1989 Chevrolet C1500

▲ Better than typical
1989 Chevrolet C1500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:40:37.279Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet C1500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1988: 32 complaints 1988 1989: 33 complaints 1989 1990: 22 complaints 1990 1991: 39 complaints 1992: 41 complaints 1992 1993: 64 complaints 1994: 152 complaints 1994 1995: 209 complaints 1996: 229 complaints 1996
1989: 33 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
198832
198933
199022
199139
199241
199364
1994152
1995209
1996229

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 18%

18% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 9%

9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED TWICE, CONSUMER FOUND ON THE NHTSA WEB PAGE, MANY CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040824

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
SEAT BELTS 6%

6% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19901024 — seat belts

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.

Campaign 90V170000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 MANUFACTURE

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).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20071108 — equipment

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. TH

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.

Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Chevrolet C1500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90V170000 (seat belts) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1988 ▲ 1991 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 1996 ■ 1995 ■ 1994

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, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet C1500 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.