1989 Chevrolet C3500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE C…
What could happen: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
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 1989 C3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E043000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- 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, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Seat belts
What's wrong, in plain English: Seat belts may not hold you in a crash. TRUCKS CAN CONTAIN INCORRECT INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST REAR SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELTS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
What could happen: INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLYRESTRAIN OCCUPANT IN AN ACCIDENT OF SUDDEN STOP; TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITHFMVSS 209.
The fix: PROVIDE OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT REAR LAP-SHOULDER BELT INSTRUCTIONS.
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 1989 C3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V170000.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Summary: TRUCKS CAN CONTAIN INCORRECT INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PROPERLY ADJUST REAR SEAT LAP-SHOULDER BELTS AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 209.
Consequence: INCORRECTLY ADJUSTED SEAT BELT WOULD NOT PROPERLYRESTRAIN OCCUPANT IN AN ACCIDENT OF SUDDEN STOP; TRUCKS WOULD NOT COMPLY WITHFMVSS 209.
Remedy: PROVIDE OWNER'S MANUAL INSERT CONTAINING THE CORRECT REAR LAP-SHOULDER BELT INSTRUCTIONS.
Notes: SYSTEM: REAR SEAT BELT; FMVSS 209.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT-DUTY TRUCKS WITH EXTENDED CABS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1989 Chevrolet C3500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (3), Visibility (wipers / glass) (3), Body / structure (3), Transmission / drivetrain (1), Brakes (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)
05/10/2011 · Wheels / tires
TIRES CHUNKING AND WEAK SIDEWALLS. *TR
06/25/2002 · Transmission / drivetrain
SEPARATION OF WHEEL, HUB AND AXLE ASSEMBLY FROM VEHICLE WHILE UNDERWAY. INSPECTION OF THE COMPONENTS REVEALED A CRACKED BEARING RETAINING NUT, WHICH ALLOWED THE NUT'S INSIDE DIAMETER TO EXPAND AND SLIDE OFF THE THREADED HUB. RECOVERED PARTS INCLUDE THE NUT, KEY, AND RETAINER RING, ALL OF WHICH APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED. ALSO DAMAGED AT THE…
06/29/2001 · Wheels / tires
PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 65MPH ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE AND SHAKE . HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. TREAD CAME COMPLETLY OFF. BRIDGESTONE, DULLER, 9.50X16.5 #DOT VD. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
04/03/2001 · Wheels / tires
TREAD SEPARATION. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 7BA3PUA208 TIRESIZE: 245/75R16)
03/15/2000 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
PAINT HAS CONTINUED TO PEEL UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, POWER DOOR LOCKS WORK INTERMITENTLY, POWER WINDOWS ALSO WORK SPORADICALLY. THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES.
03/15/2000 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
PAINT HAS CONTINUED TO PEEL UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, POWER DOOR LOCKS WORK INTERMITENTLY, POWER WINDOWS ALSO WORK SPORADICALLY. THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES.
03/15/2000 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
PAINT HAS CONTINUED TO PEEL UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, POWER DOOR LOCKS WORK INTERMITENTLY, POWER WINDOWS ALSO WORK SPORADICALLY. THE DOOR LOCK CYLINDERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES.
08/11/1999 · Brakes
ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE FAILING TO STOP PROPERLY WHILE DRIVING. NO MTTER WHAT THE SPEED MAY BE. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK