RecallMyCar

GMC Caballero Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 0 owner complaints across 7 model years of the GMC Caballero (1978–1987).

9
safety recalls, all years
0
owner complaints, all years
1978
year with most recalls

Pick your GMC Caballero model year

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1987 GMC Caballero10
1984 GMC Caballero10
1983 GMC Caballero20
1981 GMC Caballero20
1980 GMC Caballero20
1979 GMC Caballero30
1978 GMC Caballero40

All GMC Caballero recalls (9)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a GMC Caballero, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

  1. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 89V102000 Reported 1,755,897 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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).

    Remedy: Install a new bushing in cruise control servo bail.

    Model years: 1984

  2. Column shift (power train)

    NHTSA 87V168000 Reported 11,936 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Manual valve link in the transmission may have been improperly formed.

    Remedy: Replace the manual valve detent lever link.

    Model years: 1987

  3. Wheel cylinders (service brakes)

    NHTSA 85V048000 Reported 1,810,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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 would remain operational.

    Remedy: Add a part to prevent wheel cylinder from rotating.

    Model years: 1978, 1979

  4. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 84V149000 Reported 3,100,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect the rear axle to determine whether it was manufactured at the buffalo plant. If so, they will make axle measurements and if necessary replace or modify affected axle components without charge.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980

  5. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 83V106000 Reported 4,667 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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.

    Remedy: If upon inspection the dealer finds that there is inadequate clearance, the pipe will be reformed to obtain the necessary three quarter inch space. Only those pipes showing signs of wear will be replaced.

    Model years: 1983

  6. Trailer hitches

    NHTSA 83V084000 Reported 141 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Platform trailer hitches were produced from other than pure steel. Consequently, the hitch will not withstand normal stresses.

    Remedy: The hitch platform assembly will be replaced on all involved vehicles.

    Model years: 1983

  7. Hubcap/cover (wheels)

    NHTSA 81V036000 Reported 6,690 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    "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.

    Remedy: The defective wheels will be replaced without charge.

    Model years: 1981

  8. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 81V025000 Reported 5,821,160 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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.

    Remedy: Both rear control arm attachment bolts will be replaced without charge.

    Model years: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

  9. Wheel bearing (suspension)

    NHTSA 79V175000 Reported 1,896,222 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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 wheel spindle nut.

    Remedy: The dealer will install new front wheel outer bearings packed with grease and the spindle will be coated with lubricant. New grease retainer caps will also be installed to maintain grease in outer bearing. This will be…

    Model years: 1978

Other GMC models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.