1995 Chevrolet C20: problems, recalls and reliability
7 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic; the 1996 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 1997
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving atany speed in rainy weather windshield wipers failed intermittently. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2005
“Braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance which may cause an accident. Also ABS light came on/off. Dealer replaced 2 brake master cylinders. *ak *sb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 1999
“Windshield wipers malfunctioned while in use, obstructing visibility and may cause a crash. There is a recall for this problem, but this vehicle was not included. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · May 1998
Show 4 more owner reports
“Anti-lock braking system went out and consumer could not stop, hit the tail end of another pickup and broke windshield.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1996
“Due to the design defect the top of the vehicle is holding water, when making a sudden stop water is coming inside the vheicle. Please describe. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 1996
“In a frontal vehicle collision travelling at 30 mph the seat belt failed to retraint driver, and air bag did not deploy. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 1995
“Consumer experiencing excessive wear of the front right brake pad and rotor. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced parts. Please provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 1995
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 7 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RECLINING SEATS AND THE EASY-ENTRY FEATURE. THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH A PINCH POINT EXISTS IN THE RECLINER MECHANISM THAT CAN TRAP AND PINCH A PERSON'S HAND OR FINGER(S) WHEN THE EASY-ENTRY FEATURE IS ACTIVATED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
THE SEAT RECLINER TO SEAT FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLES COULD LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE ALL FOAM AND/OR FABRIC SANDWICHED BETWEEN THE RECLINER ASSEMBLY AND THE SEAT FRAME, INSTALL WASHERS BETWEEN THE SEAT RECLINER AND THE SEAT FRAME AT EACH ATTACHMENT POINT, AND INSTALL NEW ATTACHING BOLTS TORQUED TO A HIGHER SPECIFICATION. THESE CORRECTIONS WILL BE MADE TO BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS.
THE STEERING COLUMN UPPER INTERMEDIATE-SHAFT NUT MAY NOT BE TORQUED TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS. THE NUT COULD LOOSEN AND DETACH ALLOWING THE THROUGH-BOLT THAT SECURES THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE-SHAFT TO THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT JOINT TO FALL OUT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TORQUE THE SUSPECT FASTENERS TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.
DUE TO A THIN CASE CASTING, AN EXTERNAL TRANSMISSION LEAK CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION CASE ASSEMBLY FOR THE INVOLVED CASE CASTING. IF THE ASSEMBLY IS INVOLVED, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED.
IF BOTH THE LAP-BELT AND SHOULDER-BELT ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS ON THE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES RELEASE AT OR NEAR THE SAME TIME, ACCELERATION FORCES CAN CAUSE THE BUCKLE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE AND ALLOW THE BUCKLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE LATCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STITCHING THAT CREATES THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOP IN THE SHOULDER BELT(S).
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH FRONT SEAT BELT SYSTEMS WITH NO ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS AND MAY NOT MEET THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTOR PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY(S) WITH ONE HAVING THE NEWLY DESIGNED ENERGY-MANAGEMENT TWIN-LOOP SYSTEM.
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
How other years compare
Check your exact C20 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 1995 Chevrolet C20 reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Chevrolet C20. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1995 Chevrolet C20 have open recalls?
7 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats. 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.