GMC models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Sierra | 1988-present | 1999-2003 Sierras sold in Illinois were part of NHTSA's GMT800 brake line corrosion investigation, EA11-001. |
| Yukon | 1992-present | 2007-2008 Yukons are in GM's 08V441000 recall for a washer fluid heater circuit that can overheat. |
| Envoy | 1998-2000, 2002-2009 | The 2002-2009 Envoy is a twin of the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Isuzu Ascender. |
| Acadia | 2007-present | 2008-2013 Acadias are in recall 14V118000 for seat side-airbag wiring that may keep airbags from deploying. |
| Terrain | 2010-present | 2010 Terrains with the 2.4-liter engine got GM special coverage 14159 for oil burning from piston ring wear. |
| Safari | 1985-2005 | A rear-drive midsize van, the GMC version of the Chevrolet Astro. |
Known GMC problems that end up at the scrapyard
Brake line corrosion on 1999-2003 Sierra and Yukon
NHTSA's engineering analysis EA11-001 studied about two million 1999-2003 GM full-size pickups and SUVs sold in salt states, Illinois included. It tied brake pipe failures to the coating wearing out with age in severe-corrosion regions, mostly after 10 years of service, and closed in 2015 without a recall. On an old Sierra, a soft pedal or a wet line usually means more corroded pipe nearby. source
Side airbag wiring on 2008-2013 Acadia
Recall 14V118000 covers 2008-2013 Acadias and Enclaves, 2009-2013 Traverses and 2008-2010 Outlooks. Rising resistance in the wiring harness for the seat-mounted side airbags can stop those airbags and the seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. If your Acadia's airbag warning has been on for a while, check whether this recall was done. source
Oil burning in the 2010 Terrain 2.4L
GM's special coverage bulletin 14159 states that some 2010 Terrain and Equinox 2.4-liter engines use more than a quart of oil every 2,000 miles because the piston rings wear, which can set off low-oil warnings. GM replaced pistons for 10 years or 120,000 miles from the in-service date, a window that has now passed for these SUVs. source
Corroded upper ball joints on 1996-1997 Jimmy
Recall 01V200000 covers 1996-1997 GMC Jimmy, Chevrolet Blazer and Oldsmobile Bravada SUVs sold or registered in salt states including Illinois. The upper control arm ball joint can fail from corrosion, impairing steering or collapsing the front suspension. Any Jimmy of this age still around Chicago should not be driven if the front end clunks or wanders. source
GMC trucks and SUVs in a salt state
A GMC is usually built on the same bones as a Chevrolet, and that holds for its weak points too. The 1999-2003 Sierra and Yukon share the GMT800 brake pipes that NHTSA investigated in salt states; the investigation found the coating simply wears out after a decade of road salt, and that describes any Chicago truck of that age. The Acadia shares the side airbag wiring recall of its Buick, Chevrolet and Saturn siblings, and the first Terrain shares the Equinox’s oil-burning 2.4-liter four. A 2007-2008 Yukon may also have an open recall for its heated washer fluid system, whose circuit board can short and overheat the ground wire, causing odd electrical faults, a smell or smoke.
Older GMCs carry Chicago’s winters on their frames. The 1996-1997 Jimmy was recalled in salt states, Illinois named, for upper ball joints that corrode and fail. Envoys and Safari vans of the 2000s are now old enough that frame rails, rocker panels and brake lines are often the deciding issue.
Why a GMC often brings a stronger offer
Weight helps a lot. A full-size Sierra or Yukon carries far more steel than a car, and truck parts from engines to tailgates stay in demand. A running engine and transmission, an intact catalytic converter and a complete body all add to the number. For a fuller explanation of how junk car offers are worked out, read our pricing guide; it covers curb weight, parts and the red flags in quotes that sound too good.
Getting a GMC ready to go
Cancel or transfer OnStar using the blue button or by calling OnStar, then reset the radio to clear phones and saved places. Take off anything you want to keep, such as a hitch-mounted rack, a bed toolbox or a plow mount controller, and remove the I-PASS. Gather all keys. See every make we buy on our cars page.
Selling a junk GMC: questions
Will you buy a GMC truck with a rusted-out frame?
Yes. Frame rust, rotted brake lines and holes in the cab corners don't stop us from buying a Sierra or Yukon. If the brakes have failed or the frame is cracked, leave it parked and we'll bring it out by tow truck at no charge.
Does a Denali trim change the offer?
It can, if the upgraded parts are intact and undamaged, since those parts are worth more to the next buyer. The basics still come first: whether it runs, whether it's complete and how much rust and body damage it has.