1994 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 GMC Sierra: 3 recalls, 190 owner complaints and up to 19 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 1994 C1500, 1994 K1500, 1994 C2500, 1994 K2500.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V242000 · 1995 · 40 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V241000 · 1995 · 630,099 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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).
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #98V150001 · 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles
What's wrong: Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (115): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), stalls / loses power (2).
- Seats (21): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (15): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), leaks (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (13): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5).
The 1994 GMC Sierra has 190 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 140). Complaints peaked in 1999 (39 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 110,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (72 complaints, 2 recalls), 1995 (261 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Diesel |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Diesel |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Diesel |
FAQ
Does the 1994 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1994 GMC Sierra. 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 1994 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (115), seats (21), fuel system (15).
What gas mileage does the 1994 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (6.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 36 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 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.