Gmc C3 problems

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The fourth generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors. Marketed by the Chevrolet and GMC brands from the 1988 to the 2002 model years, this is the final generation of the C/K model line. In a branding change, GMC adopted the GMC Sierra nameplate for all its full-size pickup trucks, leaving the C/K nomenclature exclusive to Chevrolet.

Internally codenamed the GMT400 platform, GM did not give the model line a word moniker (e.g., "Rounded-Line series" for its predecessor). After its production, the model line would informally become known by the public as the "OBS" (Old Body Style), in reference to its GMT800 successor. In starting a different tradition, the model line overlapped production with both its predecessor and successor; the model line again shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.

Over nearly a 14-year production run, the fourth-generation C/K was assembled by GM in multiple facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After the 2000 model year, the fourth-generation C/K was discontinued and was replaced by the GMT800 platform (introduced for 1999); the C3500HD heavy-duty chassis cab model remained in production through 2002. In line with the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet subsequently adopted a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate for its full-size truck line (which remains in use).

photo of Gmc C3 car production

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Gmc C3 model years

gmc c3 2001 photo
C3 2001
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Common Gmc C3 problems

The GMC C3, also known as the GMC Terrain, is a compact crossover SUV produced by General Motors. While the GMC C3 has received generally positive reviews, there are some common problems that owners have reported.

One issue that has been reported is related to the air conditioning system. Some owners have complained about a musty smell coming from the vents when the air conditioning is turned on. This problem is often caused by mold or mildew growing in the evaporator case or the air ducts. To fix this issue, the evaporator case and air ducts may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Another common problem reported by GMC C3 owners is related to the infotainment system. Some owners have reported issues with the Apple CarPlay feature not working properly or not connecting to their car. This problem can be caused by a faulty USB cable, a software glitch, or a problem with the car's infotainment system. To fix this issue, owners can try using a different USB cable, updating the car's software, or resetting the infotainment system.

The GMC C3's engine has also been reported to have some common problems. One issue is related to the oxygen sensor. Some owners have reported getting a P0140 error code, which indicates that the oxygen sensor is malfunctioning. This problem can be caused by a dirty or faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor or a faulty oxygen sensor. To fix this issue, owners can try cleaning the MAF sensor or replacing the oxygen sensor.

Another engine-related problem reported by GMC C3 owners is related to the air injection pump. Some owners have reported getting a P0410 error code, which indicates that the engine control module detected that the engine oxygen sensor did not detect an increase in the oxygen level in the exhaust when the air injection system was commanded on during an active test. This problem can be caused by a faulty air injection pump or a faulty oxygen sensor. To fix this issue, owners can try replacing the air injection pump or the oxygen sensor.

In summary, the GMC C3 has some common problems related to the air conditioning system, the infotainment system, and the engine. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty parts, software glitches, and dirty sensors. To fix these issues, owners may need to clean or replace certain parts, update the car's software, or reset the infotainment system.

Gmc C3

Percentage distribution of complaints by Gmc C3 years

We have researched Gmc problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Gmc C3 cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Gmc C3 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Gmc C3 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Gmc C3 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Gmc C3 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Gmc C3 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Visibility problems
  • Parking brake problems
  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Gmc C3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by C3 model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by C3 model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Gmc C3 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Gmc C3 vehicles.

List of Gmc C3 complaints

Gmc C3 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2009-03-09
  • Date Complaint: 2009-06-06
  • VIN: 2GTEK69U111
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AT THE SAME TIME! I AM CONCERNED THAT MY BRAKES WILL FAIL! SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A ON GOING AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. EBCM IS AT FAULT. *TR
Gmc C3 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-08-21
  • Date Complaint: 2006-09-04
  • VIN: 2GTEK69U111
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: AUTO DIMMING MIRROR ( ON A 2001 GMC SIERRA C-3 PICKUP IS MALFUNCTIONING) TOOK TO DEALERSHIP ON AUG 21 TO HAVE MIRROR AND A/C WORKED ON. AUTO DIMMING FEATURE IS MALFUNCTIONING AND AT NIGHT CAUSES YOU TO SEE 3 IMAGES WHEN THERE IS ONLY ONE ACTUAL. FOR CITY DRIVING ESPECIALLY, THIS CAUSES A SAFETY PROBLEM, CAN'T TELL WHAT LANE OTHER VEHICLES ARE IN BEHIND YOU. DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS, A PURPLE HAZE OUTLINE IS AROUND ALL MIRROR IMAGES AND DEPENDING ON ANGLE LOOKED AT, SOMETIMES DUPLICATE IMAGES. DAYLIGHT HOURS ARE NOT REALLY A SAFETY PROBLEM, BUT NIGHT TIME DRIVING IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IN MY OPINION. DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT WORK ON AND STATED DOC. # 1841960 FROM GM STATING THAT THIS IS NORMAL ON AUTO DIMMING MIRRORS AND THAT NO REPAIRS WERE TO BE MADE ON SAID CONDITION. MY DRIVER SIDE MIRROR IS ONLY ONE WITH MALFUNCTION. CALLED THE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE #'S WITH GM AND EVEN OFFERED TO PURCHASE NEW MIRROR AT MY COST. CA SAID THEY WOULD CHECK WITH THEIR FIELD REP'S AND CALL ME BACK IN 48 HOURS. AS OF NOW, 9 DAYS, LATER, HAVE CALLED TWICE MORE AND STILL HAVE NO CALLBACK OR FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM
Gmc C3 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-01-25
  • Date Complaint: 2005-07-27
  • VIN: 2GTEK69U011
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: I WAS RECENTLY TOLD BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF MY TRUCK THAT HE THOUGHT THERE WAS A RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE BRAKES. SINCE I HAD NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE OF RECALL, I WENT TO YOUR WEBSITE AND LOOKED IT UP. I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL IN REGARDS TO THE REAR PARKING BRAKE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 05V161000. IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR I TOOK MY GMC SIERRA C3 TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO A PULSING WHEN I WENT TO STOP. I THOUGHT THAT THE ROTORS MAY NEED TO BE REGROUND OR REPLACED. I WAS INSTRUCTED HOWEVER THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY SEIZING UP. I CALLED GMC AND INQUIRED ABOUT THIS, (GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE TRACKIING #1-337051820) BECAUSE THE PROBLEM FROM YOUR WEBSITE IS IDENTICAL TO WORK THAT WAS PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE. GMC INDICATED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AFFECTED, AND WOULD NOT DISCUSS THE MATTER FURTHER. THE WORK THAT WAS PERFORMED ON MY VEHICLE IS AS FOLLOWS: CONCER: CK BRAKES PULSATE CORRECTION: REPLACE REAR BRAKE PADS ROTORS AND PARK BRAKE SHOES NESS TO REPLACE LR PARK BRSAKE MOUNTING PLATE R AND R TRANS IF ANY FURTHER INFORMATION OR DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL
Gmc C3 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-10-12
  • Date Complaint: 2003-11-26
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG IN MY 2001 GMC SIERRA C3 DID NOT DEPLOY IN MY ACCIDENT. THE IMPACT WAS HEAD ON AND PRIMARILY DAMAGED THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND I STRONGLY FEEL THAT MY INJURIES SUSTAINED FROM THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN FAR LESS SEVERE IF THE AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED AS DESIGNED. *LA

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