1994 GMC C3500 Problems: 8 Complaints, 1 Recall

The worst 1994 GMC C3500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Brakes
5
Body
2
Transmission
1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Brakes
5
Body
2
Transmission
1

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported February 5, 1999 · 988,587 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: This would fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake switch and reverse the wiring.

Recall number 99V025000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1994 GMC C3500

Defect investigations

Drivers seat failureOpened June 17, 1997, closed October 31, 1997

The complainants allege the drivers seat mounting fails, allowing the seat to move or tip rearward into a reclined position.

PE97027

Technical service bulletins for the 1994 GMC C3500 2

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

Sep 1, 2013 Service bulletinExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Feb 1, 1995 Service bulletinUnknown

What 1994 GMC C3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 25, 1996 · Brakes · VA

Antilock brakes fail on wet pavement.

Filed Oct 25, 1996 · Brakes · VA

Antilock brakes fail on wet pavement.

Filed Jul 11, 1996 · Transmission · AR

Intermittently when moving from cold start auto-transmission may not cause it to move. Please describe details.

Filed Apr 5, 1996 · Body · IL

Frame cracked in half, vehicle inoperative.

Filed Jan 12, 1996 · Body · TX

Front frame failed. Tt

Filed Dec 11, 1995 · Brakes · CA

Purchase truck new been in the shop 18 for problem dealer can't find problem will describe the problem ABS anti-lock brake . Tt

Filed Oct 30, 1995 · Brakes · NJ

Vehicles braking system in front on wet roads wheel lock-up. Tt dealer replaced brake valve and brake linings.

Filed Jan 24, 1995 · Brakes · MI

Insufficient clearance to depress brake pedal.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1994 GMC C3500 before you buy

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Other model years

1991 1992 199319941995 1996

Questions about the 1994 GMC C3500

Is the 1994 GMC C3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1994 GMC C3500, 2.0 times a typical C3500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1994 GMC C3500?

Brakes, with 5 complaints. Next is body (2).

How many recalls does the 1994 GMC C3500 have?

1 recall, covering exterior lighting.

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1994 GMC C3500 problems