1989 GMC K2500
Only 3 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 3 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 | 0 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 10 |
| 1996 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
VALVE STEMS ON THE TIRES FAILED ON ALL FOUR WHEELS OVER A YEAR TIME FRAME. THESE WERE PURCHASED FROM NTB IN NEWINGTON, NH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090616
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
ALL THE LINES, FUEL AND BRAKE NEAR LEFT REAR WHEEL, AND TOP OF FUEL TANK, HAVE CORRODED. THIS HAS LED TO TWO NEAR DISASTERS, (ALMOST A CRASH(BRAKE LINE) AND FIRE(LEAKING GASOLINE). THESE LINES SHOULD NOT CORRODE THIS BADLY IN 10 YEARS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990521
1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
PASSENGER SIDE SEATS BELT APPEARS TO FASTEN PROPERLY, BUT AS YOU LEAN FORWARD OR FROM SIDE TO SIDE, THE SHOULDER BELT BEGINS TO LOOSEN AND WILL NOT RETRACT TAUGHT AGAINST YOU CHEST.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980922
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
ALL THE LINES, FUEL AND BRAKE NEAR LEFT REAR WHEEL, AND TOP OF FUEL TANK, HAVE CORRODED. THIS HAS LED TO TWO NEAR DISASTERS, (ALMOST A CRASH(BRAKE LINE) AND FIRE(LEAKING GASOLINE). THESE LINES SHOULD NOT CORRODE THIS BADLY IN 10 YEARS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990521
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
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 GMC K2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V170000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 GMC K2500 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 K2500?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 GMC K2500 have?
4 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.