1989 Chevrolet C10 problems

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The Chevrolet C/K is a series of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1960 to 2002 model years. Marketed by both the Chevrolet and GMC divisions, the C/K series encompassed a wide range of vehicles. While most commonly associated with pickup trucks, the model line also included chassis-cab trucks and medium-duty trucks and served as the basis for GM full-size SUVs. Through its entire production, the model line competed directly against the Ford F-Series and the Dodge D series (later the Dodge Ram pickup).

Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, "C" denoted two-wheel drive, while "K" denoted four-wheel drive. Four generations of the C/K series were produced, including the GM monikered second-generation "Action Line" and third-generation "Rounded Line" vehicles (colloquially aka Square-Body trucks). For the fourth-generation (colloquially also known as OBS trucks), Chevrolet kept using the C/K designation while GMC revised its branding, changing to a singular GMC Sierra nameplate (C/K remained as an internal model code).

For South America, the model line was manufactured by General Motors de Argentina from 1960 to 1978, Sevel Argentina from 1986 to 1991, and General Motors Brazil, who produced versions of the model line for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile from 1964 to 2001.

As GM entered the 1990s, the company revised its truck ranges, replacing the medium-duty C/K trucks with the Chevrolet Kodiak/GMC TopKick for 1990. For 1999, GM replaced the fourth-generation C/K pickup trucks with an all-new model line; in line with GMC, Chevrolet dropped the C/K nameplate (in favor of a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate). Initially marketed with its successor, the final C/K pickup trucks were produced for the 2000 model year. From 2001 to 2002, the final vehicles of the C/K model line were medium-duty chassis cab trucks.

1989 Chevrolet C10

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Common 1989 Chevrolet C10 problems

Based on the information from the sources provided, here are common problems with the Chevrolet C10 1989 based on complaints from owners:

  • Coolant and Oil Leaks: Another common problem involves coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold gaskets. Addressing these leaks promptly can prevent further damage to the engine and ensure proper functioning of the vehicle.
  • Alternator Failure: Owners have reported alternator failures leading to battery issues and abnormal noises. Replacing the alternator, which costs around $300 to $400, is necessary to prevent further electrical problems in the vehicle.
  • Internal Distributor Faults: Some trucks have developed internal faults in the distributor, causing issues like squealing noises, rough engine running, or stalling. Overhauling or replacing the internal distributor is essential to correct this problem.

These common problems with the Chevrolet C10 1989 can impact the performance and reliability of the vehicle. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and addressing these issues promptly can help owners keep their trucks running smoothly and efficiently.

1989 Chevrolet C10 engine

Are Chevy C10s reliable?

Chevy C10s are some of the most reliable classic pickups out there, and the great news is that there are a lot of them.

What year is the most desirable C10?

Q: What is the most sought after square body Chevy? A: The 1987 Chevy C10 is often considered the most sought after square body Chevy. This year marked the end of the third generation C/K series, making it a favorite among collectors.

How many miles can a Chevy C10 last?

On average, a well-maintained Chevy in Santa Clarita can last for over 200,000 miles or more. In fact, many Chevy trucks have been known to last for 300,000 miles or more with regular maintenance and proper care.

What is the most sought after C10?

1969 Chevy C10

This model is considered one of the most iconic and desirable years for the C10 due to its unique styling, powerful engine options, and overall popularity. The 1969 Chevy C10 is a classic pickup truck that was produced by Chevrolet in the 1960s.

Are Chevy C10s reliable?

Chevy C10s are some of the most reliable classic pickups out there, and the great news is that there are a lot of them.

What year is the most desirable C10?

Q: What is the most sought after square body Chevy? A: The 1987 Chevy C10 is often considered the most sought after square body Chevy. This year marked the end of the third generation C/K series, making it a favorite among collectors.

How many miles can a Chevy C10 last?

On average, a well-maintained Chevy in Santa Clarita can last for over 200,000 miles or more. In fact, many Chevy trucks have been known to last for 300,000 miles or more with regular maintenance and proper care.

What is the most sought after C10?

1969 Chevy C10

This model is considered one of the most iconic and desirable years for the C10 due to its unique styling, powerful engine options, and overall popularity. The 1969 Chevy C10 is a classic pickup truck that was produced by Chevrolet in the 1960s.

1989 Chevrolet C10 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet C10 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet C10 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Chevrolet C10 complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chevrolet C10.

1998-03-05

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GCDC14K2KZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
1995-10-10

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-03
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAUSED BY FUEL LINE LEAKING ON THE ENGINE. TT
1995-05-23

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GCDC14HAKE
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: RED BUTTON STUCK IN DOWN POSITION, INOPERATIVE. TT
1995-04-20

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-04-14
  • VIN: 1GCDC14K5KZ
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING, BOLT WHICH ANCHORS STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN BACKED OUT, RESULTING IN STEERING COLUMN HANGING DOWN TOWARDS SEAT, ALMOST DROPPING. TT
1995-02-08

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2GCDC14H7K1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH, VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE NOISE. UPON STOPPING VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT UP IN FLAMES, FUEL LINE IGNITED, RESULTING IN A FIRE. TT

1989 Chevrolet C10 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Chevrolet C10.

1993-02-01
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: 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.
1989-05-15
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: TRAILER HITCHES
  • Summary: THERE MAY BE BELOW SPECIFIED TORQUE ON THE TRAILER HITCH ATTACHING FASTENERS, ALLOWING THE TRAILER HITCH TO MOVE UNDER TOWING LOADS.
  • Consequence: FASTENERS COULD FAIL; IF THIS OCCURS WHILE TRAILERIS BEING PULLED, HITCH AND TRAILER COULD SEPARATE AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULDOCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: CORRECT TORQUE IN TRAILER HITCH FASTENERS TO PREVENT TRAILER SEPARATION.
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1989 Chevrolet C10 photo