Total Complaints
30 filings
GMC SIERRA · model year
30 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1990GMCSIERRA carries 30 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 12 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1990 SIERRA is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip with 7 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic (2) and power train:automatic transmission (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 1990 SIERRA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
30 filings
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 7 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 1 |
| TIRES:SIDEWALL | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | 1 |
| SUSPENSION | 1 |
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEALS WERE LEAKING AROUND THE TRANSMISSION AND WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,880. THE LEFT REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FELL OFF, THE MAGNET COVER PLATE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL CAME OFF AND RUINED THE REAR END TWICE. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL SEALS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE LOST FLUID, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED, THE CLUTCH FAN BROKE , THE POWER STEERING WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT AS EASY AS THE RIGHT, THE SEAT BELTS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY, THE VALVE GUIDES FAILED ON THE ENGINE, THE ABS WAS INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT CAME ON WHEN WATER WOULD GET ON THE UNIT AND THEY WOULD NOT SHUT OFF UNTIL THE UNIT DRIED OUT/ THE TORSION BAR SUPPORT WAS FATIGUED, THE REAR BRAKES DID NOT ADJUST THEM
Mileage: 55,000
DRIVER'S DOOR IS SAGGING, IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE HINGE , I AM GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE IT IN TO GET IT FIXED, AS IT DOES NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY NOW.*AK
DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE IN A REPAIR SHOP AWAITING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE IT WAS NOTED THERE WERE CRACKS ON THE SIDE WALL OF ALL FOUR TIRES. HE WENT TO THE TIRE DEALER FROM WHERE THEY WERE PURCHASED, AND THE TIRE SHOP SAID THEY WOULD OFFER COST ASSISTANCE FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALL FOUR TIRES. THE TIRE IS A COOPER MASTERCRAFT AT, 265/75/R16. *AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB
Mileage: 176,663
BRAKE PEDAL FEELS SPONGY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. PROBLEM HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER, THE FRONT DISC PADS AND THE REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS HAD BEEN REPLACED BUT THE BRAKE STILL GOES TO THE FLOOR. CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS INDICATED THAT THE 88,89 AND 90 MODELS HAD THIS PROBLEM AS WELL. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *YH
TIRE SEPARATION; DAMAGE TO SPORTS SIDE FENDER WELL AND TAILPIPE. REQUIRED WHEEL WELL REPLACEMENT AND PAINTING.*AK (TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH OR SOMETIMES ABOUT 55 MPH VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING WITHOUT A WARNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER ,AND THEY FOUND OUT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WERE THE TIRES. FIRESTONE WILDERNES HT 235/ 75 R 15. *AK TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES HAVE CRACK LINE AROUND TREAD CAP. *YH
SEAT FRAME IS CRACKED UNDER SEAT. SEAT REMAINS VERY UNSTABLE. POTENTIAL FOR SEAT COLLAPSE WHILE DRIVING
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH DRIVER'S AND MIDDLE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILING TO LOCK PROPERLY. BUCKLE WOULD UNLATCH BY ITSELF INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *ML
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PAD.; FRONT PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN A YEAR. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THERE IS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH CAN LEAD TO A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK
EXCESSIVE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE PAD.; FRONT PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN A YEAR. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THERE IS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH CAN LEAD TO A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.