1990 GMC C1500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 C1500.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V016000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
Consequence: THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS WITH 5.0 L, 5.7 L, AND 7.4 L ENGINES AND 4L60,4L60-E, AND 3L80 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. TRUCKS CAN CONTAIN INCORRECT INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST REAR SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELTS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
What could happen: 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 to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 C1500.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V170000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: TRUCKS CAN CONTAIN INCORRECT INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST REAR SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELTS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
Consequence: INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLYRESTRAIN OCCUPANT IN AN ACCIDENT OF SUDDEN STOP; TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITHFMVSS 209.
Remedy: PROVIDE OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT REAR LAP-SHOULDER BELT INSTRUCTIONS.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR SEAT BELT; FMVSS 209.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT-DUTY TRUCKS WITH EXTENDED CABS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1990 GMC C1500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (2), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Wheels / tires (1), Seats (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
09/12/2000 · Wheels / tires
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
01/06/1997 · Seat belts
THE DRIVER'S SIDE RED RELEASE BUTTON BROKE, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT NOT TO LATCH INTO BELT BUCKLE. *AK
02/12/1996 · Seat belts
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE, RED RELEASE BUTTON HAS BROKEN. TT
08/29/1995 · Seats
SIXTY-FORTY SPLIT SEAT; WHEN BRAKING, BACK REST WILL LEAN FORWARD W/ PASSENGER CAUSING ENTIRE BACK AND SEAT REST TO SLIDE FORWARD. KT
08/17/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
PURCHASE TRUCK NEW HAD TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION . TT
05/10/1995 · Electrical system
SPARK PLUGS MANUFACTURED BY SPLIT FIRE INC. DAMAGED ENGINE PISTONS AND VALVES. TT
04/17/1995 · Transmission / drivetrain
REAR AXLE SEALS CONTINUE TO LEAK. TT