- The problem
- Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
- The risk
- The vented transmission fluid can catch fire if exposedto a source of ignition.
- The fix
- Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle.
Vehicle safety record
1990 GMC C1500 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1990 GMC C1500 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (3) and the transmission & drivetrain (2). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in February 1993 for the automatic transmission. For comparison, the 1989 has 4 and the 1991 has 5.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical C1500 year, for its age
#133 most complained-about 1990 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1990 GMC C1500 problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1990 GMC C1500 recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Trucks can contain incorrect instructions on how to properly adjust rear seat lap-shoulder belts as required by fmvss 209.
- The risk
- Incorrectly adjusted seat belt would not properlyrestrain occupant in an accident of sudden stop; trucks would not comply withfmvss 209.
- The fix
- Provide owner's manual insert containing the correct rear lap-shoulder belt instructions.
What owners say
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Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
7 complaints about the 1990 GMC C1500
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The bridgestone dueler h/t tires experienced tread separation and a blowout which caused damage to the vehicle, consumer is requesting reimbursement for damage and tires. *Mjs
The driver's side red release button broke, causing the seat belt not to latch into belt buckle. *Ak
Driver's side seat belt buckle broke, red release button has broken. Tt
Sixty-forty split seat; when braking, back rest will lean forward w/ passenger causing entire back and seat rest to slide forward. Kt
Purchase truck new had to rebuild the transmission . Tt
Spark plugs manufactured by split fire inc. Damaged engine pistons and valves. Tt
REAR AXLE SEALS CONTINUE TO LEAK. TT
GMC C1500: every year compared
All C1500 years1990 GMC C1500 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 GMC C1500 | 7 | 2 | F | |
| 1990 GMC 1500 | 8 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1990 GMC C2500 | 5 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1990 GMC C Series(light) | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1990 GMC C15 | 2 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1990 GMC C Series | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1990 GMC C1500
Does the 1990 GMC C1500 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1990 GMC C1500: automatic transmission (February 1993); anchorage (September 1990). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1990 GMC C1500?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (3), transmission & drivetrain (2), wheels & tires (1).
How many complaints has the 1990 GMC C1500 had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 17, 1995 and the latest on September 12, 2000. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1990 GMC C1500 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical GMC C1500 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which GMC C1500 years have the most complaints?
1995 (32), 1994 (25), 1993 (21). See every GMC C1500 year compared.
What should I do if my 1990 GMC C1500 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data