Chevrolet C20 Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 42 safety recalls and 79 owner complaints across 30 model years of the Chevrolet C20 (1967–2001). The most-complained-about year is 1993.

Pick your Chevrolet C20 model year

• 1967
• 1970
• 1971
• 1972
• 1974
• 1975
• 1976
• 1977
• 1978
• 1979
• 1980
• 1981
• 1982
• 1983
• 1984
• 1985
• 1987
• 1988
• 1989
• 1990
• 1991
• 1992
• 1993
• 1994
• 1995
• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 2000
• 2001

What Chevrolet C20 owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The 1993 model year has the most, with 16.

• Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip12
• Seat belts: buckle assembly8
• Tires: tread/belt4
• Tires3
• Fuel system, gasoline: tank assembly3
• Structure: door3
• Power train: automatic transmission3
• Engine and engine cooling: engine3

All Chevrolet C20 recalls (42)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Chevrolet C20, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Labels (equipment)

   NHTSA 01V125000 Reported April 10, 2001 77,485 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: certain 2-wheel drive pickup trucks fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." the problem was caused by a computer error that resulted in the certification label listing tire size and inflation pressure information that differ from the…

   Remedy: Owners will be provided with a new label and installation instructions. However, a dealer can install the label if the owner so desires. Owner notification began may 31, 2001. Owners who do not receive the label and…

   Model years: 2001

2. Vacuum (service brakes)

   NHTSA 00V222000 Reported August 8, 2000 3,758 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with vacuum power, 4-wheel disc brakes. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 105, "hydraulic brake systems." these vehicles were built with a kinked brake booster vacuum supply hose.

   Remedy: Dealers will re-route the brake booster vacuum supply hose.

   Model years: 2000

3. Seats

   NHTSA 99V130000 Reported May 20, 1999 59,381 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: extended-cab pickup trucks equipped with high-back bucket seats. The seat recliner to frame attaching bolts can loosen, fatigue, and fracture allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.

   Remedy: Dealers will remove all foam and/or fabric sandwiched between the recliner assembly and the seat frame, install washers between the seat recliner and the seat frame at each attachment point, and install new attaching…

   Model years: 1992

4. Switch (exterior lighting)

   NHTSA 99V025000 Reported February 5, 1999 988,587 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: pickup trucks, crew cabs, utility trucks and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles were built with the polarity of the wiring for the zero adjust brake switch reversed from what was specified on the switch drawing. With the reversed polarity, the contacts in the brake switch can wear out prematurely. The brake…

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake switch and reverse the wiring.

   Model years: 1994

5. Rotor (service brakes)

   NHTSA 98V033000 Reported February 17, 1998 1,137 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.

   Model years: 1998

6. Seats

   NHTSA 97V176000 Reported October 7, 1997 6,418 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. One or two of the front seat mounting bolts were not installed. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 207, "seating systems."

   Remedy: Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.

   Model years: 1997

7. Seats

   NHTSA 97V037000 Reported March 7, 1997 624,433 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: extended cab and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with reclining seats and the easy-entry feature. These vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch point exists in the recliner mechanism that can trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy-entry feature is activated.

   Remedy: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

   Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997

8. U-bolt, leaf spring to axle (suspension)

   NHTSA 96V082000 Reported May 7, 1996 16,918 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   The four u-bolts nuts on either side of the rear axle were under-torqued.

   Remedy: Dealers will check the u-bolt nut torque and re-torque any loose u-bolts to specification.

   Model years: 1996

9. Vehicle speed control

   NHTSA 96V057000 Reported April 4, 1996 379,004 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "accelerator control systems."

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.

   Model years: 1995, 1996

10. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 96V004000 Reported January 2, 1996 3,047 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The steering column upper intermediate-shaft nut may not be torqued to proper specifications. The nut could loosen and detach allowing the through-bolt that secures the upper intermediate-shaft to the lower steering column shaft joint to fall out.

    Remedy: Dealers will torque the suspect fasteners to the proper specifications.

    Model years: 1995

11. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 95V243000 Reported December 28, 1995 623 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Certain trucks have fuel rail assemblies with an improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in a fuel leak.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail assembly and replace any fuel rail assembly with a julian date code of 95318 through 95338.

    Model years: 1996

12. Seats

    NHTSA 95V246000 Reported December 21, 1995 675,661 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicle could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove all foam and/or fabric sandwiched between the recliner assembly and the seat frame, install washers between the seat recliner and the seat frame at each attachment point, and install new attaching…

    Model years: 1993, 1994

13. Seat belts: front

    NHTSA 95V241000 Reported December 13, 1995 630,099 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    If both the lap-belt and shoulder-belt energy management loops on the front seat belt assemblies release at or near the same time, acceleration forces can cause the buckle release mechanism to activate and allow the buckle to separate from the latch.

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the stitching that creates the energy management loop in the shoulder belt(s).

    Model years: 1994, 1995

14. Seat belts: front

    NHTSA 95V242000 Reported December 13, 1995 40 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were built with front seat belt systems with no energy management loops and may not meet the head injury criteria requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the retractor portion of the seat belt assembly(s) with one having the newly designed energy-management twin-loop system.

    Model years: 1994, 1995

15. Cooling unit and lines (power train)

    NHTSA 95V026000 Reported February 16, 1995 13,853 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Due to a thin case casting, an external transmission leak can occur.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission case assembly for the involved case casting. If the assembly is involved, the transmission will be replaced.

    Model years: 1995

16. Windshield (visibility)

    NHTSA 94V212000 Reported October 26, 1994 29 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The windshields were installed with incorrect windshield opening pinch-weld-flange primer. This primer will not properly etch the painted surface of the flange, allowing the windshield to separate from the vehicle during a collision. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 212, "windshield mounting."

    Remedy: Dealers will remove the windshield and reinstall it using the correct primer.

    Model years: 1994

17. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 94V044001 Reported April 5, 1994 2,595 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicles altered by pas, inc. Have compressed natural gas fuel tanks that can develop stress corrosion, which crack the e-glass wrapping. This stress corrosion cracking can lead to tank ruptures.

    Remedy: GM is offering to exchange these vehicles with a comparably equipped 1994 gasoline 1/2 or 3/4 ton GM pickup. If the owner chooses not to exchange the natural gas vehicle, GM will repurchase the vehicle.

    Model years: 1992, 1993

18. Suspension: lower arm

    NHTSA 94V060000 Reported April 5, 1994 30,148 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Trucks were assembled with the left-hand lower control arm to frame rear nut tightened below the specified torque. Low torque on this nut may allow the attachment bolt to loosed and subsequently fatigue and break. The bolt breakage can cause the left hand control arm to separate from the frame.

    Remedy: Dealers will tighten the left-hand lower control arm to frame rear nut to the proper torque specification.

    Model years: 1994

19. Seats

    NHTSA 93V216000 Reported December 14, 1993 1,375 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The seats have been assembled without bolts that connect the upper slave hinge to the seat back frame, or without bolts that connect the seat to the seat adjuster. In either case, the vehicles fail to conform to fnvss no. 207, "seating systems."

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect seats for missing bolts and install bolts if required.

    Model years: 1994

20. Pedals and linkages (service brakes)

    NHTSA 93V152000 Reported September 15, 1993 70,154 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The brake pedal push rod retainer is missing, mispositioned or not properly seated.

    Remedy: Inspect vehicles to assure the brake pedal push rod retainer is present and fully seated in its correct position.

    Model years: 1994

21. Automatic transmission (power train)

    NHTSA 93V016000 Reported February 1, 1993 1,702,880 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.

    Remedy: Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle.

    Model years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993

22. Pedals and linkages (service brakes)

    NHTSA 90V108000 Reported June 4, 1990 1,962 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Loose pivot bolt holding the brake pedal to its support bracket could disengage from the nut.

    Remedy: Retorque brake pedal pivot bolts to specifications to prevent loosening.

    Model years: 1990

23. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 90V015000 Reported January 29, 1990 68 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    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.

    Remedy: Install newly designed fuel line routing bracket to prevent contact and, if necessary, replace fuel lines.

    Model years: 1990

24. Trailer hitches

    NHTSA 89V078000 Reported May 15, 1989 5,863 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    There may be below specified torque on the trailer hitch attaching fasteners, allowing the trailer hitch to move under towing loads.

    Remedy: Correct torque in trailer hitch fasteners to prevent trailer separation.

    Model years: 1989

25. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 87V136000 Reported September 1, 1987 63,196 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Right and left hand brake hose may contact the wheel or tire in a full turn.

    Remedy: Install new repositioning brackets for the front brake hoses.

    Model years: 1988

26. Linkages (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 87V125000 Reported August 10, 1987 8,893 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Cruise control cable lock mechanism may self disengage causing erratic operation or throttle not returning to idle.

    Remedy: Install a clamp around the lock tab of cruise control.

    Model years: 1988

27. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 87V126000 Reported August 10, 1987 2,750 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    One or both of outer tie rod nuts may be loose and not crimped.

    Remedy: Replace tie rod and knuckle and set toe-in.

    Model years: 1988

28. Latch (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 87V127000 Reported August 10, 1987 1,521 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Trucks may have cracked or broken door striker nuts, which do not conform to FMVSS 206.

    Remedy: Replace existing door striker nuts.

    Model years: 1988

29. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 82V081000 Reported August 24, 1982 8,881 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear axle shafts received improper heat treatment during manufacture. The shaft may break and the tire and wheel assembly could disengage from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace both rear axle shaft assemblies, if necessary, free of charge.

    Model years: 1982

30. Fluid (service brakes)

    NHTSA 81V148000 Reported December 14, 1981 17 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The hydraulic brake fluid used in certain vehicles may fail to comply with the brake fluid boiling point requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 116, "motor vehicle brake fluids". Braking efficiency may be reduced and vehicle stopping distance increased, especially when hard or frequent braking raises brake fluid…

    Remedy: Suspect hydraulic brake fluid will be bled from the brake system and replaced with GM delco supreme no. 11 or an equivalent, without charge.

    Model years: 1981

31. Vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 81V010000 Reported January 13, 1981 320,677 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Fatigue cracks may develop in the brake vacuum booster housing. This may cause a vacuum leak and reduce the effectiveness of the brakes. After prolonged use, the cracks may develop to the extent that the booster may separate from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Vehicles will be inspected for fatigue cracks in the brake vacuum booster. Those without cracks will have a support brace installed. Those with evidence of cracking will have a new brake vacuum booster and support…

    Model years: 1979, 1980

32. Switch (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 79V142000 Reported June 6, 1979 15,328 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    On the involved vehicles the brake stoplight and cruise control switch which is operated by the brake pedal may have been assembled with an incorrect lubricant on the actuating plunger. This can cause the rear brake stoplights to become inoperative and the cruise control, if activated, to stay electrically engaged.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake stoplight and cruise control switch at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

33. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 79V026000 Reported January 16, 1979 222 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The front hoses on the involved vehicles may have improperly oriented hose fittings, resulting in a rubbing contact between the right brake hose and the upper control arm of the front suspension or in a twisted left hose resulting in a faulty attachment at the frame fitting. Should either of these conditions exist, they could eventually…

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both front brake hoses at no cost to owner.

    Model years: 1979

34. Accelerator pedal (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 77V178000 Reported October 14, 1977 330,468 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The accelerator pedal rod in combination with the pedal installed on the involved vehicles may cut through the floor pan rubber mat or carpet into the thick resilient insulation pad underneath during heavy or repeated full throttle applications. As a result, the accelerator pedal rod may catch in the mat or carpet, preventing the…

    Remedy: Dealer will install a new accelerator pedal and retainer designed to prevent the accelerator pedal rod from cutting the rubber mat or carpet. This will be performed without charge.

    Model years: 1976, 1977

35. Suspension: lower arm

    NHTSA 77V098000 Reported June 22, 1977 107,584 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The front suspension control arms were assembled with ball joints which may contain sockets that were not properly heat-treated. This may cause the socket to wear rapidly and allow the ball joint stud to separate from the socket, causing either the left or right wheel suspension to collapse.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect and, where necessary, will replace the ball joints without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1975, 1976

36. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 74V078000 Reported May 17, 1974 2,788 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

37. Fluid (service brakes)

    NHTSA 74V065000 Reported April 25, 1974 642 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1974

38. Vacuum (service brakes)

    NHTSA 71V140000 Reported August 19, 1971 136,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1971

39. Wheels

    NHTSA 70V147000 Reported December 10, 1970 7,250 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1971

40. Vehicle speed control

    NHTSA 70V125000 Reported October 21, 1970 828 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1971

41. Suspension: upper arm

    NHTSA 70V106000 Reported September 8, 1970 11,328 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1970

42. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (service brakes)

    NHTSA 67V005000 Reported January 23, 1967 2,460 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1967

Other Chevrolet models

• Malibu19,364 complaints
• Silverado 150018,029 complaints
• Impala10,434 complaints
• Tahoe10,032 complaints
• Equinox9,161 complaints
• Silverado8,799 complaints
• Blazer8,192 complaints
• Suburban8,164 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.