GMC C35 Problems by Year

We compared every GMC C35 model year from 1995–1996 using 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 9 recalls and federal defect investigations. No C35 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
3complaints
9recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

199519963
Owner complaints per model year, GMC C35. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
19963—5Wheel & TireFew
19950—7—Few

* Complaints compared with the median C35 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common GMC C35 problems

  • Wheels & tiresworst: 1996
    133%
  • Seatsworst: 1996
    133%
  • Brakesworst: 1996
    133%

Latest GMC C35 recalls

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.

Tires › Bead

NHTSA recall 96V-117 · Jul 1, 1996 · 5,773 vehicles

These tires have bead damage which occured during tire mounting.

Remedy: Dealers will demount each tire and inspect for bead damage. If bead damage is found, the tire will be replaced.

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 9 GMC C35 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the GMC C35 should you avoid?

None of the GMC C35 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common GMC C35 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the wheels & tires (1), seats (1) and brakes (1). Wheel & Tire complaints peak in the 1996 model year.

How many recalls has the GMC C35 had?

9 recalls across 1995–1996. The model year with the most is 1995. See all GMC C35 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.