WIS

GMC WIS — MPG, VIN Decoder, Recalls, Reliability & Specs

Everything on the GMC WIS — 0 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 1985–1995 · 11 model years · Updated Jul 26, 2026 · Not yet rated
Quick answer

The GMC WIS spans 1985–1995 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 19 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.

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1985–1995
Years
0
Recalls
19
Top MPG
—★
NHTSA
0
Complaints
Not yet rated
ForCar Reliability Score
Too new — not enough data yet

We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the GMC WIS — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.

Overview

The GMC WIS is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1985 to 1995 across multiple generations.

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How to read a GMC WIS VIN — every digit explained

Every GMC WIS 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.

FIG.02·How to Read a GMC WIS VIN
1–3 · WMI1XX
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • 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 WIS.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779 · NHTSA vPIC

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 WIS, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.

How many recalls does the GMC WIS have?

The GMC WIS has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1985–1995. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

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Best and worst years for the GMC WIS

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the GMC WIS — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.

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What are the most common GMC WIS problems?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the GMC WIS — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.

GMC WIS specifications & dimensions

The 1995 GMC WIS. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the GMC WIS window sticker.

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

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GMC WIS cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the WIS 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 WIS 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.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

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.

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What MPG does the GMC WIS get?

The GMC WIS 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 1995 GMC WIS (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.

FIG.05a·GMC WIS MPG, CO₂ & smog — V6
YearCityHwyCombFuel/yrCO₂ g/miSmogEngine
1995 WIS152218$4,3004944.3L 6-cyl
1994 WIS152218$4,3004944.3L 6-cyl
1993 WIS152218$4,3004944.3L 6-cyl
1992 WIS152017$3,6505234.3L 6-cyl
1991 WIS151817$3,6505234.3L 6-cyl
1990 WIS152218$3,4504944.3L 6-cyl
1989 WIS152218$3,4504944.3L 6-cyl
1988 WIS152017$3,6505234.3L 6-cyl
1987 WIS162018$3,4504944.3L 6-cyl
1986 WIS161817$3,6505234.3L 6-cyl
1985 WIS161817$3,6505234.3L 6-cyl
ROWS 11·SOURCE EPA (ForCar database)

The 1992 GMC WIS (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.

FIG.05b·GMC WIS MPG, CO₂ & smog — V8
YearCityHwyCombFuel/yrCO₂ g/miSmogEngine
1992 WIS172219$4,1005366.2L 8-cyl
1991 WIS172219$4,1005366.2L 8-cyl
1990 WIS152017$4,6005996.2L 8-cyl
1989 WIS162319$4,1005366.2L 8-cyl
1988 WIS172319$4,1005366.2L 8-cyl
1987 WIS152017$3,6505235L 8-cyl
1986 WIS172219$4,1005366.2L 8-cyl
1985 WIS172219$4,1005366.2L 8-cyl
ROWS 8·SOURCE EPA (ForCar database)

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 WIS stacks up against the most fuel-efficient trucks, or calculate this WIS's real yearly fuel cost.

What engines does the GMC WIS have? Power & range

The GMC WIS is offered with 2 powertrains — 4.3L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.

FIG.06·GMC WIS Powertrains
EngineDisplacementTransmissionDriveFuel
V64.3L · 6-cylManual 5-spdRWDPremium
V86.2L · 8-cylManual 5-spdRWDDiesel
ROWS 2·SOURCE EPA + NHTSA vPIC

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 WIS tow? Towing & payload

As a pickup, the GMC WIS 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 WIS'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.

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How much does a GMC WIS cost to own?

A GMC WIS holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used WIS is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.

84%
Value @ 1 yr
68%
Value @ 3 yrs
56%
Value @ 5 yrs
$20,500
Est. 5-yr fuel
FIG.08·GMC WIS Depreciation & Resale
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 184%$25,200−$4,800
Year 276%$22,800−$7,200
Year 368%$20,400−$9,600
Year 461%$18,300−$11,700
Year 556%$16,800−$13,200
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar estimate

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this WIS 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 WIS 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 WIS safe?

NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the WIS yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.

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How many miles does a GMC WIS last?

A well-maintained GMC WIS typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.

WIS

Check your GMC WIS’s VIN — history, recalls & specs

Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Check this WIS’s VIN free →

All GMC WIS model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the GMC WIS — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

FIG.11·All GMC WIS Model Years
YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
1995 WIS018 mpg
1994 WIS018 mpg
1993 WIS018 mpg
1992 WIS019 mpg
1991 WIS019 mpg
1990 WIS018 mpg
1989 WIS019 mpg
1988 WIS019 mpg
1987 WIS018 mpg
1986 WIS019 mpg
1985 WIS019 mpg
ROWS 11·SOURCE NHTSA + EPA

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

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Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the WIS?

We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the GMC WIS.

How many recalls does the WIS have?

0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1985–1995. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all GMC recalls and reliability across every model.

What MPG does the WIS get?

Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.

How many miles does a WIS last?

A well-maintained WIS typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the WIS reliable?

We're still compiling NHTSA data for the GMC WIS — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.

What's the GMC WIS 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 WIS made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your WIS'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 WIS 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.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jul 2026. — ForCar Editorial Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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