct bolts.

Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #94V044001 · 1994 · 2,595 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If the tank ruptures, personal injury to individuals in or near the vehicle May occur.

The fix: 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.

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. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Visibility (wipers, glass)23
Seats15
Brakes (hydraulic)11
Transmission & drivetrain10
Engine & cooling7
Seat belts6
Other / unknown6
Electrical5

What owners describe

The 1993 GMC Sierra has 72 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (well below the 140 average). Complaints peaked in 1998 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1992 (30 complaints, 3 recalls), 1994 (190 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
6.2 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162118Diesel
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive152017Regular
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive152017Regular
6.2 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive152017Diesel
6.2 L 8-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162017Diesel
6.2 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive152017Diesel
6.2 L 8-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive161917Diesel
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive142016Regular
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive151916Regular
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141816Regular
5.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141715Regular
5.0 L 8-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive131815Regular

FAQ

Does the 1993 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1993 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 1993 GMC Sierra problems?

Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (23), seats (15), brakes (hydraulic) (11).

What gas mileage does the 1993 GMC Sierra get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (6.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 27 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1993 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.

Other Sierra years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017