1990 GMC C1500
Only 7 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 7 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 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 4 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 17 |
| 1993 | 21 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 32 |
| 1996 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 7 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
2 of 7 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing seal and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
PURCHASE TRUCK NEW HAD TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950817
REAR AXLE SEALS CONTINUE TO LEAK. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950417
1 of 7 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing module.
Show complaint excerpts
SPARK PLUGS MANUFACTURED BY SPLIT FIRE INC. DAMAGED ENGINE PISTONS AND VALVES. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950510
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 GMC C1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V170000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1990 GMC C1500 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 GMC C1500?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 GMC C1500 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.