Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: Trucks with the 6.5L engine may have a transmission shudder when the torque-converter clutch applies and releases. (1991-94)

Automatic transmission: 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-92)

Brake wear: Vehicle pull or premature front brake pad wear, may be corrected with revised rear brake shoes. (1992-98)

Clutch: A grinding noise during clutch engagement and difficulty shifting into first or reverse is caused by a clutch master cylinder pushrod that is too long. (1992-93)

Cruise control: The cruise control cuts out and won't reset unless the key is turned off because the cruise control module is too sensitive to vibrations at the brake pedal. (1994-95)

Engine knock: Engine knock at startup on 4.3-, 5.7-, or 7.4-liter engines is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this does not fix it, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and will even replace the main bearings if all else fails. (1990-95)

Engine misfire: Damaged injection pump or lift pump on 6.5-liter diesel may clog the fuel filter. (1994-98)

Engine noise: The exhaust valves on 4.3-, 5.0-, or 5.7-liter engines may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. Usually, the same engine consumes excess oil because the valve-guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad and have to be replaced. (1996)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1990 diesel: Fuel lines can contact automatic-transmission linkage shaft and/or propshaft.

1990: Brake-pedal pivot bolt could disengage.

1992 extended cab w/high-back bucket seats: Seat recliner-to-frame bolts can loosen, fatigue, and fracture, allowing seatback to recline suddenly.

1992: Brake-pedal pivot bolt could disengage.

1994: Brake-pedal retainer may be missing, mispositioned, or poorly seated.

1994: Reversed polarity of brake switch can cause contacts to wear prematurely; may result in loss of brake lights without warning.

1994: Some drivers' seats could loosen.

1994-95 extended cab C10/15 w/high-back front bucket seats or 60/40 split bench seat: Recliner-to-frame bolts could loosen, fatigue, and fracture, allowing seatback to recline suddenly.

1994-95 extended-cab C10/15 w/gas engine or 6.5-liter H.O. turbodiesel: If lap- and shoulder-belt energy-management loops on front seatbelt assemblies release at or near the same time, acceleration forces can cause release mechanism to activate and allow buckle to separate from latch. Also, a few trucks lack those loops.

1994-96 C10: Solder joints can crack, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently.

1995: Steering-column shaft nut could loosen and detach.

1995-96 Reg. andExtended Cab: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1995-96 w/gasoline engine: Throttle cable may contact dash mat, which could bind the throttle; engine speed might then not return to idle.

1995-97 Crew Cab: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1995-97 extended cab w/Easy Entry: Pinch point in recliner mechanism can trap and pinch a person's hand or fingers when Easy-Entry feature is activated.

1995-98 crew cab: Front inner corner of fuel tank can contact body sill, wearing a hole in or cracking the tank; can result in fuel leakage.

1996 C10/15 w/7.4-liter engine: Fuel-rail assemblies may have improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in leak.

1996: Four U-bolts on either side of rear axle were under-torqued and could loosen and eventually fall off; could result in sudden loss of control.

1997 C10/20: On some trucks, one or two front-seat mounting bolts were not installed.

1998 C10 extended cab and 4-door utility: Steering-gear bolt can loosen and fall out, resulting in separation of shaft from gear.

1998 C10753 extended cab: Rear brake line can contact left front-fender wheelhouse inner panel; a hole could be worn in brake line, allowing loss of fluid and reducing rear-brake effectiveness.

1998: On certain vehicles, the outside rearview mirror switch may short circuit. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1998: On some trucks, one or both front brake rotor/hubs may have out-of-spec gray iron that can fail during life of vehicle.