1989 Chevrolet C20
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 1 complaint
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 16 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 14 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
1 of 1 total report mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Driver's side seat belt buckle has failed, unable to latch seatbelt. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-16
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1989-06-20Trailer hitches89V078000 There may be below specified torque on the trailer hitch attaching fasteners, allowing the trailer hitch to move under towing loads.
Remedy: Correct torque in trailer hitch fasteners to prevent trailer separation.
-
I
1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
-
R
1993-03-13Power train93V016000 Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Remedy: Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle.
-
I
1994-07-29Engineering analysisClosed 1996-07-31 Engine compartment fires
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Chevrolet C20 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 89V078000 · Trailer hitches
- Recall 93V016000 · Power train
FAQ
- Is the 1989 Chevrolet C20 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1989 Chevrolet C20?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet C20 have?
- 2 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.