1989 Chevrolet C1500
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 33
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1989
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 33 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 32 |
| 1989 | 33 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 39 |
| 1992 | 41 |
| 1993 | 64 |
| 1994 | 152 |
| 1995 | 209 |
| 1996 | 229 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
39% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and shift pattern indicator.
Show complaint excerpts
Transmission fluid leaked onto catalytic convertor, causing fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-24
Exterior lighting
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing brake lights.
Show complaint excerpts
The exterior brake lights were replaced twice, consumer found on the NHTSA web page, many consumers with the same problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-24
Steering
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing column and pump.
Seat belts
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
During rear impact at 40 to 45 MPH, the driver's and passenger's side seat belts did not lock. *ak seat belts did not prevent driver and pasenger from being thrown forward resulting in face and leg injury.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-07-16
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1990-10-24Seat belts90V170000 Trucks can contain incorrect instructions on how to properly adjust rear seat lap-shoulder belts as required by FMVSS 209.
Remedy: Provide owner's manual insert containing the correct rear lap-shoulder belt instructions.
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2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
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2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Chevrolet C1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V170000 · Seat belts
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 Chevrolet C1500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Chevrolet C1500 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1989 Chevrolet C1500?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet C1500 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.