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.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seats.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
REAR AXLE SEALS CONTINUE TO LEAK. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950417
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
PURCHASE TRUCK NEW HAD TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950817
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 tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats 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:front:buckle assembly, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.