Gmc K3500 problems
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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Gmc K3500 model years
Common Gmc K3500 problems
The GMC K3500 is a reliable and robust vehicle, but like any other car, it is not immune to certain problems. Based on the search results, here are some common issues that GMC K3500 owners have reported:
- Excessive Oil Consumption: One of the most common problems reported by GMC K3500 owners is excessive oil consumption. This issue can occur in models from 2007 to 2013, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn piston rings, damaged cylinder walls, or a faulty PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system. If you notice that your GMC K3500 is consuming more oil than usual, it's important to have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
- Failed Steering Wheel Position Sensor: Another common problem reported by GMC K3500 owners is a failed steering wheel position sensor. This issue can cause the service stability message to appear on the dashboard, and it can also cause the steering wheel to feel loose or unresponsive. Replacing the faulty sensor should fix this issue, but it's important to note that this repair can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $200 to $300.
- Failed 4WD Transfer Case Encoder Motor Position Sensors or Selector Switches: GMC K3500 models from 1999 to 2007 are known to experience issues with the 4WD transfer case encoder motor position sensors or selector switches. This issue can cause the 4WD system to malfunction, and it can also cause the transfer case to get stuck in one position. Replacing the faulty sensor or switch should fix this issue, but it's important to note that this repair can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $300 to $500.
- Failed HVAC Temperature or Delivery Mode Door Actuators: GMC K3500 models from 1999 to 2007 are also known to experience issues with the HVAC temperature or delivery mode door actuators. This issue can cause the HVAC system to malfunction, and it can also cause the temperature inside the vehicle to fluctuate. Replacing the faulty actuator should fix this issue, but it's important to note that this repair can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $200 to $300.
- Failed Fuel Level Sensors: GMC K3500 models from 1999 to 2007 are also known to experience issues with the fuel level sensors. This issue can cause the fuel gauge to display inaccurate readings, and it can also cause the vehicle to enter "limp mode" if the fuel level is too low. Replacing the faulty sensor should fix this issue, but it's important to note that this repair can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $200 to $300.
- Windshield Wiper Motor Component Failure: GMC K3500 models from 1990 to 1999 are known to experience issues with the windshield wiper motor control board. This issue can cause the windshield wipers to stop working intermittently, and it can also cause the wiper motor control box to buzz. Replacing the faulty control board should fix this issue, but it's important to note that this repair can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $200 to $300.
- Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks From Intake Manifold Gaskets: GMC K3500 models from 1988 to 1998 are known to experience issues with coolant leaks or oil leaks from the intake manifold gaskets. This issue can cause the engine to overheat, and it can also cause the engine to run poorly. Replacing the faulty gaskets should fix this issue, but it's important to note that this repair can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $500 to $800.
- Alternator Failure: GMC K3500 models from 1988 to 1998 are also known to experience issues with the alternator. This issue can cause the battery to die, and it can also cause an abnormal noise to occur. Replacing the faulty alternator should fix this issue, but it's important to note that this repair can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from $300 to $400.
In summary, the GMC K3500 is a reliable and robust vehicle, but it is not immune to certain problems. Based on the search results, some of the most common issues reported by GMC K3500 owners include excessive oil consumption, failed steering wheel position sensors, failed 4WD transfer case encoder motor position sensors or selector switches, failed HVAC temperature or delivery mode door actuators, failed fuel level sensors, windshield wiper motor component failure, coolant leaks or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets, and alternator failure. If you own a GMC K3500 and experience any of these issues, it's important to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Gmc K3500 years
We have researched Gmc problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Gmc K3500 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Gmc K3500 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Gmc K3500 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Gmc K3500 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Gmc K3500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Gmc K3500 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Visibility problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Gmc K3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by K3500 model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by K3500 model years
There were a total of 4 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 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Gmc K3500 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Gmc K3500 vehicles.
List of Gmc K3500 complaints
Gmc K3500 1988
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-27
- Date Complaint: 2013-12-04
- VIN: 1GTGK34K0JE
- Components: SEAT BELTS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: JUST BOUGHT THIS TRUCK & AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELTS. THE SHOULDER STRAP DOES NOT STAY IN SECURE POSITION & DOES NOT WORK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE. WAS TOLD THIS WAS & IS A COMMON PROBLEM & SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN A SAFETY RECALL. & I WANT TO HAVE SAFE WORKING SEAT BELTS WHEN WE DO GET TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK & NOT SURE WHAT TO DO? THEN THE WIPER MODULE PULSE BOARD IS THE OTHER ISSUE. HAVE REPLACED ALL OTHER PARTS EXCEPT THIS ONE & CAN NOT FIND THE SAME PART THAT WAS ORIG ON THIS TRUCK & ALL OTHERS WE HAVE SEARCHED & BOUGHT DOES NOT FIT. NOT SURE IF YOU HAVE TO REPLACE/MODIFY THE WHOLE BOARD/WIRING ETC. ALSO HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS & IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH ALOT OF 1988 THRU 2003 MODELS OF GMC & CHEVY. ANY HELP OR ANSWERS OR SUGGESTIONS OR INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK-YOU! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Gmc K3500 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-06
- Date Complaint: 2012-01-30
- VIN: 2GTGK39N2K1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE BRAKE LINES, AND FUEL LINES UNDERNEATH RUNNING ALONG THE FRAME ARE ALL SEVERELY RUSTED AND NEED REPLACEMENT.. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL LEAKS, AND IT CONTINUES TO CAUSE PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF COMMISSION IN A SERVICE BAY GETTING NEW BRAKE LINES.. *TT
Gmc K3500 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-11-06
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER STATE WINDSHIELD WIPER WOULD WORK INTERMIT WHILE IN USE. THERE IS A RECALL ON MAKE MODEL AND YEAR CONSUMER VIN DOSE NOT COMPILE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
Gmc K3500 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2002-11-06
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER STATE WINDSHIELD WIPER WOULD WORK INTERMIT WHILE IN USE. THERE IS A RECALL ON MAKE MODEL AND YEAR CONSUMER VIN DOSE NOT COMPILE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
Gmc K3500 1994
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-18
- Date Complaint: 1999-11-24
- VIN: 1GTHK33N9RJ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILING TO OPERATE WHILE OPERATING OR NOT WORKING AT ALL, CAUSES POOR OR NO VISIBILITY WHEN NEEDED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
Gmc K3500 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-08
- Date Complaint: 1999-04-06
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING DURING SNOW STORM ON A WET/SLIPPERY ROAD, THERMAL LINEAR ACTUATOR WHICH ACTIVATES THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM FAILED, DROPPING VEHICLE INTO TWO WHEEL DRIVE BEFORE DRIVERS FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM ACCELERATOR. RESULTED IN A LOSS OF CONTROL. (IS NOTED IN A NEWS ARTICLE THAT COLD WEATHER TRIGGERS THIS CONDITION)
Gmc K3500 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- Date Complaint: 1999-02-10
- VIN: 1GDJK34KOME
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED LOST ALL POWER. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING.CONSUMER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Gmc K3500 1996
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-14
- Date Complaint: 1997-02-18
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GCHC33JZTF
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE ,PROCESS OF CHANGING LANES APPROXIMATELY 35MPH, VEHICLE AHEAD CAME TO A STOP, SLAMMED ON BRKES AND IT DID NOT STOP. ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT CHATTER ,RAN INTO OTHE RVEHICLE. HAS HAD BRAKES REPLACED ONCE.VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR NOW. *AK
Gmc K3500 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-09-05
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PURCHASED TRUCK NEW AND THE SUBFRAME IS FRACTURED , PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
Gmc K3500 1995
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-06
- Date Complaint: 1996-07-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GCHK34N7SZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ELECTRONIC FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT ENGAGE, CAUSED THE TRUCK TO BURN TO THE GROUND. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Gmc K3500 1995
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-06
- Date Complaint: 1996-07-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GCHK34N7SZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ELECTRONIC FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT ENGAGE, CAUSED THE TRUCK TO BURN TO THE GROUND. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Gmc K3500 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1996-06-17
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DESIGN FLAW IN THE TRANSFER CASE LEVER ALLOWS FOR ACCIDENTAL ENGAGEMENT .
Gmc K3500 1990
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- Date Complaint: 1995-09-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GDJK34N6LE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, TWO FIRES INVOLVING ELECTIRCAL SYSTEM. TT
Latest 5 recalls Gmc K3500
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 23 recalls for different components of the Gmc K3500.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Gmc K3500 1994
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Model: Gmc K3500 1990
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Model: Gmc K3500 1991
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Model: Gmc K3500 1993
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
- Model: Gmc K3500 1988
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Are you having problems with your Gmc K3500?
