The GMC Typhoon spans 1992–1993 with 6 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1993, 1992 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1992, 1993. It delivers up to 19 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The GMC Typhoon is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1992 to 1993 across multiple generations.
How to read a GMC Typhoon VIN — every digit explained
Every GMC Typhoon carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a GMC and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Typhoon.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Typhoon, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the GMC Typhoon have?
The GMC Typhoon has 6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1992–1993. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1993 GMC Typhoon recalls 3
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. SEPARATION OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE FITTING END (VEHICLE INTERIOR) AND THE OUTER CABLE CONDUIT.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE GEAR SELECT LEVER TO BEPOSITIONED INDEPENDENT OF THE TRANSMISSION POSITION, WHICH MAY CAUSE THETRANSMISSION TO BE INADVERTENTLY LEFT IN A ROLL-AWAY OR IN A DRIVE CONDITION,RESULTING IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix. REPLACE AFFECTED TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLES WITH CORRECT SHIFT CABLE FITTING ENDS.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.
Risk. A FUEL LEAK CAN OCCUR AT THE VALVE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix. R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.
1992 GMC Typhoon recalls 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. THE LINK CONNECTING THE ELECTRONIC REAR HEIGHT SENSOR TO THE REAR AXLE CAN DISCONNECT UNDER SEVERAL CONDITIONS, ALLOWING THE ARM ATTACHED TO THE SENSOR TO LODGE BETWEEN THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY AND THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE PIPE. THIS ABRADES THE BRAKE PIPE AND COULD LEAD TO REAR BRAKE FAILURE.
Risk. ABRASION OF THE BRAKE LINE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF REARBRAKES. THE FRONT BRAKES WOULD FUNCTION, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED INCREASEDSTOPPING DISTANCES WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Fix. INSTALL RETENTION CLIPS TO INSURE THE LOWER AND UPPER BALL SOCKET CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE BALL; ADD A DOWN STOP ON THE SENSOR ARM; AND ADD A SHIELD ON THE REAR AXLE.
Fuel System, Gasoline
What's wrong. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.
Risk. A FUEL LEAK CAN OCCUR AT THE VALVE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix. R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.
Best and worst years for the GMC Typhoon
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 2 tracked years, the worst years are 1993, 1992 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1992, 1993.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Typhoon | Service Brakes | Avoid | |
| 1993 Typhoon | Service Brakes | Avoid |
What are the most common GMC Typhoon problems?
The most-reported GMC Typhoon problems are Tires (1 reports), Wheels (2 reports) and Gasoline (1 reports) — out of 21 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
GMC Typhoon specifications & dimensions
The 1993 GMC Typhoon. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the GMC Typhoon window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
GMC Typhoon cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Typhoon holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
GMC Typhoon tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the GMC Typhoon get?
The GMC Typhoon returns up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $4,100/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1993 GMC Typhoon (4.3L 6-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $4,300/yr to fuel, emitting 494 g/mi CO₂ — about $10,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 Typhoon | 15 | 22 | $4,300 | 494 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl | |
| 1992 Typhoon | 15 | 20 | $3,650 | 523 | — | 4.3L 6-cyl |
The 1992 GMC Typhoon (6.2L 8-cyl) gets 19 mpg combined and costs about $4,100/yr to fuel, emitting 536 g/mi CO₂ — about $9,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Typhoon | 17 | 22 | $4,100 | 536 | — | 6.2L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Typhoon stacks up against the most fuel-efficient trucks, or calculate this Typhoon's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the GMC Typhoon have? Power & range
The GMC Typhoon is offered with 2 powertrains — 4.3L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 4.3L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | RWD | Premium |
| V8 | 6.2L · 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | RWD | Diesel |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a GMC Typhoon tow? Towing & payload
As a pickup, the GMC Typhoon is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package.
What sets your Typhoon's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a GMC Typhoon cost to own?
A GMC Typhoon holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Typhoon loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $20,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Typhoon ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the GMC Typhoon safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Typhoon yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a GMC Typhoon last?
A well-maintained GMC Typhoon typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your GMC Typhoon’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Typhoon’s VIN free →All GMC Typhoon model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the GMC Typhoon — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 Typhoon | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1992 Typhoon | 3 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Typhoon?
By owner-complaint volume, 1993, 1992 drew the most reports. 1992, 1993 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Typhoon have?
6 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1992–1993. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all GMC recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Typhoon get?
Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Typhoon last?
A well-maintained Typhoon typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Typhoon reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Typhoon is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the GMC Typhoon warranty?
New GMC models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a GMC dealer.
Where is the GMC Typhoon made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Typhoon's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; GMC may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Typhoon have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.