MotorDeets

1991 GMC S15: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1991 GMC S15: 3 recalls, 8 owner complaints.

3vehicle recalls
8owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
1991 GMC S15
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls 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.

Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #90V107000 · 1990 · 181 vehicles

What's wrong: Use of improper primer on metal surfaces of windshield and side window openings could cause low adhesion to the metal surface and would not provide retention required by fmvss 212.

Why it matters: Windshield and side window glass would not prevent theejection of vehicle occupants during a vehicle crash, which causes seriousinjuries and fatalities.

The fix: Remove and reinstall glass using proper primer.

Suspension Vehicle recall #90V193000 · 1990 · 237 vehicles

What's wrong: Nuts used to attach lower control arms, rear spring and shackle, and rear shock absorbers do not meet specifications and could "strip".

Why it matters: Stripping of the nuts in the rear suspension could reduceclamp load on lower control arm, which could allow the arm to detach, resultingin loss of vehicle control and an accident.

The fix: Replace lower control arm attachment nuts as well as rear spring and shackle, and rear shock absorber nuts.

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

Brakes (hydraulic)6
Seat belts2
Electrical1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Engine & cooling1

What owners describe

The 1991 GMC S15 has 8 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 11 S15 model years for complaints (2.4× the average S15 year). Complaints peaked in 1995 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old. Neighboring years: 1990 (3 complaints, 1 recalls), 1992 (3 complaints, 1 recalls).

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 1991 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 1991 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 1991 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 1991 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 1991 GMC S15 manual

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FAQ

Does the 1991 GMC S15 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1991 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 1991 GMC S15 problems?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (6), seat belts (2), electrical (1).

Where can I get a 1991 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