Gmc Syclone problems
The GMC Syclone is a high-performance version of the GMC Sonoma pickup truck. Produced in 1991 by GMC along with Production Automotive Services (PAS)—the same company credited with building the 1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am—the GMC Syclone was the fastest production truck for 1991. Following the Syclone's production, the similarly powered 1992–1993 GMC Typhoon SUV was based on the GMC Jimmy platform. Also following the Syclone, the 1992 GMC Sonoma GT truck was offered as a sport package with the looks of a Syclone but without the price and performance of its turbocharged predecessor. Only 806 Sonoma GTs were produced.
Production run
The GMC Syclone, Typhoon, and Sonoma GT were built by GMC and PAS (Production Automotive Services) of Troy, Michigan, and sold through dealerships. At the time it was introduced, the Syclone was the fastest stock pickup truck being produced in the world. Auto magazines compared its acceleration favorably to a variety of sports cars including the Chevrolet Corvette and—in a memorable comparison test in Car and Driver magazine—a Ferrari 348 ts. The Syclone features a 4.3L turbocharged V6 engine with an automatic transmission and an AWD (all-wheel drive) driveline and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Both the Syclone and Typhoon trucks feature a Mitsubishi TD06-17C 8cm² turbocharger and Garrett water/air intercooler attached to a 4.3L LB4 V6 engine featuring upgrades that included hypereutectic pistons, nodular iron main caps, upgraded head gaskets, intake manifolds, exhaust manifolds, and a 48mm twin-bore throttle body from the 5.7L Chevrolet small-block engine. All Syclones and Typhoons used the 4L60 4-speed automatic transmission. A BorgWarner 4472 all-wheel-drive transfer case splits torque with 35% of power going to the front and 65% of power to the rear wheels. Both trucks featured sport modifications to the standard suspensions. The Syclone was the first production truck to receive a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system. With this engine, the Syclone produces 280 hp (209 kW) and 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) of torque. The Syclone, when new, was capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.3 seconds and could do a quarter-mile run in 13.4 seconds at 98 mph (158 km/h) according to Car and Driver's comparison test.
The Syclone and Typhoon's gauge cluster is the same one as used in the Pontiac Sunbird Turbo, which was discontinued in 1990, one year before the Syclone was introduced.
The 1991 Syclone was only available in black. For the upcoming 1992 production, a wider range of colors was to be offered; however, the Syclone was cancelled before full production could begin. In total, 2,998 Syclones were built. Out of the 2,998, only three were built in 1992. The first 1992 Syclone was used for DOT crash testing while the remaining two are privately owned.
Social links
Gmc Syclone model years
Common Gmc Syclone problems
The GMC Syclone, a high-performance version of the Sonoma pickup truck produced in the early 1990s, is known for its impressive acceleration and handling capabilities. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Traction issues due to turbo torque: The 1991-1992 GMC Syclone's turbocharged V6 engine produces significant torque, which can cause traction problems when applied to the rear wheels only. To address this, GMC installed an all-wheel-drive system with a viscous coupling and a 35-percent front/65-percent rear torque split, along with a limited-slip differential.
- Limited production and availability: The GMC Syclone was produced in limited quantities, with only about 3,500 units produced annually. This limited availability can make it difficult for owners to find parts and service for their vehicles, potentially leading to higher repair costs and longer downtimes.
- Interior and rust issues: The second generation of the GMC Sonoma, which the Syclone is based on, has been plagued with interior and rust issues. These problems can affect the overall durability and reliability of the vehicle, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions or high levels of road salt use.
- Fuel tank and fuel system issues: Some owners have reported issues with fuel tanks rusting through, causing gas leaks. Additionally, low fuel levels can cause fuel pressure issues under hard acceleration, leading to a loss of power and performance.
- Transmission problems: The 2015 GMC Canyon, a model closely related to the Syclone, has faced transmission issues, with consumers reporting problems with shifting, jerking, and shuddering. These issues can affect the overall drivability and reliability of the vehicle, potentially leading to costly repairs and downtime.
- Electrical and electronic issues: Some owners have reported issues with airbags not deploying and cluster gauges failing. These problems can affect the overall safety and functionality of the vehicle, potentially leading to dangerous situations or costly repairs.
It is important to note that these issues are based on complaints from owners and may not be representative of the overall reliability and durability of the GMC Syclone. Proper maintenance and care can help mitigate many of these issues and ensure a long and trouble-free ownership experience.
How much is a GMC Syclone worth today?
A: The average price of a GMC Syclone is $41,447.
What truck beat the GMC Syclone?
That would come out with the same engine power plant. What's interesting about this truck is the main power plant is actually carried over from the Buick GNX. So go ahead find the latch.
What was so special about the GMC Typhoon?
Unlike the Syclone, the Typhoon featured an air-operated self-leveling rear suspension. During tests by Car and Driver, the Typhoon was capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 5.3 seconds and could do a quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds at 95 mph (153 km/h).
How rare is a GMC Syclone?
With just under 3000 examples built during its single-year production run, the GMC Syclone was always slated to be a rare vehicle.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Gmc Syclone years
We have researched Gmc problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Gmc Syclone cars and compiled the top 1 most problematic Gmc Syclone model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Gmc Syclone model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Gmc Syclone years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Gmc Syclone car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Gmc Syclone , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Gmc Syclone vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Syclone model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Gmc Syclone . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Gmc Syclone vehicles.
List of Gmc Syclone complaints
Gmc Syclone 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2000-02-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GDCT14ZXM8
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC TRAVELING 3-5MPH, VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY. CONSUMER WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, AND BRAKES FAILED AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DENTED THE BUMPER, AND CRACKED THE GRILL. DIDN'T CONTACT DEALER. *AK
Gmc Syclone 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-15
- Date Complaint: 1999-11-22
- VIN: 1GDCT14Z3M8
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FRONT SHAFT FROM TRANSFER CASE TO DIFFERENTIAL FAILED, REPLACED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, ABS BRAKE MASTER UNIT FAILED AT 52,550 MILES OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BY 6 MONTHS DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, WANTED $1200+ IN PARTS PLUS LABOR TO REPAIR, CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR AT THIS TIME.
Gmc Syclone 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-02
- Date Complaint: 1999-07-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GDCT14Z5M8
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO REAR OF VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME
Gmc Syclone 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-30
- Date Complaint: 1998-11-30
- VIN: UNAVAILABLE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. WHEN APPLYING THEIR BRAKES, DRIVER'S FOOT GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. INVESTIGATION NUMBER EA94038. *AK
Gmc Syclone 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-15
- Date Complaint: 1998-02-09
- VIN: 1GDCT142SM8
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED.
Gmc Syclone 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1993-07-21
- Date Complaint: 1995-01-09
- VIN: 1GDCT14Z9M8
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PURCHASE THE TRUCK 18 MONTH USED TRUCK BEEN IN THE SHOP 8 MONTHS ON THE TRANSMISSION TWICE AND TURBO CHARGER BEEN REPLACE THREE TIME. TT
Gmc Syclone 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1993-07-21
- Date Complaint: 1995-01-09
- VIN: 1GDCT14Z9M8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PURCHASE THE TRUCK 18 MONTH USED TRUCK BEEN IN THE SHOP 8 MONTHS ON THE TRANSMISSION TWICE AND TURBO CHARGER BEEN REPLACE THREE TIME. TT
Latest positive Gmc Syclone car reviews
Are you having problems with your Gmc Syclone?
Giovanni Harris 2024-10-04
Vehicle year: 1991
Outstanding! Straight away it's unbeatable. The only issue is finding parts. I bought a new bit, but GMA has not kept supporting parts. But who cares? Did I mention the exhilarating feeling when you step on the go pedal?