1990 Chevrolet C20: problems, recalls and reliability

3 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 1993

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

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

3 fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 5 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints

Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)1 complaint

Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)1 complaint

Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)1 complaint

“While driving, consumer smelled smoke and pulled over, he opened the hood and there was a fire in the engine compartment and the undercarriage compartment area was filled with smoke, there was fuel leaking and burning, the fire was possibly caused by the engine or fuel system failure. (ohio traffic crash report) *slc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2000

Recalls - 3 campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES90V108000 · Jun 1990

LOOSE PIVOT BOLT HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ITS SUPPORT BRACKET COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE NUT.

Remedy: RETORQUE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT BOLTS TO SPECIFICATIONS TO PREVENT LOOSENING.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS90V015000 · Jan 1990

ON C AND K MODELS, FEED AND OR RETURN FUEL LINES CAN CONTACT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE CORDON SHAFT. IN ADDITION, ON K MODELS LINES MAY ALSO CONTACT FRONT PROPSHAFT. IN EITHER CASE THE FUEL LINES COULD BE DAMAGED RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.

Remedy: INSTALL NEWLY DESIGNED FUEL LINE ROUTING BRACKET TO PREVENT CONTACT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE FUEL LINES.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION93V016000 · Feb 1993

UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.

Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

How other years compare

1990 (this page)5 complaints · 3 recalls 19922 complaints · 3 recalls

Check your exact C20 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1990 Chevrolet C20 reliable?

NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Chevrolet C20. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.

Does the 1990 Chevrolet C20 have open recalls?

3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages. 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.