MotorDeets

1992 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1992 GMC Sierra: 3 recalls, 30 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
30owner complaints
2mention a crash
20best combined mpg
1992 GMC Sierra
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Before 1999, Sierra was a trim level on GMC's C/K pickup, not a separate model. Owners often file these reports under the trim name. For the full picture, also see the 1992 C1500, 1992 K1500, 1992 C2500, 1992 K2500.

Recalls

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

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #92V056000 · 1992 · 177 vehicles

What's wrong: The pivot bolt holding the brake pedal to its support bracket May be improperly tightened and May not have engaged the locking material on the bolt. The bolt can disengage from the nut.

Why it matters: If the pivot bolt disengages from the nut while thevehicle is in motion, there will be a loss of brake control and could result ina vehicle accident.

The fix: Dealers should inspect the hand started brake pedal bolts and torque them to specification.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #93V119000 · 1993 · 341,364 vehicles

What's wrong: Severe corrosion due to road salt at the joint of the stamped steel center section and the cast outer section can cause the sections to separate.

Why it matters: Separation of the rotor sections can cause loss ofbraking ability in the affected wheel. This could result in increased stoppingdistance and/or loss of vehicle control and an accident.

The fix: Replace the front brake rotors with new rotors with a corrosion protection coating. However, if replacement of brake linings are necessary, it will be done at owner's expense since brake linings are normal maintenance items.

Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #94V044001 · 1994 · 2,595 vehicles

What's wrong: Vehicles altered by pas, Inc. have compressed natural gas fuel tanks that can develop stress corrosion, which crack the e-glass wrapping. This stress corrosion cracking can lead to tank ruptures.

Why it matters: If the tank ruptures, personal injury to individuals in or near the vehicle May occur.

The fix: Gm is offering to exchange these vehicles with a comparably equipped 1994 gasoline 1/2 or 3/4 ton gm pickup. If the owner chooses not to exchange the natural gas vehicle, gm will repurchase the vehicle.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles

What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Visibility (wipers, glass)8
Brakes (hydraulic)7
Seat belts3
Tires3
Speed control / throttle2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Engine & cooling1
Body & structure1

What owners describe

The 1992 GMC Sierra has 30 owner complaints, ranking #24 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (well below the 140 average). Complaints peaked in 1999 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 178,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (12 complaints, 1 recalls), 1993 (72 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
6.2 L 8-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive182320Diesel
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162118Regular
6.2 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Diesel
6.2 L 8-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive162018Diesel
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive152017Regular
6.2 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive152017Diesel
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive152016Regular
4.3 L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive151816Regular
5.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141715Regular
5.0 L 8-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive141915Regular
5.7 L 8-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive131815Regular
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131915Regular

FAQ

Does the 1992 GMC Sierra have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1992 GMC Sierra, plus 1 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 1992 GMC Sierra problems?

Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (8), brakes (hydraulic) (7), seat belts (3).

What gas mileage does the 1992 GMC Sierra get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (6.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 20 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1992 GMC Sierra 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 Sierra years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017