Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
GMC Caballero. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the GMC Caballero,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 1978–1987 with 15 recall campaigns and 0 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 1978 (4), 1979 (3), and 1983 (2).
Top recall themes: Other, Brakes, and Powertrain.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Other
3 campaigns · Years: 1981, 1983–1984
These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
1987
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1984
1
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1983
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1981
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1980
2
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1979
3
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1978
4
0
Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Suspension
, Power train
and Service brakes
Show recall evidence by year
1987
Power train: Column shift:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).
1983
Trailer hitches:
Safety recall involving the trailer hitches area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Platform trailer hitches were produced from other than pure steel. Consequently, the hitch will not withstand normal stresses.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The master cylinder rear brake pipe, which carries brake fluid to the rear brakes, may develop a leak due to extended chafing on the air cleaner resonator bracket.
1981
Suspension: Rear:
Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
Wheels: Hubcap/cover:
Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: "Tx" heavy duty wheels may have been manufactured with laminated steel. The wheel disc may fracture and the wheel and tire could partially or completely separate from the vehicle.
1980
Suspension: Rear:
Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
Power train: Axle shaft:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
1979
Suspension: Rear:
Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
Power train: Axle shaft:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Wheel cylinders:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid. Consequence of defect: a loss of brake fluid leads to loss of rear brake action, creating the potential for an accident. Front brakes woul
1978
Suspension: Wheel bearing:
Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Under certain driving conditions, these vehicles can experience temperatures in the front wheel outer bearing area which can affect the wheel bearing grease. This can result in inadequate lubrication of the bearing. This condition may be further aggravated by improper adjustment of the front whee
Suspension: Rear:
Safety recall involving the suspension area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: The bolts that attach the lower rear control arm to the frame may fracture. The rear control arm supports and positions the rear axle. Fracture of the bolts would allow the control arm to drop free.
Power train: Axle shaft:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Rear axle assembly may have axles that were improperly manufactured. This condition may result in separation of the axle shaft and wheel assembly from the vehicle.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Wheel cylinders:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid. Consequence of defect: a loss of brake fluid leads to loss of rear brake action, creating the potential for an accident. Front brakes woul
Other GMC Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other GMC models.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
