1989 GMC C2500
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 2 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Too small radiator for this size of truck. Radiator overheats.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-05
Engine started burning oil after a oil change. Please give detail.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-27
Seat belts
2 of 6 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The driver side seat belt buckle broke . Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-27
Steering
1 of 6 total reports mentions: steering.
Service brakes
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
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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.
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2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above.…
Remedy: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 GMC C2500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V170000 · Seat belts
- Recall 93V016000 · Power train
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
FAQ
- Is the 1989 GMC C2500 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 GMC C2500?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 GMC C2500 have?
- 3 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.