1990 Chevrolet C1500: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 chevrolet c1500. The contact stated that the cable underneath the vehicle that holds the spare tire was corroded. As a result, the tire fell from the vehicle onto the highway and almost caused a crash. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls. The failure mileage was 206,000. Updated 08/04/09 *bf updated 08/05/09.*jb”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 2009
“Gas tank leaking due to contact with retaining straps. Also cruise control sometimes engages by itself without input or action.**** dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****752237. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2001
“Passenger's seat belt buckle has broken, causing the seat belt assembly to become inoperable. Consumer stated that the manufacturer no longer makes the parts to correct the problem. *ak *ml”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driver's seat belt does not buckle prperly.which won't protect the occupant in event of a crash. Dealer will replace seat belt system at the owner's expense. Please provide further information and VIN#. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 1999
“On several occasions the brakes would lock up on passenger's side, causing vehicle to lose control. Also, the brake line underneath is too close to exhaust manifold. This condition is causing the brake fluid to heat up and overheat the rotors, causing brake failure. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1998
“Both passengers' middle seat and driver's seat belts will not stay engaged in the buckle assembly, causing the seat belts to be inoperative. Consumer has contacted the dealer. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 1997
“Reporting now because I have brake warning lite and no apparent reason for it. First and second failures of iso valve were not loss of brakes, only a squishy feeling. I note a current recall on 91-96 gm units that seems to be related to this problem. Need advice on how to attempt recovery of over $500 worth of repairs that I paid for which now appear to be a factory defect and I now have a brake warning lite which may be the same assembly going bad again!. Note recall is limited to 91 to 96 units and I am a 90. Nevertheless I want to try. Dealer has been service has been exceptional. No complaint against them.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 1995
“Tailgate: when driving down the highway the tailgate just collapsed. When closing the gate it is secure, but when driving it just works itself loose and falls down. Took vehicle in and dealer took it apart, but couldn't find anything wrong with it. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 1994
“Consumer was at a complete stop when vehicle's engine died. He was able to start it again, as soon as it idled it shut off again. Consumer popped hood and saw that there were flames. Vehicle burned to a total loss. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The rear spring that keeps the adjusting screw set came out, needs to pump the brake so it wouldn't go to the floor . *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Recalls - 3 campaigns
TRUCKS CAN CONTAIN INCORRECT INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST REAR SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELTS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
Remedy: PROVIDE OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT REAR LAP-SHOULDER BELT INSTRUCTIONS.
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
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.
Remedy: 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).
How other years compare
Check your exact C1500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Chevrolet C1500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.