1990 Chevrolet C3500
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 |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 15 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1995 | 47 |
| 1996 | 26 |
| 2018 | 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: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 5 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
ON, JUNE16/17, 2012, DRIVING, OUR 1990 K3500, DUALLY TRUCK, WE HAD TWO TIRES BLOWOUT, INSIDE DUALS, ONE ON DRIVERS, ONE ON PASSENGERS, REARS. THE WHOLE TREAD, SEPARATED,FROM THE CAP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120715
Also filed under FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 of 5 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN TRYING TO PLACE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT INTO BELT BUCKLE, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY INTO BUCKLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970929
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
STARTED VEHICLE, BUT UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR (AUTOMATIC). AFTER RESTARTING, ENGINE RUNNING, TRANSMISSION MAKES A WHISTLING NOISE. WOULD GO ABOUT 30MPH, ONCE IN GEAR BE FOR SHIFTING AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971027
1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Chevrolet C3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V170000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1990 Chevrolet C3500 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 C3500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Chevrolet C3500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.