GMC Z-71 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the GMC Z-71, across 5 model years (1996–2000). The 1999 model year has the most complaints (11). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes, hydraulic.
GMC Z-71 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Z-71 year: 1999. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1999 Z-71: 11 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1997 Z-71: 8 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 Z-71: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common GMC Z-71 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 13 | 5 | 1 |
| Power Train | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Steering | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All GMC Z-71 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Z-71 | 4 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1999 Z-71 | 11 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1998 Z-71 | 3 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1997 Z-71 | 8 | 0 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 1996 Z-71 | 4 | 0 | — | Power Train |
More from GMC: all GMC models · GMC VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Z-71 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1999 (11) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Z-71 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the GMC Z-71?
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, with 13 complaints across 5 model years.
How many recalls does the GMC Z-71 have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.