1993 GMC C1500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
What could happen: THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The fix: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
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 1993 C1500.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V016000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
Consequence: THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS WITH 5.0 L, 5.7 L, AND 7.4 L ENGINES AND 4L60,4L60-E, AND 3L80 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1993 GMC C1500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seats (10), Visibility (wipers / glass) (6), Electrical system (3), Body / structure (2), Brakes (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/29/2010 · Seats
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 GMC SIERRA C-1500 WHICH WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2007. SHE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE BENCH BOLTS BROKE WHICH CAUSED THE SEAT TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE OVER 200,000.
10/18/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
I HAVE BEEN HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FOR THE A COUPLE OF YEARS. I FINALLY DECIDED TO TRY AND FIX THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THIS IS NOT AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM WITH GMC PICKUPS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY OR MAY NOT WORK. MOST OF THE TIME IT IS WHEN IT IS A LITTLE DAMP OUTSIDE BUT THERE IS NO SET PATTERN. I CAN BE DRIVING DOWN T…
08/03/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS START AND STOP FOR NO APPAENT REASON.*AK
04/23/2003 · Body / structure
THE PAINT IS JUST BLISTERING OFF VEHICLE HOOD. *JB
07/03/2001 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK ONLY INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND THERE WAS NOTHING HE WOULD DO.*AK
06/20/2001 · Wheels / tires
UPON RETURNING TO THE ROAD FROM A SERVICE STATION, THE TRUCK DEVELOPED A SHIMMY. AS I PROCEEDED DOWN THE ROAD, THE VIBRATING GOT WORSE. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT COULD NOT SEE A PROBLEM. UPON RETURNING BACK TO THE ROAD, THE VIBRATING BECAME MORE SEVERE. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT ONTO AN ACCESS ROAD AND INTO A SERVICE STATION PARKING LOT. O…
02/21/2001 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE RAINING RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY. NLM
02/21/2001 · Seats
THE SEAT BACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE LEANS TOO FAR BACK BECAUSE THE SUPPORT TO THE SEATBACK IS BENT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE IN A RECLINED POSITION OR SIT UP AND DRIVE WITH NO BACK SUPPORT, WITH THE SEAT IN THIS CONDITION IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO SEE OVER THE DASHBOARD. NLM