1990 Chevrolet C20 Problems: 5 Complaints, 3 Recalls

The worst 1990 Chevrolet C20 problems

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

Engine
3
Acceleration
1
Fuel system
1
Suspension
1

Problems by type

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

Engine
3
Acceleration
1
Fuel system
1
Suspension
1

Recalls 3

Power train: automatic transmissionReported February 1, 1993 · 1,702,880 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Risk: The vented transmission fluid can catch fire if exposedto a source of ignition.
Remedy: Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle.

Recall number 93V016000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkagesReported June 4, 1990 · 1,962 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Loose pivot bolt holding the brake pedal to its support bracket could disengage from the nut.
Risk: This could cause loss of braking activity that couldresult in a truck crash without prior warning.
Remedy: Retorque brake pedal pivot bolts to specifications to prevent loosening.

Recall number 90V108000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported January 29, 1990 · 68 vehicles affected

What is wrong: On c and k models, feed and or return fuel lines can contact the automatic transmission shift linkage cordon shaft. In addition, on k models lines may also contact front propshaft. In either case the fuel lines could be damaged resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: A hole could be rubbed through these fuel lines, allowing fuel leakage near exhaust crossover pipe; this could result in an engine compartment fire that could spread to the passenger compartment.
Remedy: Install newly designed fuel line routing bracket to prevent contact and, if necessary, replace fuel lines.

Recall number 90V015000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1990 Chevrolet C20

Defect investigations

Engine compartment firesOpened July 29, 1994, closed July 31, 1996

An alleged malfunction in the atlernator resulting in engine compartmet fires.

EA94029

Fuel system integrityOpened December 8, 1992, closed March 9, 1995

There is no summary currently available

EA92041

What 1990 Chevrolet C20 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 13, 2003 · Engine · OH · fire

*ohio traffic crash report* the vehicle caught on fire while in motion.*jg

Filed Dec 7, 2000 · Engine, Fuel system · OH · fire

While driving, consumer smelled smoke and pulled over, he opened the hood and there was a fire in the engine compartment and the undercarriage compartment area was filled with smoke, there was fuel leaking and burning, the fire was possibly caused by the engine or fuel system failure. (ohio traffic crash report)

Filed Nov 23, 1998 · Engine · NY · fire

Engine fire (ohio crash report).

Filed Apr 8, 1997 · Acceleration · IN

When cruise control is engaged it will shut itself off, causing the vehicle to stall.

Filed Jun 22, 1995 · Suspension · CA

The rear end was making noise the end case snap consumer took home and it has air bubble in the weld. Tt

Compare the 1990 Chevrolet C20

Other model years

19901991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997

Questions about the 1990 Chevrolet C20

Is the 1990 Chevrolet C20 reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1990 Chevrolet C20, fewer than a typical C20 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Chevrolet C20?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).

How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet C20 have?

3 recalls, covering power train, service brakes, hydraulic and fuel system, gasoline.

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1990 Chevrolet C20 problems