Summary
The GMC S Series has 8 recalls spanning the 1982–1995 production run, with the most serious being three separate steering and transmission defects on early-production models where components can disengage without warning and cause a complete loss of vehicle control.
Because all of these recalls affect a model that ended production in 1995, "recent" here means the final years of the run. The 1995 model year has an engine fan blade that can shed a blade from the spider assembly; if the hood is open during this failure, anyone nearby can be struck by the fragment. The 1994 model has a vacuum hose that can pull free from the brake booster check valve after an engine backfire, raising idle speed and draining the power brake reserve so that stopping requires significantly more pedal effort.
Going back through the middle of the production run, the 1990 model has a steering wheel nut that may be under-tightened and missing its retainer, allowing the wheel to separate from the column entirely. The 1989 model shares the fan blade separation risk described above for 1995, with fragments capable of injuring anyone near an open hood. On 1987 models, the inner tie rod nuts on the steering linkage may lack proper torque and crimping, and if one or both nuts fall off, the tie rod can disengage from the relay rod and leave the driver with no steering.
Earlier production has several additional issues. The 1984 model has front seat back locks that can fail to hold under forward load, allowing the seatback to collapse. The 1983 model has a seat inertia lock mechanism that may not engage, permitting the seatback to fold forward and pin a rear occupant against the front seat in a sudden stop. On 1982 models, inadequate lubrication between the transmission mainshaft and first gear can cause the transmission to lock up while driving.
