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1989 GMC K3500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 1989 GMC K3500, 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 complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Service brakes, hydraulic

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 30, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 GMC K3500 has problems

1 complaint 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, hydraulic10

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

2 recalls

1989 GMC K3500 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 K3500 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 K3500 median. How we score

'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 K3500, and the recalls they led to.

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

What K3500 owners report

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

THE BRAKE LINES, AND FUEL LINES UNDERNEATH RUNNING ALONG THE FRAME ARE ALL SEVERELY RUSTED AND NEED REPLACEMENT.. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL LEAKS, AND IT CONTINUES TO CAUSE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF COMMISSION IN A SERVICE BAY GETTING NEW BRAKE LINES.. *TT
Complaint 10445946 · Jan 30, 2012

Own a 1989 K3500?

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