1990 GMC C1500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 GMC C1500: 2 recalls, 7 owner complaints.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #90V170000 · 1990 · 194,243 vehicles
What's wrong: Trucks can contain incorrect instructions on how to properly adjust rear seat lap-shoulder belts as required by fmvss 209.
Why it matters: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #93V016000 · 1993 · 1,702,880 vehicles
What's wrong: Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 GMC C1500 has 7 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 7 C1500 model years for complaints (well below the 17 average). Complaints peaked in 1995 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (5 complaints, 1 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 GMC C1500.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1990 GMC C1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1990 GMC C1500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 GMC C1500 problems?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (2), seat belts (2), electrical (1).
Where can I get a 1990 GMC C1500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.