1990 Gmc K15 problems

General information about Gmc-K15
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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.

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Common 1990 Gmc K15 problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here are common problems reported by owners of the GMC K15 1990:

Internal Distributor Faults: Some drivers have experienced internal faults in the distributor, causing issues like squealing noises, rough engine running, or stalling. This problem may not trigger the check engine light and usually arises around 130,000 miles, requiring an overhaul or replacement of the distributor.

Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: Models between 1990 and 1999 may face intermittent issues with the windshield wipers due to a defective wiper motor control board. This can lead to wipers not working, running at the wrong speed, or failing to turn off. A temporary fix involves tapping the control box, but a permanent solution is to replace the wiper motor control board.

Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks From Intake Manifold Gaskets: Owners have reported leaks from the intake manifold gaskets, causing coolant or oil leaks. This issue can lead to engine overheating or low oil levels. Addressing this problem involves inspecting the gaskets and replacing them if necessary to prevent further leaks and engine damage.

Stability Message Due to Steering Wheel Position Sensor: If a service stability message appears in the Sierra, it might be due to a failed steering wheel position sensor. This issue can occur intermittently or regularly and may require replacing the sensor, costing around $200 to $300. Monitoring this sensor's functionality is crucial to ensure proper steering and stability while driving.

These common problems with the GMC K15 1990 highlight issues related to the alternator, distributor, windshield wipers, intake manifold gaskets, and steering wheel position sensor. Addressing these concerns promptly can help maintain the vehicle's performance and reliability.

1990 Gmc K15 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc K15 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Gmc K15 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1990 Gmc K15 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Gmc K15.

1999-10-15

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1GCDK14K7LZ
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND CAST OUTER SECETION, CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 93V11900. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

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1990 Gmc K15 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Gmc K15.

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.

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.

1990-01-29

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: ON C AND K MODELS, FEED AND OR RETURN FUEL LINES CAN CONTACT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE CORDON SHAFT. IN ADDITION, ON K MODELS LINES MAY ALSO CONTACT FRONT PROPSHAFT. IN EITHER CASE THE FUEL LINES COULD BE DAMAGED RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.
Consequence: A HOLE COULD BE RUBBED THROUGH THESE FUEL LINES, ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE NEAR EXHAUST CROSSOVER PIPE; THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE THAT COULD SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: INSTALL NEWLY DESIGNED FUEL LINE ROUTING BRACKET TO PREVENT CONTACT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE FUEL LINES.