1) oxygen sensor failed at 37k miles & wouldn't pass state emission inspection, whole system rewired. Oxygen sensor failed again at 73k miles, new sensor installed. Oxygen sensor failing at 117k miles. Have not had it replaced yet. (2) ABS system failed shortly after purchase and fixed (under warranty-no details from dealer). Abs failed again at 37k miles. Control module replaced. Abs failed again at 117k miles, simultaneous failure of several wheel sensors. Abs system issue at 140k miles - sensors and backing plates (?).
The worst 1991 GMC S15 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes6
- Seat belts2
- Electrical1
- Engine1
- Transmission1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 GMC S15
Recalls 3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- What is wrong
- The engine cooling fan blades break as a result of fatigue and/or vehicle induced stress.
- Risk
- If the blade breakage occurs while the hood is open, aperson working under the hood or in the vicinity of the vehicle could be struckand injured by the blade segment.
- Remedy
- Install a newly designed fan assembly.
Recall number 93V008000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm
- What is wrong
- Nuts used to attach lower control arms, rear spring and shackle, and rear shock absorbers do not meet specifications and could "strip".
- Risk
- Stripping of the nuts in the rear suspension could reduceclamp load on lower control arm, which could allow the arm to detach, resultingin loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- Remedy
- Replace lower control arm attachment nuts as well as rear spring and shackle, and rear shock absorber nuts.
Recall number 90V193000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- Use of improper primer on metal surfaces of windshield and side window openings could cause low adhesion to the metal surface and would not provide retention required by fmvss 212.
- Risk
- Windshield and side window glass would not prevent theejection of vehicle occupants during a vehicle crash, which causes seriousinjuries and fatalities.
- Remedy
- Remove and reinstall glass using proper primer.
Recall number 90V107000 · Recall details
See all 3 recalls for the 1991 GMC S15
Defect investigations
Engine compartment fires
An alleged malfunction in the atlernator resulting in engine compartmet fires.
EA94029
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 GMC S15 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1991 GMC S15 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Abs failed; electronic dash panel burned up; and the rear axle shaft bearing failed.
Brakes failed.
Anti-lock braking system has become inoperative, no longer functions , ABS lights came on and remained on, dealer will change electro hydraulic control unit.
Failure on the ABS brakes, the lights stay on the dash.
The back seat belt buckles don't hold. Please describe. Tt
Rear passenger center seat belt buckle, male won't go into female portion. Tt
While driving experience intermittent failure of anti-lock brake control module, rendering ABS inoperative, without warning. Tt electronics inside ABS control module failed and the unit was not servicable.
Compare the 1991 GMC S15
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Questions about the 1991 GMC S15
Is the 1991 GMC S15 reliable?
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1991 GMC S15, 8.0 times a typical S15 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 GMC S15?
Brakes, with 6 complaints. Next is seat belts (2).
How many recalls does the 1991 GMC S15 have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, suspension and visibility.
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