1993 Chevrolet C10 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
What could happen: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 C10.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09E012000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-909-598-7589.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT. THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
What could happen: THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
The fix: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 C10.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 93V016000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
Consequence: THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
Notes: SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS WITH 5.0 L, 5.7 L, AND 7.4 L ENGINES AND 4L60,4L60-E, AND 3L80 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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.
What could happen: IF THE TANK RUPTURES, PERSONAL INJURY TO INDIVIDUALS IN OR NEAR THE VEHICLE MAY OCCUR.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 C10.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 94V044001.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IF THE TANK RUPTURES, PERSONAL INJURY TO INDIVIDUALS IN OR NEAR THE VEHICLE MAY OCCUR.
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.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL; CNG; TANKS. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT, 2 WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED TO RUN ON COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS. WARNING: ALL TRUCKS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM SERVICE AND THE ENGINE RUN UNTIL THE GAS GAUGE READS BELOW ONE-QUARTER TANK. NO INSPECTION SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN. CONTACT GENERAL MOTORS AT THE TELEPHONE NUMBER BELOW FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME AND FREE OF CHARGE OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT OR NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE CONTACT GENERAL MOTORS CONSOLIDATED FLEET SERVICE OPERATIONS (CHEVROLET) AT1-800-334-7000, OR CONTACT GMC TRUCK AT 1-800-462-7000. ALSO, CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
4. Seats
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat frames, adjusters or child-seat anchors. THE SEAT RECLINER TO SEAT FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLE COULD LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE.
What could happen: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THIS COULD RESULT IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: 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 BOLTS TORQUED TO A HIGHER SPECIFICATION. THESE CORRECTIONS WILL BE MADE TO BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSE…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1993 C10.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V246000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SEATS
Summary: THE SEAT RECLINER TO SEAT FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLE COULD LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THIS COULD RESULT IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
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 BOLTS TORQUED TO A HIGHER SPECIFICATION. THESE CORRECTIONS WILL BE MADE TO BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS.
Notes: SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT TRACK ANCHORS AND SEAT. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP EXTENDED CAB TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FRONT HIGH-BACK BUCKET SEATS OR 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEATS. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1993 Chevrolet C10 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (3), Seats (3), Brakes (2), Hydraulic (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/07/2003 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NOT DEPENDABLE.SOMETIMES THEY WORK WHEN YOU NEED THEM, SOMETIMES THEY DONT. A SUDDEN DOWNPOUR OR ANOTHER VEHICLE SPLASHING WATER AND MUD OVER THE WINDSHIELD CAN LEAVE YOU BLINDED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS OR, THE WIPERS MAY NOT WORK AT ALL. THIS HAPPENED ON MANY OCCASIONS.
10/30/2001 · Seats
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #95V246000. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR RECALL REPAIRS ON SEATS WHICH HAD BOLTS SHEARED OFF. HAD BOLTS REPAIRED 1ST TIME UNDER RECALL. WHEN IT HAPPENED A 2ND TIME, IN 1999, WAS REPAIRED. BOLTS ON SEATS HAVE SHEARED OFF AGAIN, AND SEAT COLLAPSED FOR 3RD TIME. DEALERSHIP REFUSING TO REPAIR AGAIN.*AK *SLC
04/25/2000 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NEEDED THEY BECOME INOPERATIVE, CAUSING POOR DRIVER VISIBILITY. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. RECALL 98V150000 DEALS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED. *AK *ML
04/12/1999 · Vehicle Speed Control · crash
VEHICLE IN "PARK" ENGINE RUNNING, ENGINE ACCELERATED SPONTANEOUSLY, GAS PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR, NO CONTROL OF BRAKES OR SHIFTER.
08/10/1998 · Brakes
BRAKE LINE, WHICH RUN ALONG THE SIDE OF FRAME/BACK BRAKE RUPTURED AND RUSTED OUT, CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK ON THE REAR BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS YET TO HAVE PARTS REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
10/07/1996 · Seats
FAILURE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK, THE SEATBACK IS IN THE RECLINING POSITION, THE CONSUMER HAS HAD THE BOLT REPLACED ON 4 OCCASIONS, ONCE UNDER THE RECALL 94-C-62. *AK
03/29/1996 · Transmission / drivetrain
TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK REPAIRED.*SD
03/29/1996 · Brakes
ABS BRAKES FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. *SD