Carlexica

1991 Chevrolet C1500: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (38% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007

2
recalls
39
owner complaints
2
fire reports
81,556
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest C1500 years (#6 of 7 by complaints, age-adjusted)Problems tend to appear late (median 81,556 mi)Weak spot: service brakes, hydraulic (38%)2 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)38% · 15 complaints
Tires13% · 5 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)10% · 4 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)10% · 4 complaints
Seat Belts8% · 3 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)8% · 3 complaints
Driving at 50mph front left tire separated luckily I was able to control vehicle. A spare was put on-some minor damage to truck undercarriage. *trOwner report · Tires · Jun 2014
Tl* the contact owns a 1991 chevrolet c1500. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the frame was perforated due to rust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was not available.Owner report · Structure · Mar 2014
Uneven front brake application. Medium brake pressure energized right front only causing severe right steer. Heavy brake pressure energized both front brakes only to leave left front brake locked. Problem occurred gradually and progressively worsened to danger level, especially on wet or loose surfaces. Inspection determined the left front brake hose support clamp had been over compressed in manufacturing causing gradual compression of the inner hydraulic line to the point of virtual closure. The only flow possible was at elevated pressure and also preventing return flow causing severe and extended caliper clamping pressure. Failed part is available for inspection. *trOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
Instrument panel does not work. When the truck gets hot, the emergency light comes on ,and the whole instrument panel control does not operate properly. When this happens, and when trying to turn the panel on and off nothing comes off. Consumer cannot read the amount of fuel in tank or how fast vehicle is traveling. *akOwner report · Structure · Jun 2004
While pulling into highway driveshaft has broken in half. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.*akOwner report · Power Train · Mar 2002
Pe00 020 ; consumer was traveling about 35mph on side street and felt steering wheel vibrating back and forth. When he got home he noticed that left front tire tread separated from the rim. Firestone wilderness#at, p23575r15, #dot vdh1. There were no injuries.he also contacted firestone.*ak the tire tread separated from the casing and the side wall. There was cracking too at the tread. The customer had experienced this problem with firestone. *yhOwner report · Tires · Sep 2000
Windshield wipers would quit working after being in use for a while. Would start up on their own at anytime. Would have no warning. This would cause poor visibility for the driver. *akOwner report · Visibility · Jul 1998
Windshield wiper circuit board failed, recall component however vehicle denied to due location of assembly production (not included in recall).Owner report · Visibility · May 1998
While driving noticed a tire going flat. Pulled over & stopped vehicle to check it. Saw nothing & pumped tire up. Felt air coming out when tire was pumped. Spoke to manufacturer & was informedthat there was hairline crack in tire (lifetime guarantee). Manufacturer had tire replaced, but said nothing about what caused the crack or if other three tires will crack. *akOwner report · Tires · Mar 1998
Two new transmissions failed. First one with 37,000 miles and the second with 39,000 miles. Second one is not covered under warranty.Owner report · Power Train · Feb 1997

When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

EQUIPMENT07E088000 · Oct 2007

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE06E043000 · May 2006

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1991 Chevrolet C1500 reliable?

NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Chevrolet C1500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (38% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1991 Chevrolet C1500 problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 81,556 miles or less.

Does the 1991 Chevrolet C1500 have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. 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.