1991 Chevrolet C20 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. 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 1991 C20.
- 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.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1991 Chevrolet C20 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Latches / locks (2), Engine (1), Unknown Or Other (1), Wheels / tires (1), Seat belts (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
02/14/2008 · Engine · fire
1991 CHEVROLET C-20 HAD ENGINE TROUBLE AND THEN BEGAN TO SMOKE. CONSUMER THEN DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. *KB THERE WAS A TRAIL OF OIL ON THE PAVEMENT PRIOR TO THE FIRE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0019-90. *JB
01/10/2001 · Latches / locks
VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A WHEELCHAIR LIFT IN REAR. REAR DOORS ARE WELDED CLOSE, DOORS CAN NOT BE OPENED . ALSO, NOTICED RUST ON BOTTOM OF DOOR WHICH MAY BE LINKED TO ABOVE PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
10/01/1999 · Wheels / tires
REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BOLTS FAILED CAUSING WHEEL/TIRE OF FALL OFF AND STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
05/22/1997 · Seat belts
THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED.
08/15/1995 · Latches / locks
THE DRIVERS DOOR STRICKER BOLT IS BREAKING AND THE DOOR WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY OR LATCH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
01/12/1995 · Fuel system
MADE U-TURN; HEARD RUBBING SOUND; CHECKED UNDERNEATH; BOLT/STRAP CLOSEST TO ENGINE CAME LOOSE FROM FRAME; GAS TANK DROPPED TO GROUND; COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE.