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1990 Chevrolet C1500 problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical C1500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
9-18mpg

The worst 1990 Chevrolet C1500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    7
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Seats
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    7
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    1

Trouble codes owners of the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 mention

C1500 2

Recalls 1

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported September 17, 1990 · 194,243 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
Provide owner's manual insert containing the correct rear lap-shoulder belt instructions.

Recall number 90V170000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1990 Chevrolet C1500

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 1

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1990 Chevrolet C1500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD1619-2217-18
6.2L 8‑cyl DieselRWD16-1720-2218
5.0L 8‑cylRWD1415-1914-15
5.7L 8‑cylRWD11-1413-1812-15
7.4L 8‑cylRWD9109

What 1990 Chevrolet C1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 16, 2009 · 206,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Aug 9, 2007 · Body, Fuel system · 147,300 miles · OH

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.

Filed Mar 7, 2006 · Steering · 160,000 miles · ID

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.

Filed Jul 6, 2004 · Brakes · 177,245 miles · IN

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.

Filed Aug 2, 2002 · Lights · IN

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.

Filed Sep 16, 2001 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 93,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Apr 23, 2001 · Steering · CA

Steering wheel had come loose. Took vehicle to dealer who tightened wheel, 1 year later steering wheel loose again.

Filed Mar 2, 2000 · Seat belts · NY

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

Filed Jul 29, 1999 · Brakes · CA

Reporting now because I have brake warning lite and no apparent reason for it. First and second failures of iso valve were not loss of brakes, only a squishy feeling. I note a current recall on 91-96 gm units that seems to be related to this problem. Need advice on how to attempt recovery of over $500 worth of repairs that I paid for which now appear to be a factory defect and I now have a brake warning lite which may be the same assembly going bad again!. Note recall is limited to 91 to 96 units and I am a 90. Nevertheless I want to try. Dealer has been service has been exceptional. No complaint against them.

Filed Jul 1, 1999 · Seat belts · CT

Driver's seat belt does not buckle prperly.which won't protect the occupant in event of a crash. Dealer will replace seat belt system at the owner's expense. Please provide further information and VIN#.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Chevrolet C1500 before you buy

Compare the 1990 Chevrolet C1500

Other model years

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Questions about the 1990 Chevrolet C1500

Is the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 1990 Chevrolet C1500, fewer than a typical C1500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Chevrolet C1500?

Brakes, with 7 complaints. Next is seat belts (3).

How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 have?

1 recall, covering seat belts.

What year does the Chevrolet C1500 have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet C1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1996 (41 complaints), 1995 (39 complaints) and 1994 (18 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Chevrolet C1500 range from 9 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 19-22 highway.

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