MotorDeets

1990 GMC S15: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1990 GMC S15: 1 recall, 3 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
3owner complaints
0mention a crash
22best combined mpg
1990 GMC S15
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #93V008000 · 1993 · 215,052 vehicles

What's wrong: The engine cooling fan blades break as a result of fatigue and/or vehicle induced stress.

Why it matters: If the blade breakage occurs while the hood is open, aperson working under the hood or in the vicinity of the vehicle could be struckand injured by the blade segment.

The fix: Install a newly designed fan assembly.

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.

The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.

The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical2
Engine & cooling1
Other / unknown1

What owners describe

The 1990 GMC S15 has 3 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 11 S15 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 3). Neighboring years: 1991 (8 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive212522Regular
2.5 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive182521Regular
2.8 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive172419Regular
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Regular
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive152218Regular
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive152017Regular
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive151916Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 GMC S15.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1990 GMC S15 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1990 GMC S15 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1990 GMC S15 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1990 GMC S15 manual

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FAQ

Does the 1990 GMC S15 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1990 GMC S15, plus 2 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 S15 problems?

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (2), engine & cooling (1), other / unknown (1).

What gas mileage does the 1990 GMC S15 get?

EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1990 GMC S15 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 S15 years

19901991199219931994199519961997199819992001