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GMC Pickup — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every GMC Pickup model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
26
Years to Avoid
2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
Best Years
1989, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1981, 1979, 1977, 1976, 1974, 1973
2002
5 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
2001
6 complaints0 recalls6 TSBs
2000Avoid
15 complaints0 recalls22 TSBs
1999Avoid
25 complaints1 recalls6 TSBs
1998Avoid
22 complaints2 recalls6 TSBs
1997Avoid
28 complaints2 recalls2 TSBs
1996Avoid
25 complaints2 recalls4 TSBs
1995Avoid
43 complaints2 recalls3 TSBs
1994Avoid
30 complaints2 recalls2 TSBs
1993
13 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1992
10 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1991
7 complaints0 recalls1 invest.
1990
8 complaints0 recalls
1989Best Year
4 complaints0 recalls
1988
16 complaints0 recalls
1987Best Year
4 complaints0 recalls
1986Best Year
3 complaints0 recalls
1985Best Year
3 complaints0 recalls
1981Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls
1979Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1978
1 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1977Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1976Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1975
1 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1974Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs
1973Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls2 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which GMC Pickup Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 GMC Pickup are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used GMC Pickup, consider the 1989, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1981, 1979, 1977, 1976, 1974, 1973 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

26 model years analyzed