GMC Pickup Problems by Year

We compared every GMC Pickup model year from 1995–2002 using 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1999 and 1997, which drew far more complaints than other Pickup years at the same age. The best years are 2002, 2001 and 1996.

8model years
103complaints
0recalls
1999, 1997worst years
2002, 2001best years

Complaints by model year

199519961997199819992000200120021482214231255
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Pickup. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20025−57%—BrakeGood
20015−50%—BrakeGood
200012typical—BrakeAverage
1999231.8×—BrakeCaution
199814typical—BrakeAverage
1997221.7×—Window & WiperCaution
19968−29%—Window & WiperAverage
199514typical—Window & WiperAverage

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

Most common GMC Pickup problems

  • Brakesworst: 1999
    2928%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1995
    1817%
  • Steeringworst: 1997
    99%
  • Body & structureworst: 1999
    88%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1999
    77%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 1997
    77%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 1999
    77%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1997
    66%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1999
    66%
  • Seatsworst: 1995
    44%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1995
    44%
  • Suspensionworst: 2000
    33%
  • Air bagsworst: 1997
    22%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 1995
    11%
  • Lightsworst: 1998
    11%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2000
    11%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2002
    11%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the GMC Pickup should you avoid?

1999 and 1997 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Pickup years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1999.

What is the best year for the GMC Pickup?

2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other Pickup years at the same age, followed by 2001 and 1996. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common GMC Pickup problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (29), windows, wipers & sunroof (18) and steering (9). Brake complaints peak in the 1999 model year.

How many recalls has the GMC Pickup had?

0 recalls across 1995–2002.

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.