Model year record

1990 Chevrolet C1500 recalls & problems

The 1990 Chevrolet C1500 has 3 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (8 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints22filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

EquipmentOct 24, 2007

Equipment

Recall 07E088000121,680 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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, gasolineMay 19, 2006

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 06E04300088,303 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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).

Seat beltsSep 17, 1990

Front › Anchorage

Recall 90V170000194,243 vehicles

Problem: TRUCKS CAN CONTAIN INCORRECT INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST REAR SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELTS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
Risk: INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLYRESTRAIN OCCUPANT IN AN ACCIDENT OF SUDDEN STOP; TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITHFMVSS 209.
Fix: PROVIDE OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT REAR LAP-SHOULDER BELT INSTRUCTIONS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

C1500 Pickup 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD Diesel

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,300/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD Diesel

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Manual 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,300/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

12mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 13 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.7 L · 8 cyl · Manual 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

C1500 Pickup 2WD

9mpg combined

City / highway	9 / 10 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

7.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 3-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $7,450/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Fires	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	8	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly	3	0	—
Seats	2	0	—
StructureBody › Tailgate	2	0	—
Power trainAxle assembly; Manual transmission	2	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Hydraulic power assist system	2	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap	2	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline	1	1	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights	1	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	1	0	—
Equipment	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Equipment
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
Jun 16, 2009 · 206,000 miles
Structure
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…
Aug 4, 2007 · 147,300 miles
Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
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…
Oct 26, 2005 · 160,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
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…
Jul 6, 2004 · 177,245 miles
Exterior lighting › Headlights
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
Aug 2, 2002
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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
Sep 13, 2001 · 93,000 miles
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
STEERING WHEEL HAD COME LOOSE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO TIGHTENED WHEEL, 1 YEAR LATER STEERING WHEEL LOOSE AGAIN.*AK
Mar 1, 2000
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
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
Feb 15, 2000

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.