AI DamageGMC S15: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the GMC S15 across 17 model years: 54 owner complaints and 0 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 35% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 15% of all complaints
- 3 Visibility 15% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 13% of all complaints
- 5 Seat belts 13% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 7% of all complaints
- 7 Exterior lighting 6% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 4% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 19 complaints (35% of all), 6 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 8 complaints (15% of all).
- Visibility: 8 complaints (15% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 7 complaints (13% of all).
- Seat belts: 7 complaints (13% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.9 L · petrol · 4 cyl 1985
- 2 L · petrol · 4 cyl 1984
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl 1985–1990
- 2.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1984–1990
- 4.3 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1988–1990
- 2.2 L · diesel · 4 cyl 1984–1985
- automatic, 3-speed 1984–1987
- automatic, 4-speed 1984–1990
- manual, 4-speed 1984–1988
- manual, 5-speed 1984–1990
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 54 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 19 | 6 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 7 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I fear that this will have severe consequences and will ultimately lead to catastrophic brake failure. All brake related hardware and peripherals check out fine as per my expert techmicians. My conclusion is that the abs hydralic control is faulty in my vehicle and many others.
My breaks failed to bring my vehicle to a stop. I applied the brakes in ample time to stop. The braking system failed.
See kodiak alaska police dept. Rpt./[ref] kodiak, [ZIP]. Because a seat mount failed the driver received permanent-costly fully disabling injuries. Among mv damage the vehicle seat bracket and mount failed resulting in the driver receiving more injuries than should have been normal for a mva of this type.
If gmc is at fault, why should my wife be ticketted and my insurance record be marred by their negligent in-action.
When applied the abs brakes on dry pavement the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision. Please give any further details.
Seat belt released during an accident,driver was thrown approximately 50 feet from vehicle, resulting in a fatality.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.