MotorDeets

1994 GMC S15: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1994 GMC S15: 2 recalls, 6 owner complaints.

2vehicle recalls
6owner complaints
2mention a crash
–best combined mpg
1994 GMC S15
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #94V014000 · 1994 · 117,200 vehicles

What's wrong: The fuel tank filler pipes were not manufactured to specification which caused loss of fuel between the fuel tank filler pipe and the vent tube during a test. The loss of fuel was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."

Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: if a vehicle crash were to occur, it May cause the joint between the fuel tank filler pipes and the vent tube to crack. If the vehicle overturned, fuel leakage would occur, which could result in a post-crash fire.

The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filler pipe on these vehicles.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #94V228000 · 1994 · 30,263 vehicles

What's wrong: A vacuum hose can detach from the power brake booster check valve as a result of engine backfire.

Why it matters: This can result in increased engine idle and loss of power brake assist after depletion of the booster vacuum reserve.

The fix: Dealers will install a clamp on the power brake booster assist.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Brakes (hydraulic)3
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Fuel system1
Engine & cooling1

What owners describe

The 1994 GMC S15 has 6 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 11 S15 model years for complaints (1.8× the average S15 year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old. Neighboring years: 1993 (4 complaints, 0 recalls), 1995 (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 1994 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
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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
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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
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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
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FAQ

Does the 1994 GMC S15 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1994 GMC S15. 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 S15 problems?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (3), visibility (wipers, glass) (1), fuel system (1).

Where can I get a 1994 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