1989 Chevrolet Silverado
Only 22 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 22 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 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 15 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 69 |
| 1994 | 210 |
| 1995 | 263 |
| 1996 | 186 |
| 1997 | 272 |
| 1998 | 279 |
| 1999 | 1660 |
| 2000 | 1305 |
| 2001 | 877 |
| 2002 | 710 |
| 2003 | 695 |
| 2004 | 622 |
| 2005 | 316 |
| 2006 | 182 |
| 2007 | 183 |
| 2008 | 162 |
| 2009 | 76 |
| 2010 | 62 |
| 2011 | 75 |
| 2012 | 68 |
| 2013 | 64 |
| 2014 | 124 |
| 2015 | 76 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 125 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
3 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 20000323
3 of 22 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing rear and lower ball joint.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE FRONT END COLLAPSED. THE DEALER STATES THE LOWER BALL JOINT HAD FAILED. *LA *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20040721
3 of 22 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing rear/other and retractor.
CRASH3 of 22 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE AT REPAIR SHOP FOR SERVICE MECHANIC NOTICED THE BRAKE AND FUEL LINE WAS RUSTED. LOCATION IS NEAR REAR TIRE ON DRIVER SIDE, BOTH LINES ARE CLUSTERED TOGETHER. A SECTION ABOUT 3-4 INCHES IN LENGTH IS AFFECTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031121
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 Chevrolet Silverado — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Silverado?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Chevrolet Silverado have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.