1990 Chevrolet Silverado problems
The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram Pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
History
The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks, slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. For the 1968 model year (seven years before the Silverado), GMC C/K trucks used variations of the Sierra name (Sierra, Sierra Classic, Sierra Grande, and High Sierra). Even after the C/K series officially ended, GM still uses the CK and the CC in their current model codes, to denote a two-wheel drive (CC), and four-wheel drive (CK).
For the 1988 GMT400 model architecture, Chevrolet retained the C/K model nomenclature, with GMC branding its full-size line as Sierras. While sharing the same body and chassis, the model chronology of the Silverado and Sierra are different, with five generations of the Sierra, while four of the Silverado.
In 2018, at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, Chevrolet unveiled the first medium-duty Silverado, expanding the model line to a 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD chassis cab. Largely the successor to the 2003–2009 GMT560 chassis, the medium-duty trucks are exclusive to Chevrolet, with no plans for an equivalent GMC version. Instead, Navistar International (now partnering with GM) would sell the medium-duty trucks as a rebadged counterpart, called the CV. This is in fact a very similar nod to how the Avalanche did not have a GMC Yukon–based equivalent, but instead, Cadillac would take its place as the former's rebadged counterpart, the Escalade EXT.
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Common 1990 Chevrolet Silverado problems
The 1990 Chevrolet Silverado K1500, like any other vehicle, can experience a range of issues based on the experiences of its owners. Here are some of the common problems found in the 1990 Silverado K1500, primarily focusing on the electrical and overheating issues:
- Overheating: Another issue reported by owners is the vehicle overheating, especially when driving at highway speeds. This problem can be caused by slow driving habits that did not break in the engine properly, a faulty thermostat, or a buildup of debris in the cooling system. To address this issue, it is recommended to remove the thermostat and drive the vehicle without it to see if the symptoms continue. If the problem persists, flushing the cooling system with a flush kit, replacing the thermostat, and refilling the system with fresh coolant can help resolve the issue. Additionally, checking the water pump for corroded impeller blades or replacing the radiator can also help address overheating problems.
These are just a few of the common problems reported by owners of the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado K1500. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues and ensure the vehicle's longevity.
What years were bad for Silverado?
The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.
How many miles can a 1990 Chevy Silverado last?
The average Chevy Silverado will last around 200,000 miles. If you are sure to take care of your Silverado over the years, it can last as long as you'd like it to. A few truck owners have even reached the one million-mile mark on their Chevy Silverado.
Are older Silverados reliable?
First Generation: 1999-2006. The first generation of the Silverado may not be the most reliable choice, as the vehicle underwent significant growing pains as a new full-sized truck on the market. The most common complaints from early model years are loud knocking and clanking sounds from the steering system.
What engine is in a 1990 Chevy Silverado?
| Powertrain details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine design | Engine family | Production |
| 4.3 L (262 cu in) V6 | Chevrolet 90° V6 engine (Vortec V6) | 1990–1992 |
| 1993 | ||
| 1990 |
1990 Chevrolet Silverado car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Silverado problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Tires problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Chevrolet Silverado vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1990 Chevrolet Silverado
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-13
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN ON 1990 CHEVROLET C 1500 (SILVERADO) IS VERY LOOSE AND FEELS DISCONNECTED. STEERING WHEEL MOVES VERTICALLY OVER ONE INCH AND ENTIRE COLUMN SHAKES. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-10
- VIN: 1GCDC14K8LZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET SILVERADO PICKUP. HE STATED SINCE PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE HAD POOR BRAKE STOPPING ABILITY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM 5 MPH AND UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HIS INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THE REAR BRAKE LINE PINCHED UNDER A HOT RIVET CAUSING A DECREASE IN BRAKE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS ALSO CAUSED A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE FLUID REACHING THE REAR BRAKES. THE REAR BRAKE LINE AND TWO REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. SINCE THE REPAIRS, BRAKE STOPPING DISTANCE IMPROVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7300 AND THE CURRENT WAS 156,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-29
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I HAVE BOUGHT A UNIROYAL LAREDO TIRE AND NOT USED BUT 900 MILES ON IT AND IT BUBBLED ON THE INSIDE COULD HAVE BLEW OUT WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY THANK GOD A TRUCKER TOLD ME I HAD A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD WITH ME. * TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-02
- VIN: 2GCEK19K7L1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE STEELTEX AT, SIZE LT 245/75 R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN A LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THAT THE ENGINE FELL OUT AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD NOT BLOWN OUT, HOWEVER, THE TREAD SEPARATED TO REVEAL THE STEEL BELTS. THE TIRE DID NOT DEFLATE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE SPARE TIRE ON THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE FIRESTONE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT A NAIL COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES HAVE APPROXIMATELY 90% OF TREAD REMAINING. SHE STILL HAS THE TIRES ALONG WITH PICTURES. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 213,070.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-16
- VIN: 1GCDC14K7LZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEATBELTS KEEP BREAKING ON MY 1990 CHEVY SILVERALDO C/K 1500 PICKUP. LITTLE PLASTIC PIECES INSIDE THE FEMALE PART OF THE LATCHING DEVICE. KNOW OF OTHER PEOPLE AND OTHER VEHICLES WITH WITH SAME PROBLEM. ALL SEATBELTS ARE BROKEN IN MY TRUCK.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCDC14K0L2
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE LEANED TO THE LEFT, AND THE STEERING HAD BECOME UNCONTROLLABLE. THE CONSUMER WAS UNSURE IF THE TIRE HAD BLOWN OR IF THE BALL JOINTS FAILED. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A SPECIAL POLICY LETTER IN REFERENCE TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION. MR SCC *JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
- VIN: 2GCEC19T8X1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE COMPONENT FAILURE. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY HAD MANY TRUCKS COME IN WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED, AND I FEEL THEY SHOULD RECALL OTHERS TO CHECK OUT PROBLEM BEFORE WE HAVE ANY FATALITIES. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED.**** DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****761182. *AK *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-13
- VIN: 1GCC6C24K6L
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING IS VERY LOOSE, AND VEHICLE MOVES UP AND DOWN AND FROM SIDE TO SIDE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE WOULD GO INTO EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMAITON.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-19
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I WAS JUST DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY...THE TIRE BLEW...LOOKED SHREDDED. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT, HOWEVER, I HAVE FOUR OF THEM. ARE THEY SAFE?*AK (DOT NUMBER: PJHLVLLR47 TIRESIZE: P235/75R1)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-28
- VIN: 1GCFC24KOLE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REPORTING DRIVER SIDE BELT BUCKLE FELL APART; MFR'S NOTIFIED AND UNABLE TO GET REPLACEMENT PART. LEAVING OCCUPANT WITHOUT ANY RESTRAINT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS:
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-21
- VIN: 2GCEC19K8L1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE BRAKE SYSTEM EATS DRUMS AND SHOES
FOR BREAKFAST AS WELL AS ROTORS CRACKING. THIS TRUCK IS HIGHLY INADEQUATE FOR STOPPING AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND THE BRAKES HAVCE ALWAYS FELT SPONGY. THIS BRAKE SYSTEM IS AN ECONOMICAL AND SAFETY NIGHTMARE!! PLEASE HELP!!! THE OIL LINES TO THE RADIATOR OIL COOLER RUBBED ON THE STEERING BOX AND DRAINED THE ENGINE OF OIL AT 65 MILES AN HOUR ON THE FREEWAY! THANK GOD FOR PROLONG! THE VERY SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY SON'S TRUCK GMC 1990 A FEW DAYS EARLIER. BOTH WERE WITHOUT WARNING!!! WHAT GIVES??? SHAME ON GM!!! WHAT A PIECE OF GARBAGE IS THE BRAKING SYSTEM!!!
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- VIN: 2GCEK19T8X1
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO STOP VEHICLE HIT A BUMP AND PEDAL STARTED TO VIBRATE. PEDAL WILL HIT THE FLOOR. IT HAS TAKEN EXTENDED STOPING DISTANCE IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO STOP. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, WHO HAD NO REMEDY, AND SAID "GET USED TO IT". BRAKES HAVE CAUSED CONSUMER TO COME CLOSE TO AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP AT AN APPROPIATE DISTANCE. ALSO, TRUCK DOES NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT. VEHICLE STARTS TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. DEALER HAD ADVISED CONSUMER TO GIVE THE VEHICLE A "SETTLE IN PERIOD" UP TO 500 MILES, VEHICLE HAS 15000 MILES, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCFC29K2L1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE LINE WHICH RUNS NEAR FUEL TANK HAD A HOLE IN IT, REPLACE FUEL LINES
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEC19K0L1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT IS PEELING HAS BEEN FOR 2YEARS. TRUCK IS NOT OLD ENOUGH FOR PAINT TO PEEL. PAINT IS PEELING NOT FADING. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTE DIN THE SUMMARY. *AK
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-06
- VIN: 1GCDK14K3LE
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: IRON ON TRAILER HITCH THAT COMES WITH THE TRUCK IS DEFECTIVE. BECAUSE OF OVERTIME IT WILL RUST AND POSSIBLE CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH. THIS COULD HAPPEN IF CONSUMER HAS A BOAT OR ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE BACK, IT COULD DISCONNECT. *AK TRAILER HITCH RUSTED OUT JUST ABOUT FELL OFF. *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCDK14K8LZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT RESPOND UNDER PANIC STOP CONDITIONS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENTS. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE BOOSTER CAN FAILED. YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER FAILED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. YH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES OFF. YH
SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND SEAT MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILS TO LOCK ON RAILS. YH.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION VIBRATES. YH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TURN SIGNAL LIGHT FAILED. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-16
- VIN: 2GCEC14K3L1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER APPLYIED BRAKES, AND IT SEEMED LIKE THERE WAS NO BRAKE PRESSURE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. HAVEN'T CONTACTED DEALER. *AK *YC
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