1990 Chevrolet C20
Only 5 complaints 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20001219
ENGINE FIRE (OHIO CRASH REPORT).
NHTSA ODI report, 19981202
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 20001219
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
*OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT* THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IN MOTION.*JG *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030213
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: INSTALL NEWLY DESIGNED FUEL LINE ROUTING BRACKET TO PREVENT CONTACT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE FUEL LINES.
Campaign 90V015000 — check if this car was fixed
LOOSE PIVOT BOLT HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ITS SUPPORT BRACKET COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE NUT.
Remedy: RETORQUE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT BOLTS TO SPECIFICATIONS TO PREVENT LOOSENING.
Campaign 90V108000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
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.
Campaign 93V016000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Chevrolet C20 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V015000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V108000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1990 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 1990 Chevrolet C20?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet C20 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.