Chevrolet C35 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.

photo of Chevrolet C35 car production

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Chevrolet C35 model years

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C35 1996
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C35 1994
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C35 1991
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C35 1990
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C35 1988
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Common Chevrolet C35 problems

The Chevrolet C3500, a heavy-duty pickup truck, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These problems can range from whining or screaming noises during acceleration to complete transmission failure, which may require a replacement transmission.

Another common problem with the Chevrolet C3500 is related to the engine. Some owners have reported fluctuating RPMs between 50 and 60 miles per hour, accompanied by backfiring and almost stalling. This issue can be caused by various factors, including faulty sensors, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or a need for a tune-up.

The 1995 Chevrolet C3500 has also been reported to have issues with the high-pressure fuel pump, which can fail and cause a variety of problems, including stalling, poor performance, and difficulty starting the engine. The average cost to fix this issue can range from $2,200 to $7,100, depending on the mileage and other factors.

Finally, some owners of the Chevrolet C3500 have reported issues with the head bolts on the Oldsmobile 350 diesel engine, which was available in certain models of the truck. This issue is particularly notorious for causing head-bolt problems, which can lead to engine damage and other issues.

In summary, the Chevrolet C3500 has been known to have several common problems, including transmission issues, engine problems, and head-bolt issues on certain engines. These problems can be costly to fix and may require significant repairs or replacement parts.

Chevrolet C35

What are common 454 problems?

Reliability & Common Problems of a V8 7.4L 454 Engine

Exhaust Manifold Issues: Exhaust manifold issues can appear from worn gaskets leaking. You might notice a ticking sound, a stronger exhaust smell, or a raspier engine note. Another issue is the manifold itself cracking, which shows similar symptoms.

What is the problem with the 6.5 Turbo Diesel?

One of the most common problems with the 6.5 turbo diesel (or for the Ford Powerstrokes too for that matter) is blown head gaskets. GM worked closely with Fel-Pro to come up with an improved gasket design that solved the issue entirely under normal conditions. But we're not normal.

What is the best year of the 6.5 diesel?

The 6.5L Turbo Diesel first became available in the 1992 model year 2500/3500 series pickup trucks. Looking back, we now know that the 1992 & 93 model years were the best years for the 6.5L in terms of performance and customer satisfaction.

How many miles per gallon does a 6.5 Detroit diesel get?

A typical 6.5TD with 3.42 gearing will produce in excess of 20 mpg at 65 mph because the engine rpm at that speed is right at the engine's torque peak of about 1800 rpm. A truck with 4.10 gearing is running at about 2250 rpm at the same speed, which typically produces about 15 mpg.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet C35 years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet C35 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet C35 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet C35 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet C35 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Chevrolet C35 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet C35 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Power train problems
  • Structure problems
  • Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet C35 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by C35 model years

A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by C35 model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 64 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet C35 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet C35 vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Chevrolet C35 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2008-03-01
  • Date Complaint: 2008-03-14
  • VIN: 1GCHC33F4RJ
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHEVROLET C35. THE CONTACT HAS INSTALLED SIX FUEL INJECTION PUMPS ON HIS VEHICLE, AND IT CURRENTLY NEEDS NUMBER SEVEN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE DEALER. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 170,000.
Chevrolet C35 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-09-28
  • Date Complaint: 2003-10-01
  • VIN: 2GCGC39K3J1
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: GOODYEAR, LT24575R16, WRANGLER A/T, SERIAL #270904GRF72W, TIRE SEPERATED THE TREAD AND THEN EXPLODED WHILE IT WAS IN THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER UNDER MY 1988 CHEVY C3500. THIS WAS A MATE TO ANOTHER WRANGLER A/T, PURCHASED AT THE SAME TIME, THAT HAD FAILED, WHILE ON THE TRUCK AT 70 MPH. THAT TIRE LOST THE TREAD, BUT NEVER LOST AIR PRESSURE. THE TREAD DAMAGED THE BED OF THE TRUCK, TO THE TUNE OF $780+.WHICH GOODYEAR HAS REIMBURESD ME FOR.THAT TIRE WAS SHIPPED BACK TO GOODYEAR. I SIGNED A RELEASE AT THAT TIME, THAT THERE WOULD BE NO FURTHER LITGATION CONCERNIONG THE FIRST TIRE. THIS DOESN'T CONCERN THE FIRST TIRE AS GOODYEAR HANDLED THAT PROBLEM PROMPTLY. BUT DUE TO THE LATEST INCIDENT, I FEEL SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT A LITTLE CLOSER,THIS LATEST INCIDENT HAPPENED ON A WARM,SUNNY DAY. THE TIRE HAD BEEN TAKEN OFF THE TRUCK AND PLACED AS A SPARE THE FIRST INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WAS A TEARING SOUND FROM UNDER THE TRUCK. I WAS STANDING BEHIND THE TRUCK AND HEARD THE NOISE. I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK TO SEE WHAT IT WAS, AND SAW THAT THE SPARE TIRE HAD SPLIT THE TREAD OFF THE BELTS. I WALKED 5 FEET AWAY WHEN THE TIRE EXPLODED VIOLENTLY. THE TIRE HAD 65# AIR PRESSURE IN IT AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE.THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK. LUCKILY I WASN'T LOOKING AT THE TIRE WHEN IT EXPLODED AND THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO FUEL TANK CLOSE TO THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER. METAL SHARDS FROM THE BELTS WERE SENT ACROSS MY DRIVEWAY, AND FRONT YARD.
Chevrolet C35 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2000-09-21
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1GBJK34F6PE
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: PE00 020; WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A BANGING NOISE, TREAD FROM TIRE WAS BANGING AGAINST VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING. DRIVER LOST CONTROL, AND VEHICLE WENT INTO AN ENBANKMENT. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREND SEPARATED, AND VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. TIRE IS TBC INC 235-85R16. CONSUMER STATED THAT HE WILL CONTACT CHEVROLET. HE WASN'T HURT. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-01-25
  • Date Complaint: 2000-01-29
  • VIN: 1GCHC33N2RJ
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: I HAD FOUR OF THESE TIRES ON MY TRAILER WHICH WAS BOUGHT NEW IN 1996. THESE TIRES CAME WITH IT. LAST YEAR IN 1999 I HAD TWO OF THESE TIRES VIOLENTLY BLOW ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS. IT WAS UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONNS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE TREAD ON BOTH TIRES PEELED OF AFTER BLOWING, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE TRAILER. THE ONLY MANUFACTURING INFORMATION I HAVE IS APACHE WHICH IS ON THE TIRE. I CALLED THE TRAILER DEALER AND MANUFACTURER AND THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE TIRES. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-07-15
  • Date Complaint: 1999-09-03
  • VIN: 1GCHC33J5VF
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: WHEN TURNING CORNER, WOULD LOSE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THE SHAFT ON POWER STEERING PUMP BROKE. THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS ALSO USED FOR THE POWER BRAKES. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO MECHANIC TO CHECK. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-09
  • Date Complaint: 1999-03-16
  • VIN: 1GCHC39N9PE
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: WE OWN A 1993 CHEVROLET 1 TON DUALLY PICKUP TRUCK, AND TO THIS DATE WE ARE STILL PAYING ON A LOAN FOR THIS TRUCK. WHILE WASHING THE TRUCK 2 WEEKS AGO, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PICKUP BOX HAD BROKEN LOOSE FROM THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. NOT KNOWING AT THIS POINT EXACTLY WHAT HAD HAPPENED, I GOT THE TRUCK TO A HOIST AND DID FURTHER INVESTIGATION, ONLY TO FIND THAT THE FRAMEWORD UNDER THE PICKUP BOX, WHICH IS PIA TO THE PICKUP BOX, HAVE BROKEN LOOSE. THESE ARE THE CROSSMEMBERS THAT ATTACH THE BOX TO THE FRAME, USING A J CLIP IN THE CROSSMEMBER, AND A BOLT FROM THE FRAME TO THE CROSSMEMBER. MY COMPLAINT IS WHAT HOLDS THIS BOX ON? IT DOES NOT RELIE ON ANY NUTS AND BOLTS TO HOLD THE BOX ON, BUT RELIES ON SPOT WELDS.BECAUSE THE BED IS NOT BOLTED ON, THE CROSSMEMBER IS. I USE THIS TRUCK AS A HAULER FOR MY CAMPER, AND INTERESTING ENOUGH, THE RV INDUSTRY SELLS THE HOLD-DOWNS THAT ATTACH A PICKUP CAMPER TO THE BOX. AT THIS POINT, THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE CAMPER ON THE TRUCK IS THOSE SAME SPOT WELDS, BECAUSE THE NUTS AND BOLTS ONLY HOLD THE CROSSMEMBER, NOT THE ACTUAL BOX. WE THINK THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE OUT OF THE ORDINARY, AND TRULY THOUGHT THAT GENERAL MOTORS WOULD THINK SO TO AND FIX OUR PICKUP TRUCK. WHILE TALKING CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE SERVICE REP. AGREED HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE, AS DID THE BODY SHOP MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP WE TOOK IT TO. THE CLAIM WAS DENIED FROM GM REP. DUE TO MILEAGE. WE FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY CLAIM, FOR IT SHOULD HAVE NO BEARING ON THE MILEAGE, BUT BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. WE CANNOT BEAR THE THOUGHT OF WHAT WOULD HAD HAPPENED IF THIS BOX HAD BROKE LOOSE WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING ON THE ROAD. WHAT A DISASTER IT WOULD HAVE BEEN. I WORK FOR A AUTOMOTIVE PROTOTYPE ENGINEERING FIRM , I AM NOT AN ENGINEER BUT A MECHANIC, BUT I SEE NEW IDEAS AND THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY TRYING TO COST CUT VEHICLES ALL THE TIME, AND I FEEL THAT THE CONSTUCTION OF THE BOX IS NOT SAFE.
Chevrolet C35 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-18
  • Date Complaint: 1998-08-18
  • VIN: 1GCHC33F1PJ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THE HYDRAULIC SLAVE CYLINDER HAS BLOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE INOPERABLE. THE OWNER HAS REPLACED THE CLYINDER THREE TIMES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. THE DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-11-10
  • Date Complaint: 1998-04-14
  • VIN: 1GCGC34F9SE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE & COMING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE'S RPMS WOULD REV TO 1500 OR ABOVE. ACTED AS IF IT WAS MISSING. VEHICLE WOULD CUT OFF AT TIMES. RESTARTED IT & TOOK TO DEALER. MECHANIC PUT IN NEW FUEL INJECTION PUMP. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-31
  • Date Complaint: 1998-04-01
  • VIN: 1GCHC33F5RJ
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: VEHICLE WOULD BE SMOKING & RUNNING ROUGH. FUEL SHUT OFF SOLENOID LEAKED. IT WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. HAD FUEL INJECTION PUMP REPLACED BY MECHANIC 5 TIMES. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-15
  • VIN: 1GCHC39F2TE
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN TRAVELING WITH A LOAD ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE FRONT WHEELS LOCK UP, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE/ BRAKE FADE AWAY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS NOT REPLACED ANY PARTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-12-07
  • Date Complaint: 1997-12-10
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE BLEW. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-11-06
  • VIN: 1GCHC33F5RJ
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: WHEN TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED OR WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO THE FUEL INJECTIONS WHICH NEED REPLACING. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-10-08
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1993
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1997-06-24
  • VIN: 1GCHC39F1PE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION WON'T SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE SOMETIMES. *AK
Chevrolet C35 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 1997-04-11
  • Date Complaint: 1997-04-25
  • VIN: 1GCHC39F7RE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP WOULD NOT FEED FUEL TO THE INJECTOR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DIE WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF DRIVING BETWEEN 40 TO 50 MPH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Recalls Chevrolet C35

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet C35.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Chevrolet C35 1990
  • Report Received Date: 1990-06-04
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
  • Summary: LOOSE PIVOT BOLT HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ITS SUPPORT BRACKET COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE NUT.
  • Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF BRAKING ACTIVITY THAT COULDRESULT IN A TRUCK CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: RETORQUE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT BOLTS TO SPECIFICATIONS TO PREVENT LOOSENING.

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