Lemon Law Center

vehicle description: certain 2-wheel drive pickup trucks fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." the problem was caused by a computer error that resulted in the certification label listing tire size and inflation pressure information that differ from the tire size and the inflation pressure information for the tires on the vehicle. if the vehicle owner or someone servicing the vehicle inflates the tires according to the pressure specified on the label versus the appropriate pressure for the tires, the tires could be under-inflated or over-inflated depending on the tires mounted on the vehicle.

Corrective Action

if the tires are under-inflated, it could reduce the tread life of the tire, and the tire could degrade to a point of allowing sudden air loss. if the tires are over-inflated, it could reduce the tread life of the tire and increase susceptibility to road hazard damage. if sudden air loss or a road hazard causes damage to a tire, control of the vehicle could be adversely affected and could result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

owners will be provided with a new label and installation instructions. however, a dealer can install the label if the owner so desires. owner notification began may 31, 2001. owners who do not receive the label and installation instructions within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.

2000 Gmc C15

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with vacuum power, 4-wheel disc brakes. these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." these vehicles were built with a kinked brake booster vacuum supply hose.

Corrective Action

these vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105.

Recall Notes

dealers will re-route the brake booster vacuum supply hose.

1999 Gmc C15

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Webbing

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. these vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the right front passenger restraint systems may not meet the neck extension requirements.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a tray insert on the top of the passenger side of the instrument panel. the tray insert corrects the noncompliance.

1998 Gmc C15

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

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.

Corrective Action

this condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.

Recall Notes

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.

1998 Gmc C15

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. one or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.

Corrective Action

if a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.

1997 Gmc C15

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.

Recall Notes

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.

1997 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

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.

Corrective Action

this pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

1997 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. one or two of the front seat mounting bolts were not installed. this does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating systems."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, a seat with this condition will not protect the occupant as required by the standard.

Recall Notes

dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.

1996 Gmc C15

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.

Recall Notes

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.

1996 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

1996 Gmc C15

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

certain trucks have fuel rail assemblies with an improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in a fuel leak.

Corrective Action

if fuel leakage occurs and an ignition source is present, an engine compartment fire could occur.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the fuel rail assembly and replace any fuel rail assembly with a julian date code of 95318 through 95338.

1996 Gmc C15

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

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."

Corrective Action

consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

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.

1996 Gmc C15

Component

Suspension:Rear:Springs:Leaf Spring Assembly:U-Bolt, Leaf Spring To Axle

Consequence of Defect

the four u-bolts nuts on either side of the rear axle were under-torqued.

Corrective Action

vehicle usage could cause the nuts to loosen and eventually fall off the u-bolt. this could result in sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will check the u-bolt nut torque and re-torque any loose u-bolts to specification.

1996 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

the seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicles could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.

Corrective Action

if this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove all foam and/or fabric sandwiched between the recliner assembly and the seat frame, install washers between the seat recliner and the seat frame at each attachment point, and install new attaching bolts torqued to a higher specification. these corrections will be made to both the driver's and passenger's seats.

1995 Gmc C15

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.

Recall Notes

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.

1995 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

1995 Gmc C15

Component

Seat Belts:Front

Consequence of Defect

if both the lap-belt and shoulder-belt energy management loops on the front seat belt assemblies release at or near the same time, acceleration forces can cause the buckle release mechanism to activate and allow the buckle to separate from the latch.

Corrective Action

if the buckle released, the system would fail to provide adequate occupant restraint protection.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove the stitching that creates the energy management loop in the shoulder belt(s).

1995 Gmc C15

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

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.

1995 Gmc C15

Component

Seat Belts:Front

Consequence of Defect

these vehicles were built with front seat belt systems with no energy management loops and may not meet the head injury criteria requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupants of these seats may not be properly restrained.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the retractor portion of the seat belt assembly(s) with one having the newly designed energy-management twin-loop system.

1995 Gmc C15

Component

Steering:Wheel And Handle Bar

Consequence of Defect

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.

Corrective Action

this loose engagement can provide noticeable noise and abnormal steering feeling to the driver and, if left unattended, the steering shafts can separate resulting in a loss of steering control.

Recall Notes

dealers will torque the suspect fasteners to the proper specifications.

1995 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

the seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicles could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.

Corrective Action

if this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm

Consequence of Defect

trucks were assembled with the left-hand lower control arm to frame rear nut tightened below the specified torque. low torque on this nut may allow the attachment bolt to loosed and subsequently fatigue and break. the bolt breakage can cause the left hand control arm to separate from the frame.

Corrective Action

if this occurs, a loss of vehicle control and a crash could result.

Recall Notes

dealers will tighten the left-hand lower control arm to frame rear nut to the proper torque specification.

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Seat Belts:Front

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

if the buckle released, the system would fail to provide adequate occupant restraint protection.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove the stitching that creates the energy management loop in the shoulder belt(s).

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Switches:Brake Light

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: pickup trucks, crew cabs, utility trucks and sport utility vehicles. these vehicles were built with the polarity of the wiring for the zero adjust brake switch reversed from what was specified on the switch drawing. with the reversed polarity, the contacts in the brake switch can wear out prematurely. the brake switch will perform normally until the brake switch contacts wear out, resulting in loss of the brake lamps without any warning to the driver.

Corrective Action

this would fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and could lead to a crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the brake switch and reverse the wiring.

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks, vans and motorhomes equipped with electronically fuel injected 6.5l diesel engine. this is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation part 573. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. the campaign will improve the overall driveability of these vehicles.

Corrective Action

certain vehicles can exhibit some driveability concerns such as poor throttle response, stalling, misfire, poor hot or cold starting, extended cranking of a hot engine, or stalling after start. trucks with manualtransmissions can exhibit poor acceleration from start or could stall during deceleration.

Recall Notes

dealers will install some recently developed enhancements which will improve the overall driveability of these vehicles.

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages

Consequence of Defect

the brake pedal push rod retainer is missing, mispositioned or not properly seated.

Corrective Action

brake pedal push rod problems can cause the stop lampswitch and the brake booster push rod to disconnect from the brake pedal,resulting in loss of brake operation, and a vehicle crash could occur withoutprior warning.

Recall Notes

inspect vehicles to assure the brake pedal push rod retainer is present and fully seated in its correct position.

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Seat Belts:Front

Consequence of Defect

these vehicles were built with front seat belt systems with no energy management loops and may not meet the head injury criteria requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Corrective Action

in the event of a vehicle crash, the occupants of these seats may not be properly restrained.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the retractor portion of the seat belt assembly(s) with one having the newly designed energy-management twin-loop system.

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

the seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicle could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.

Corrective Action

if this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Visibility:Windshield

Consequence of Defect

the windshields were installed with incorrect windshield opening pinch-weld-flange primer. this primer will not properly etch the painted surface of the flange, allowing the windshield to separate from the vehicle during a collision. this does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 212, "windshield mounting."

Corrective Action

consequence of non-compliance: the separation of the windshield from the vehicle during collision increases the risk of injury for all persons involved.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove the windshield and reinstall it using the correct primer.

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

the seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicles could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.

Corrective Action

if this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

1994 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

the seats have been assembled without bolts that connect the upper slave hinge to the seat back frame, or without bolts that connect the seat to the seat adjuster. in either case, the vehicles fail to conform to fnvss no. 207, "seating systems."

Corrective Action

the missing bolts may cause the driver's seat to becomeloose and in a sudden stop or accident may subject the occupant to increasedrisk of injury.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect seats for missing bolts and install bolts if required.

1993 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

the seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicle could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.

Corrective Action

if this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

1993 Gmc C15

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

vehicles altered by pas, inc. have compressed natural gas fuel tanks that can develop stress corrosion, which crack the e-glass wrapping. this stress corrosion cracking can lead to tank ruptures.

Corrective Action

if the tank ruptures, personal injury to individuals in or near the vehicle may occur.

Recall Notes

gm is offering to exchange these vehicles with a comparably equipped 1994 gasoline 1/2 or 3/4 ton gm pickup. if the owner chooses not to exchange the natural gas vehicle, gm will repurchase the vehicle.

1992 Gmc C15

Component

Seats

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: extended-cab pickup trucks equipped with high-back bucket seats. the seat recliner to frame attaching bolts can loosen, fatigue, and fracture allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.

Corrective Action

if this were to occur to the driver's seat, this could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

1992 Gmc C15

Component

Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

vehicles altered by pas, inc. have compressed natural gas fuel tanks that can develop stress corrosion, which crack the e-glass wrapping. this stress corrosion cracking can lead to tank ruptures.

Corrective Action

if the tank ruptures, personal injury to individuals in or near the vehicle may occur.

Recall Notes

1990 Gmc C15

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

on c and k models, feed and or return fuel lines can contact the automatic transmission shift linkage cordon shaft. in addition, on k models lines may also contact front propshaft. in either case the fuel lines could be damaged resulting in a fuel leak.

Corrective Action

a hole could be rubbed through these fuel lines, allowing fuel leakage near exhaust crossover pipe; this could result in an engine compartment fire that could spread to the passenger compartment.

Recall Notes

install newly designed fuel line routing bracket to prevent contact and, if necessary, replace fuel lines.

1990 Gmc C15

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages

Consequence of Defect

loose pivot bolt holding the brake pedal to its support bracket could disengage from the nut.

Corrective Action

this could cause loss of braking activity that couldresult in a truck crash without prior warning.

Recall Notes

retorque brake pedal pivot bolts to specifications to prevent loosening.

1989 Gmc C15

Component

Trailer Hitches

Consequence of Defect

there may be below specified torque on the trailer hitch attaching fasteners, allowing the trailer hitch to move under towing loads.

Corrective Action

fasteners could fail; if this occurs while traileris being pulled, hitch and trailer could separate and a vehicle crash couldoccur without prior warning.

Recall Notes

correct torque in trailer hitch fasteners to prevent trailer separation.

1988 Gmc C15

Component

Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Consequence of Defect

one or both of outer tie rod nuts may be loose and not crimped.

Corrective Action

loss of one or both nuts could lead to tie roddisengaging from steering knuckle resulting in possible loss of steeringcontrol and possibly a crash.

Recall Notes

replace tie rod and knuckle and set toe-in.

1988 Gmc C15

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

right and left hand brake hose may contact the wheel or tire in a full turn.

Corrective Action

if the hose makes contact with the wheel or tire it willeventually wear the hose to a point of rupture, resulting in a loss of thefront brakes. loss of front brakes would increase the stopping distance whenminimum time is required and could result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

install new repositioning brackets for the front brake hoses.

1988 Gmc C15

Component

Vehicle Speed Control:Linkages

Consequence of Defect

cruise control cable lock mechanism may self disengage causing erratic operation or throttle not returning to idle.

Corrective Action

engine speed would not decrease; loss of acceleratorcontrol could result in a crash without prior warning.

Recall Notes

install a clamp around the lock tab of cruise control.

1988 Gmc C15

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

trucks may have cracked or broken door striker nuts, which do not conform to fmvss 206.

Corrective Action

in a collision, cracked or broken striker nut couldallow door to open unexpectedly and possibly cause injury to occupants.

Recall Notes

replace existing door striker nuts.

1986 Gmc C15

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch

Consequence of Defect

the push pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which might result in a vehicle crash without prior warning.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

replace headlight switch as necessary.

1986 Gmc C15

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components

Consequence of Defect

improper size rear brake assemblies were installed.

Corrective Action

trucks could exceed the maximum stopping distancepermitted by fmvss 105, hydraulic brake systems, creating the potential for avehicle crash.

Recall Notes

replace rear axle brake assemblies with proper size assemblies.

1985 Gmc C15

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components

Consequence of Defect

improper size rear brake assemblies were installed.

Corrective Action

trucks could exceed the maximum stopping distancepermitted by fmvss 105, hydraulic brake systems, creating the potential for avehicle crash.

Recall Notes

replace rear axle brake assemblies with proper size assemblies.

1982 Gmc C15

Component

Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts

Consequence of Defect

on the involved vehicles, the rear brake drum balance weights may interfere with the aluminum wheels. this contact could cause the wheel lug nuts to loosen, leading to wheel stud failure. this could allow separation of the wheel and tire from the vehicle.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

the dealer will inspect and, if necessary, modify the rear brake drum balance weights without charge to owner.

1982 Gmc C15

Component

Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit

Consequence of Defect

the locking screw that retains the pinion shaft in place in the differential could come loose. the pinion shaft turns the gears inside the differential that rotate the drive axles and rear wheels. if the locking screw comes loose, it could damage other components or jam in the gears. if the pinion shaft comes loose, the rear wheels may no longer power the vehicle.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

the dealer will replace the differential lock screw at no charge.

1978 Gmc C15

Component

Equipment:Mechanical:Carrier/Rack

Consequence of Defect

the nut on the carrier support bolt assembly may break which would allow the entire wheel and tire assembly to separate from the vehicle.