RoadVitals

1990 Chevrolet C1500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
Latest Jul 16, 2009
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Oct 24, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 22 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1990 Chevrolet C1500, most frequently naming the brakes, seat belts and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1 manufacturer communication is on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes729.2%
  • Seat belts312.5%
  • Fuel system28.3%
  • Interior & seats28.3%
  • Steering28.3%
  • Body & structure28.3%
  • Transmission14.2%
  • Driver assistance14.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
07E088000

EQUIPMENT

Oct 24, 2007
121,680 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The 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.
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
90V170000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Sep 17, 1990
194,243 units potentially affected
The defect: TRUCKS CAN CONTAIN INCORRECT INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST REAR SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELTS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
The risk: INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLYRESTRAIN OCCUPANT IN AN ACCIDENT OF SUDDEN STOP; TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITHFMVSS 209.
The remedy: PROVIDE OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT REAR LAP-SHOULDER BELT INSTRUCTIONS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 22
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 16, 2009

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

NHTSA ID
10276979
Incident
Jun 16, 2009
Mileage
206,000 mi
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Aug 9, 2007

1990 CHEVY C1500 1/2 TON STEPSIDE PICKUP TRUCK. GENERAL GRABBER AP TIRES. SIZE 235/75/R15 M+S MADE IN MEXICO OTHER NUMBERS ON TIRE:OK-47410 P5501 25855 021943. 147,300 MILES ON VEHICLE WHEN LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH. TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO TRUCK, RIPPING FENDER MOUNTS OFF IN 4 PLACES, TEARING THE FUEL FILLER NECK FROM FUEL DOOR OPENING AND TEARING OFF THE GAS CAP. FIBERGLASS ON BOTTOM OF STEPSIDE FENDER WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED. TRUCK WAS IN OTHERWISE GOOD OPERATING CONDITION. TRUCK HAD LESS THAN 100 POUNDS OF CARGO; TIRE PRESSURES WERE VERIFIED TO BE 35PSI AT MOST 3 WEEKS EARLIER WITH NO LEAKS. PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY WAS VERIFIED BY COMPARING TO SEVERAL OTHER GAUGES. TIRES WERE INSTALLED AT 127,445 MILES WHEN DEFECTIVE FIRESTONE TIRES WERE REPLACED. TIRES WERE ROTATED AND BALANCED AT 144,000 MILES. SPARE TIRE WAS INSTALLED AT ROADSIDE. BLOWN OUT TIRE IS STILL IN TRUCK BED. TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED YET. *TR

NHTSA ID
10199007
Incident
Aug 4, 2007
Mileage
147,300 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 7, 2006

THE SERPENTINE ACCESSORY BELT STARTED TO FAIL. AS IT DID, PARTS OF IT WHIPPED THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE RUPTURING THE HOSE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. SHE NEEDED MY HELP TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS NOT TOTALLY BROKEN. I HAD THE OLD BELT UNDER THE SEAT SO I SWAPPED IT FOR THE BELT THAT WAS FAILING. WITH MY HELP, WE WERE ABLE TO PULL OFF THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND MAKE IT TO A AUTO PARTS STORE TO REPLACE THE HOSE. THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING HOSE DUE TO AN INCOMPLETE FAILURE OF THE SERPENTINE BELT IS INEXCUSABLE. GM SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO SHIELD THE POWER STEERING HOSE FROM A SERPENTINE BELT FAILURE. IN MY EXPERIENCE, SERPENTINE BELTS DO NOT FAIL CATASTROPHICALLY. THEY MAKE NOISES AS THEY START TO FAIL GIVING ADEQUATE TIME TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE. IN THIS CASE, WE HEARD THE NOISE OF THE BELT FAILING. BEFORE WE COULD IDENTIFY THE NOISE AS COMING FROM OUR VEHICLE AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10152135
Incident
Oct 26, 2005
Mileage
160,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 6, 2004

DRIVING ON CITY STREET AT APPROX 30 MPH, STOP LIGHT CHANGED TO RED AS I APPROACHED. WAS CLOSE TO INTERSECTION, PRESSED HARD ON BRAKE PEDAL AND IT STARTED SLOWING VEHICLE, THEN AFTER ABOUT .5 SECONDS, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WITH MINIMAL BRAKING AT THAT POINT. DID NOT LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AS SPEED WAS LOW ENOUGH THAT WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE HYDRALIC SYSTEM STOPPED VEHICLE. AFTER LIMPING VEHICLE HOME (WAS ONLY 3 BLOCKS FROM THERE), INSPECTION UNDER VEHICLE REVEALED STEEL BRAKE LINE RUBBING AGAINST FRAME RAIL JUST BEHIND FIREWALL, WHERE LINE TUCKS INTO FRAME RAIL, CAUSING WEAK SPOT THAT FAILED UNDER PRESSURE. REPAIRS NOT MADE YET, AS INCIDENT JUST OCCURED, WILL NEED NEW STEEL BRAKE LINE FROM ABS CONTROL TO REAR AXLE. CAN SAVE OLD PART. *JB

NHTSA ID
10080463
Incident
Jul 6, 2004
Mileage
177,245 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 2, 2002

OVER A PERIOD OF TIME HEAD LIGHT COVERING HAS BECOME TRANSLUCENT (FADED-YELLOW) TO WHERE LIGHT DOESN'T PASS THROUGH 60-70% WHEN USED. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THEY ARE LEXAN LENSES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ID
8015394
Driver assistanceFuel system
Filed Sep 16, 2001

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

NHTSA ID
10006457
Incident
Sep 13, 2001
Mileage
93,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 23, 2001

STEERING WHEEL HAD COME LOOSE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO TIGHTENED WHEEL, 1 YEAR LATER STEERING WHEEL LOOSE AGAIN.*AK

NHTSA ID
886497
Incident
Mar 1, 2000
Seat belts
Filed Mar 2, 2000

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

NHTSA ID
857760
Incident
Feb 15, 2000

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

020864016

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON FRONT DOOR HINGE PIN BUSHING WEAR, FRONT DOOR SAG, OR DOOR CHUCKING MOVEMENT IN EXTREME OPERATING CONDITIONS. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet C1500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
19962292049.0
19952092152.4
19941522149.9
1993642050.0
1992412052.8
1991392047.1
1990Viewing223045.2
1989333054.3
1988322055.0

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.