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
- 7
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 7 complaints
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.
Seat belts
2 of 7 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Power train
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, 1995-08-17
Rear axle seals continue to leak. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-17
Tires
1 of 7 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Seats
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Electrical system
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, 1995-05-10
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1990-10-24Seat belts90V170000 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.
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I
1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 GMC C1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V170000 · Seat belts
- Recall 93V016000 · Power train
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.