RoadVitals

1994 Chevrolet C3500

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.
18
Latest Dec 14, 2003
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.
2
Latest May 19, 2006
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.
1
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1994 Chevrolet C3500, most frequently naming the visibility, brakes and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 2 manufacturer communications are 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

  • Visibility621.4%
  • Brakes517.9%
  • Fuel system517.9%
  • Engine310.7%
  • Transmission310.7%
  • Electrical27.1%
  • Heating & air conditioning13.6%
  • Exterior lighting13.6%

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

2 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
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
99V025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Feb 5, 1999
988,587 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS, CREW CABS, UTILITY TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POLARITY OF THE WIRING FOR THE ZERO ADJUST BRAKE SWITCH REVERSED FROM WHAT WAS SPECIFIED ON THE SWITCH DRAWING. WITH THE REVERSED POLARITY, THE CONTACTS IN THE BRAKE SWITCH CAN WEAR OUT PREMATURELY. THE BRAKE SWITCH WILL PERFORM NORMALLY UNTIL THE BRAKE SWITCH CONTACTS WEAR OUT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE BRAKE LAMPS WITHOUT ANY WARNING TO THE DRIVER.
The risk: THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE SWITCH AND REVERSE THE WIRING.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 98065View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA97023ClosedEngineering Analysis

DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME FAILURE

Opened Oct 31, 1997
Closed Jun 1, 1999

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION HAS RECEIVED 375 REPORTS ALLEGING FAILURE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME WHICH IS PRONE TO BREAKAGE AT THE LEFT FRONT ATTACHING POINT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE SEAT MAY TILT AWAY FROM THE RISER DURING ACCELERATING OR BRAKING.(SEE CLOSING REPORT)

SEATS

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 18
Visibility
Filed Dec 14, 2003

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR QUIT WITHOUT NOTICE FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME AND START AGAIN . *AK

NHTSA ID
10049728
Incident
Dec 10, 2003
Mileage
57,216 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 16, 2002

REAR TIRES MEASURE APPROX. 96 FRONT TIRES APPROX 91. DT

NHTSA ID
769788
Incident
Nov 10, 2002
BrakesTransmission
Filed May 17, 2001

WHILE PULLING A HEAVY LOAD WITH VEHICLE CLUTCH PEDAL WILL GO TO FLOOR, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CLUTCH. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THIS IS THE RESULT OF HEAT COMING FROM EXHAUST PIPE IN ENGINE BEING TOO EXCESSIVE, AND CAUSING SLAVE CYLINDER TO MALFUNCTION.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE ENTIRE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM HAS BEEN FLUSHED SEVERAL TIMES, ALSO THE SLAVE CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM IS STILL NOT RESOLVED. *JB

NHTSA ID
888512
Incident
May 1, 1997
Engine
Filed Nov 16, 2000

2ND 1-95 SORRY 3RD 9-95 STRANGE 4TH. 10-97 DEFECTIVE PUMPS 4TH. 10-97 REBUILD DEFECTIVE PUMP 5TH 4-00 COST $1559.63 DEFECTIVE PUMP 6TH 11-00 DEFECTIVE PUMP $1900.00 PLEASE CALL FOR DETAIL ALL WORK DONE AT SAME DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ID
736414
Incident
Jan 1, 1995
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 8, 2000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO: 951005000, GM RECALL NO: 94C57/ THIS IS A PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT STARTED ON THE DATE OF PURCHASE. DURING THE FIST TWO YEARS THE INJECTOR PUMP WAS REPLACED 4 TIMES. NOW I HEAR OF THE RECALL AND GM @ 1-800-222-1020 FILE NO: C01138552 SAY THEY HAVE NO RECALLS OF THIS NATURE ON MY DIESEL POWERED TRUCK. AT THE PRESENT TIME MY VEHICLE STALLS, HAS VERY POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE, MISFIRES, STALLS AFTER START, AND SOMETIMES STALLS DURING DECELERATION. ONE DEALER ALSO TOLD ME AFTER A PUMP REPLACEMENT, IF THE SAME PROBLEM CAME BACK, TO NOT COME BACK TO THEM, TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE. AT TIMES THIS ENGINE WILL QUIT WITH NO WARNING, IN TRAFFIC, GOING AROUND A CURVE, OR @ 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. PLEASE INFORM ME OF ANY COURSE OF ACTION I MAY HAVE TO GET MY VEHICLE REPAIRED. *AK

NHTSA ID
727000
Incident
Jun 15, 1995
Visibility
Filed Feb 10, 2000

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO A BAD SOLDER JOINT. DEALER SAYS IT'S NOT ON RECALL. *AK

NHTSA ID
842305
Visibility
Filed Aug 30, 1999

WINDSHIED WIPERS FAILED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER BOARD, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY IN BAD WEAHTER CONDITIONS. *YC

NHTSA ID
548202
Brakes
Filed Jan 26, 1998

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE REAR ABS BRAKES FAIL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. REPLACED BRAKING SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID
820867

Manufacturer communications

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

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

455006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

UNKNOWN

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 C3500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2018010—
1996261037.1
1995471143.2
1994Viewing182143.1
1993151042.8
1992820—
1991310—
1990520—
1989720—
1988010—

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.