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1989 GMC C1500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1989 GMC C1500, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints41 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Service brakes, hydraulic

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 27, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 GMC C1500 has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Electrical system11
Power train10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1989 GMC C1500 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 93V-016 · Feb 1, 1993 · 1,702,880 vehicles

Risk. THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Front: anchorage

Recall 90V-170 · Sep 17, 1990 · 194,243 vehicles

Risk. INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLYRESTRAIN OCCUPANT IN AN ACCIDENT OF SUDDEN STOP; TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITHFMVSS 209.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other C1500 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C1500 median. How we score

'70'73'74'81'85'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1989 GMC C1500, and the recalls they led to.

  1. FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITYEA92041 · closed Mar 9, 1995
    No recall
In owners' words

What C1500 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

AFTER APPLYING BRAKES AND COMING TO A STOP, PEDAL EASES DOWN AND STARTS TO CREEP FORWARD UNLESS PRESSURE IS CONSTANTLY APPLIED. DEALER CAN NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
Complaint 854229 · Jan 27, 2000
MAKING A NORMAL OR SUDDEN STOP, BRAKES WILL BECOME SPONGY, GO TO FLOOR, CAUSING A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE, AT LEAST 5 TIMES LONGER.DEALER HAS REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER/BOOSTER/ABS SYSTEM/ROTORS/CALIPERS/DISCS /DRUMS AND SHOES. DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK
Complaint 830704 · Nov 13, 1998

Own a 1989 C1500?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.