1995 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1995 GMC Sierra: 6 recalls, 261 owner complaints and up to 19 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 1995 C1500, 1995 K1500, 1995 C2500, 1995 K2500.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #95V026000 · 1995 · 13,853 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a thin case casting, an external transmission leak can occur.
Why it matters: This condition can cause transmission oil to sprayonto the exhaust system and result in a possible vehicle fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission case assembly for the involved case casting. If the assembly is involved, the transmission will be replaced.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #95V139000 · 1995 · 36,641 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light May not illuminate.
Why it matters: The vehicle can move unintentionally if the driver does not notice that the indicator light is not on and does not apply the parking brake.
The fix: Dealers will adjust the shift cable and install a lock clip.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V242000 · 1995 · 40 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were built with front seat belt systems with no energy management loops and May not meet the head injury criteria requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, the occupants of these seats May not be properly restrained.
The fix: Dealers will replace the retractor portion of the seat belt assembly(s) with one having the newly designed energy-management twin-loop system.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V241000 · 1995 · 630,099 vehicles
What's wrong: If both the lap-belt and shoulder-belt energy management loops on the front seat belt assemblies release at or near the same time, acceleration forces can cause the buckle release mechanism to activate and allow the buckle to separate from the latch.
Why it matters: If the buckle released, the system would fail to provide adequate occupant restraint protection.
The fix: Dealers will remove the stitching that creates the energy management loop in the shoulder belt(s).
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #96V057000 · 1996 · 379,004 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed May not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #98V150001 · 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles
What's wrong: Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Why it matters: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (140): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), stalls / loses power (3), noise or vibration (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (41): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (11), noise or vibration (3).
- Seats (24): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1995 GMC Sierra has 261 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (1.9× the average Sierra year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (69 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 114,184 miles. Neighboring years: 1994 (190 complaints, 3 recalls), 1996 (246 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | 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 |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Diesel |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | Diesel |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Diesel |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 16 | 15 | Regular |
FAQ
Does the 1995 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1995 GMC Sierra. 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 1995 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 261 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (140), brakes (hydraulic) (41), seats (24).
What gas mileage does the 1995 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (6.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 28 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1995 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.