1993 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1993 GMC Sierra: 2 recalls, 72 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

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 1993 C1500, 1993 K1500, 1993 C2500, 1993 K2500.
Recalls
2 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #93V163000 · 1993 · 303 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear bench seat does not meet the load requirements of fmvss 207, "seating systems," because the manual latch mechanism on the folding full bench rear seat was attached to the back frame lower cross tube with domed head steel rivets instead of the bolts specified.
Why it matters:
The fix: The rivets must be replaced with the correct bolts.
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. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (4).
- Seats (15): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3).
The 1993 GMC Sierra has 72 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (well below the 140 average). Complaints peaked in 1998 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 75,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1992 (30 complaints, 3 recalls), 1994 (190 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Diesel |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | Diesel |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Diesel |
| 6.2 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
FAQ
Does the 1993 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1993 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 1993 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (23), seats (15), brakes (hydraulic) (11).
What gas mileage does the 1993 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (6.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 27 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1993 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.