Chevrolet K3500 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 K3500 car production

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Chevrolet K3500 model years

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K3500 1996
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K3500 1995
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K3500 1994
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K3500 1993
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K3500 1992
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K3500 1990
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K3500 1989
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K3500 1988
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Common Chevrolet K3500 problems

Chevrolet K3500 Transmission Problems

Transmission problems are common in Chevrolet K3500s, and they can manifest in various ways, such as shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, the car shaking on the road, or whistling noises and a burning smell coming from under the hood.

Excessive Oil Consumption

Another common issue in Chevrolet K3500s is excessive oil consumption, which is particularly prevalent in models produced between 2007 and 2013. This problem can lead to engine damage and reduced performance if not addressed promptly.

Steering Wheel Position Sensor Failure

A failed steering wheel position sensor can trigger a service stability message in the Silverado or Sierra models.

Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure

Models produced between 1990 and 1999 may experience intermittent windshield wiper failure due to a defective wiper motor control board.

Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets

Coolant or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets are common in Silverado and Sierra models produced between 1999 and 2007.

Restricted Secondary Air Injection Valves

Silverados and Sierras produced between 1999 and 2007 may experience problems with restricted secondary air injection valves, which can lead to reduced engine performance and increased emissions.

High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure

The most reported problem for the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is high pressure fuel pump failure, particularly in the 2012 model year.

Chevrolet K3500

Is the Chevy Silverado 3500 reliable?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Silverado 3500HD gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 20 reviews).

How much horsepower does a 1995 k3500 have?

Used 1995 Chevrolet C/K 3500 Series - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size5.7 L
CylindersV8
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower200 hp @ 4,000 rpm

How many miles can a Chevy 3500 last?

When well maintained, the average mileage life of a Chevy Silverado can be anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles. That's around 10 to 20 years of service depending on how many miles you'd be driving around Galesburg with your Silverado.

What years were bad for Silverado?

Worst Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Model Years

  • 2002 Silverado Year. This model year from the first generation is notorious for engine and brake malfunctions. ...
  • 2012 and 2013 Silverado Years. Within the second generation, these two are among the worst years for the Silverado 1500.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet K3500 years

We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet K3500 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Chevrolet K3500 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet K3500 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet K3500 years

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

Chevrolet K3500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet K3500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Visibility problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Structure problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet K3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by K3500 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 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet K3500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet K3500 vehicles.

List of Chevrolet K3500 complaints

Chevrolet K3500 1990
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-04-04
  • Date Complaint: 2003-08-15
  • VIN: 1GBJK34RXXF
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PINS ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE HAVE WORN OUT AFTER TWO YEARS. CONSUMER STATES THE DOORS SWING OPEN AT ANY TIME. *AK *TS
Chevrolet K3500 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2001-02-02
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: BOTH FRONT TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION ALTHOUGH THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE TREAD DEPTH LEFT ON BOTH, THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND (GOODYEAR WRANGLER LT245/75R16 M&S LOAD RANGE E). NLM
Chevrolet K3500 1990
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-11-16
  • Date Complaint: 2000-11-16
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF DRIVER. *AK
Chevrolet K3500 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 1999-08-11
  • Date Complaint: 1999-08-11
  • VIN: 2GCHK39N0N1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
  • Summary: LOSS OF ALL BRAKING POWER FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. I KEPT PUMPING THE BRAKES AS I DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND BRAKING POWER RETURNED. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT ALL POWER WAS LOST, IT IS USUALLY A DECREASE IN BRAKING ABILITY NOT A COMPLETE LOSS.
Chevrolet K3500 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-12
  • Date Complaint: 1999-02-17
  • VIN: 2GCHK39N3N1
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WHEN USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THEY ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, AND SOMETIME'S CONSUMER HAS TO GO UNDER THE HOOD TO DISCONNECT THE HARNESS WIRE. *AK
Chevrolet K3500 1990
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-12-02
  • Date Complaint: 1996-12-10
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N3L1
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE . CONSUMER STATES THE BEARING ALSO LOCKED UP, THE ALTERNATOR CAUSED THE ABS BRAKE AND REGULAR BRAKE LIGHT FUSES TO BLOW. *SLC
Chevrolet K3500 1988
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-06
  • Date Complaint: 1996-11-15
  • VIN: 1GCGK34N6JE
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: AT 66,000 MILES THE FRONT BOX FRAME, BOTH SIDES, RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE TO THE OUTSIDE. *AK
Chevrolet K3500 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N7K1
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WINDSHIELD LEAKS, RUINING HEADLINER.
Chevrolet K3500 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N7K1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE REPLACED 3 TIMES.
Chevrolet K3500 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N7K1
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION REPLACED TWICE.
Chevrolet K3500 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N7K1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: EXHAUST MANIFOLD REPLACED 8 TIMES.
Chevrolet K3500 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N7K1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: RADIATOR REPLACED.
Chevrolet K3500 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N7K1
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: STARTER REPLACED.
Chevrolet K3500 1989
  • Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
  • Date Complaint: 1996-08-19
  • VIN: 2GCGK39N7K1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: POWER BOOSTER BRAKE REPLACED.

Latest 5 recalls Chevrolet K3500

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the Chevrolet K3500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Chevrolet K3500 1988
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
  • Model: Chevrolet K3500 1989
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
  • Model: Chevrolet K3500 1990
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
  • Model: Chevrolet K3500 1992
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
  • Model: Chevrolet K3500 1993
  • Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

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Chevrolet K3500 photo