1991 Chevrolet K20 problems

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The third generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1973 to 1991 model years. Serving as the replacement for the "Action Line" C/K trucks, GM designated the generation under "Rounded Line" moniker. Again offered as a two-door pickup truck and chassis cab, the Rounded Line trucks marked the introduction of a four-door cab configuration.

Marketed under the Chevrolet and GMC brands, the Rounded Line C/K chassis also served as the basis of GM full-size SUVs, including the Chevrolet/GMC Suburban wagon and the off-road oriented Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy. The generation also shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.

In early 1987, GM introduced the 1988 fourth-generation C/K to replace the Rounded Line generation, with the company beginning a multi-year transition between the two generations. To eliminate model overlap, the Rounded Line C/K was renamed the R/V series, which remained as a basis for full-size SUVs and heavier-duty pickup trucks. After an 18-year production run (exceeded only in longevity by the Dodge D/W-series/Ram pickup and the Jeep Gladiator/Pickup), the Rounded Line generation was retired after the 1991 model year.

From 1972 to 1991, General Motors produced the Rounded Line C/K (later R/V) series in multiple facilities across the United States and Canada. In South America, the model line was produced in Argentina and Brazil, ending in 1997.

1991 Chevrolet K20

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Common 1991 Chevrolet K20 problems

The Chevrolet K20 1991, like any other vehicle, has its fair share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners of this car:

  1. Steering shaft knock or clunking noise: Many Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra drivers, including those with 1991 K20 models, have reported hearing a knock or a clunking noise coming from the steering shaft. This issue may occur due to worn-out components or loose connections in the steering system. The problem may worsen over time and could lead to more severe complications if not addressed promptly.
  2. Failed steering wheel position sensor: If you get a service stability message in your Silverado or Sierra, it may be because of a failed steering wheel position sensor. These errors may occur intermittently or more regularly, such as every time you start your truck or turn the wheel. Replacing the sensor, which will cost you about $200 to $300, should fix this issue. This issue could occur at any time, but the average mileage at which it occurs is around 90,000.
  3. Windshield wiper motor component failure: The windshield wipers on models made between 1990 and 1999, including the 1991 K20, may stop working intermittently due to a defective wiper motor. If you experience trouble with your windshield wipers, check with a dealer to see if there is a recall on your vehicle. If you have a faulty wiper motor control board, your wipers may, at times, stop working, fail to turn on or keep running after you turn them off. You might also find your wipers only work on one speed setting. When the wipers are not working, you should hear the motor control box buzzing. As a temporary fix to the problem, lightly tap on the control box, and the blades should start working again. For a more permanent fix, replace the wiper motor control board.
  4. Coolant leaks or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets: Older Sierras and Silverados, including the 1991 K20, are known to have issues with coolant leaks or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets. These leaks can lead to engine overheating or reduced performance. In some cases, the leaks may be caused by worn-out gaskets or damaged seals, which would require replacement.
  5. Alternator failure: In older Sierras and Silverados, the alternator may eventually fail, causing the battery to die and, possibly, an abnormal noise to occur. This may or may not cause a dash warning light to come on. If your alternator fails, you will need to replace it, which typically costs around $300 to $400. This problem occurs on average at around 125,000 miles.
  6. Internal distributor faults: Numerous drivers have reported that their truck developed internal faults in the distributor, although this problem isn't as common as some of the others on this list. You may hear a squealing noise coming from the distributor, and the issue may cause the engine to run roughly or stall. The check engine light may or may not come on. You'll need to overhaul or replace the internal distributor to correct this problem. Start watching out for internal distributor fault issues at around 130,000 miles.

These are just a few of the common problems reported by Chevrolet K20 1991 owners. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address these issues before they become more severe.

1991 Chevrolet K20 engine

Is a Chevy K20 a 3 4 ton truck?

This is a four-wheel drive 3/4 ton Stepside pickup built on a 127 inch wheelbase with a ladder type frame. Unlike today's 4x4 trucks, manual front locking hubs and a two speed transfer case were standard.

Is a K20 a Silverado?

This 1979 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 4x4 is the long bed classic pickup with a cool look, a ton of function, V8 power, and a comfy loaded interior.

Is a Chevy K20 4 wheel drive?

The K20 was a four-wheel-drive version of the C20, with a larger payload capacity and a more powerful engine. The 1982 Chevrolet K20 came equipped with a standard 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 150 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque.

What year is a Chevy K20?

The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year. The K20, which was a 3/4 ton, all wheel driv... The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year.

Is the Chevy K20 a 3 4 ton?

This is a four-wheel drive 3/4 ton Stepside pickup built on a 127 inch wheelbase with a ladder type frame. Unlike today's 4x4 trucks, manual front locking hubs and a two speed transfer case were standard. These trucks borrowed heavily from military vehicles and were very rugged.

Is a K20 a Silverado?

This 1979 Chevrolet K20 Silverado 4x4 is the long bed classic pickup with a cool look, a ton of function, V8 power, and a comfy loaded interior.

Is a Chevy K20 a diesel?

I've been in. Your.

What year is a Chevy K20?

The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year. The K20, which was a 3/4 ton, all wheel driv... The Chevrolet K20 was a variant of the 3rd Gen C/K that was introduced for the 1973 model year.

1991 Chevrolet K20 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet K20 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Chevrolet K20 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Chevrolet K20 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Chevrolet K20.

1995-10-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2GCGK29N9M1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: WHILE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, VEHICLE JUMPS, BUMPS, AND GRINDS, FACTORY MADE A MISTAKE AND PUT TWO DIFFERENT GEARS IN TRUCK, HOWEVER CONSUMER WILL BE CHARGED FOR REPAIRS. *SLC
1995-09-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-09-06
  • VIN: 1GCFK24C8ME
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, STARTER ON VEHICLE HAS FAILED, UNABLE TO START VEHICLE. TT
1995-05-02

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-02
  • VIN: 1GCFK24H0ME
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, REPLACED THREE TIMES. TT

1991 Chevrolet K20 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 Chevrolet K20.

1993-08-02
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
  • Summary: SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
  • Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.
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.
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