GMC C15 Problems by Year

We compared every GMC C15 model year from 1995–1996 using 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 8 recalls and federal defect investigations. No C15 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
14complaints
8recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

19951996104
Owner complaints per model year, GMC C15. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
19964—5SeatFew
199510—6BrakeLimited data

* Complaints compared with the median C15 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common GMC C15 problems

  • Brakesworst: 1995
    536%
  • Seatsworst: 1996
    321%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1995
    214%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1995
    17%
  • Steeringworst: 1995
    17%
  • Air bagsworst: 1995
    17%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1995
    17%

Latest GMC C15 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 98V-187 · Aug 10, 1998 · 55,272 vehicles

Vehicle description: crew cab pickup trucks. The front, inner corner of the fuel tank can contact the body sill either intermittently or constantly. This movement can cause a discernible noise and, over time, can wear a hole in or crack the fuel tank at point of contact.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank for wear and, either install a spacer between the fuel tank and the front crossmember, or if necessary, replace the fuel tank.

Seats

NHTSA recall 97V-037 · Mar 7, 1997 · 624,433 vehicles

Vehicle description: extended cab and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with reclining seats and the easy-entry feature. These vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch point exists in the recliner mechanism that can trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy-entry feature is activated.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA recall 96V-057 · Apr 4, 1996 · 379,004 vehicles

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."

Remedy: 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.

Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar

NHTSA recall 96V-004 · Jan 2, 1996 · 3,047 vehicles

The steering column upper intermediate-shaft nut May not be torqued to proper specifications. The nut could loosen and detach allowing the through-bolt that secures the upper intermediate-shaft to the lower steering column shaft joint to fall out.

Remedy: Dealers will torque the suspect fasteners to the proper specifications.

All 8 GMC C15 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the GMC C15 should you avoid?

None of the GMC C15 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common GMC C15 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (5), seats (3) and speed control & acceleration (2). Brake complaints peak in the 1995 model year.

How many recalls has the GMC C15 had?

8 recalls across 1995–1996. The model year with the most is 1995. See all GMC C15 recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.