1989 Chevrolet K35 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 K35

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Common 1989 Chevrolet K35 problems

The 1989 Chevrolet K35 1/2-ton pickup truck, part of the third-generation C/K series, has been known to have some common problems based on complaints from owners. The following are detailed explanations of these issues:

  • Power Train:
    • Automatic transmission issues have been reported, with problems such as slipping, jerking, or difficulty shifting. These issues could be due to worn-out clutch plates, a malfunctioning solenoid, or low transmission fluid levels.
    • Driveline problems, specifically with the driveshaft, have been reported in April 2024. These issues could be due to worn-out U-joints, a damaged driveshaft, or improper installation.
  • Seat Belts:
    • Front seat belt anchorages have been reported to fail, posing a significant safety risk for occupants. This issue could be due to improper installation, worn-out components, or manufacturing defects.
    • Front seat belt buckle assemblies have also been reported to fail, with multiple incidents reported in various locations between 1995 and 2005. These failures could be due to worn-out components, improper installation, or manufacturing defects.
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic:
    • Foundation component failures have been reported, which could lead to a complete loss of braking ability. These failures could be due to worn-out components, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance.
  • Steering:
    • Column and wheel issues have been reported, with incidents of steering column failure occurring in 1995 and 1997. These failures could be due to worn-out components, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance.
    • Wheel and handlebar issues have also been reported, with incidents of handlebar failure occurring in 1995. These failures could be due to worn-out components, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance.
  • Suspension:
    • Front coil spring failures have been reported, which could lead to a decrease in ride quality or even compromise the vehicle's handling. These failures could be due to worn-out components, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance.
  • Tires:
    • Tread and belt issues have been reported, with incidents of tread separation occurring in various locations between 1993 and 2003. These issues could be due to manufacturing defects, improper maintenance, or wear and tear.
  • Vehicle Speed Control:
    • Failures have been reported, which could lead to a loss of control over the vehicle's speed. These failures could be due to worn-out components, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance.
  • Visibility:
    • Defroster and defogger system issues have been reported, with incidents of defroster failure occurring in 1995. These failures could be due to worn-out components, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance.
    • Windshield wiper and washer motor issues have also been reported, with incidents of motor failure occurring in 1995 and 1997. These failures could be due to worn-out components, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance.
1989 Chevrolet K35 engine

What years did Chevy have transmission problems?

Chevy Silverado Year Models With the Least Reliable Transmissions. Overall, the 2015, 2016, and 2017 versions are the worst for transmission troubles. They are known to have transmissions that surge throughout their lifespan or even just fail outright and without warning.

How many miles per gallon does a 1989 K3500 get?

Based on data from 3 vehicles, 94 fuel-ups and 6,939 miles of driving, the 1989 Chevrolet K3500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 5.09 with a 0.20 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 25 outliers (21.01%) removed.

How many miles does a Chevy transmission last?

Transmission Mileage

One of the most important factors is the age and mileage of the transmission. Automatic transmissions often fail between 80,000 and 150,000 miles. Manual transmissions can fail even sooner than that, especially when routine maintenance is neglected.

Are Chevys known for bad transmissions?

Chevrolet Vehicle Issues

For example, some Chevrolet drivers have reported transmission problems, leaks, brake and electrical issues, steering problems, and excessive oil consumption. These problems are spread across the line, with some being more prevalent in certain models than others.

What is the most common problem with Chevy?

Brake System Issues

Brake system problems, including squealing brakes, soft brake pedals, or brake fluid leaks, are common in Chevrolet vehicles. It's important to keep a close eye on your brakes to ensure they're functioning properly.

What is the best year of squarebody?

The 1983-87 “modern” C10s were hugely popular and featured the truck's most powerful engines to date, culminating in the most popular Square Body year of all time – the 1987.

What engine does a 1985 Chevy truck have?

For 1985, the long-running 250 inline-6 (the standard C/K engine since 1966) was replaced by the 262-cubic-inch (4.3 L) V6. As the Rounded-Line series were redesignated the R/V trucks for 1987, several changes were made to the powertrain line.

What was the last year of the square body Chevy?

Square Body Trucks are the third generation of Chevrolet and GMC C/K pickups introduced in 1973 and produced for almost 14 years, from 1973 to 1987.

1989 Chevrolet K35 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet K35 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Chevrolet K35 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Chevrolet K35 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Chevrolet K35.

1995-08-17

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WHEN IT WAS LOCKED IT WAS HARD TO UNLOCK WILL NOT LOCK ANYMORE . TT
1995-05-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1989-08-01
  • VIN: 2GCGK39NXK1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHEN TRUCK IS WARM,DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THERE IS A NOISE IN THE TRUCK. TT
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1989 Chevrolet K35 photo