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1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup Reliability
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our reliability study for this generation Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Chevrolet C/K 2500/3500.
1990-1998 Chevrolet C/K Pickup Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: Trucks with the 6.5L engine may have a transmission shudder when the torque-converter clutch applies and releases. (1991-94)
Automatic transmission: 700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-92)
Brake wear: Vehicle pull or premature front brake pad wear, may be corrected with revised rear brake shoes. (1992-98)
Clutch: A grinding noise during clutch engagement and difficulty shifting into first or reverse is caused by a clutch master cylinder pushrod that is too long. (1992-93)
Cruise control: The cruise control cuts out and won't reset unless the key is turned off because the cruise control module is too sensitive to vibrations at the brake pedal. (1994-95)
Engine knock: Engine knock at startup on 4.3-, 5.7-, or 7.4-liter engines is usually eliminated by using an oil filter with a check valve. If this does not fix it, GM has revised PROMs for the computers and will even replace the main bearings if all else fails. (1990-95)
Engine misfire: Damaged injection pump or lift pump on 6.5-liter diesel may clog the fuel filter. (1994-98)
Engine noise: The exhaust valves on 4.3-, 5.0-, or 5.7-liter engines may not get enough lubrication causing a variety of noises. Usually, the same engine consumes excess oil because the valve-guide seals on the exhaust valves are bad and have to be replaced. (1996)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $560
Alternator $378
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $725
Brakes $230
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $595
Exhaust System $420
Radiator $350
Shocks and/or Struts $335
Timing Chain or Belt $210
NHTSA Recall History
1990 diesel: Fuel lines can contact automatic-transmission linkage shaft and/or propshaft.
1990: Brake-pedal pivot bolt could disengage.
1992 extended cab w/high-back bucket seats: Seat recliner-to-frame bolts can loosen, fatigue, and fracture, allowing seatback to recline suddenly.
1992: Brake-pedal pivot bolt could disengage.
1994: Brake-pedal retainer may be missing, mispositioned, or poorly seated.
1994: Reversed polarity of brake switch can cause contacts to wear prematurely; may result in loss of brake lights without warning.
1994: Some drivers' seats could loosen.
1994-95 extended cab C10/15 w/high-back front bucket seats or 60/40 split bench seat: Recliner-to-frame bolts could loosen, fatigue, and fracture, allowing seatback to recline suddenly.
1994-95 extended-cab C10/15 w/gas engine or 6.5-liter H.O. turbodiesel: If lap- and shoulder-belt energy-management loops on front seatbelt assemblies release at or near the same time, acceleration forces can cause release mechanism to activate and allow buckle to separate from latch. Also, a few trucks lack those loops.
1994-96 C10: Solder joints can crack, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently.
1995: Steering-column shaft nut could loosen and detach.
1995-96 Reg. andExtended Cab: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1995-96 w/gasoline engine: Throttle cable may contact dash mat, which could bind the throttle; engine speed might then not return to idle.
1995-97 Crew Cab: The windshield wiper motor may fail on certain vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1995-97 extended cab w/Easy Entry: Pinch point in recliner mechanism can trap and pinch a person's hand or fingers when Easy-Entry feature is activated.
1995-98 crew cab: Front inner corner of fuel tank can contact body sill, wearing a hole in or cracking the tank; can result in fuel leakage.
1996 C10/15 w/7.4-liter engine: Fuel-rail assemblies may have improperly crimped end retainer clip that results in leak.
1996: Four U-bolts on either side of rear axle were under-torqued and could loosen and eventually fall off; could result in sudden loss of control.
1997 C10/20: On some trucks, one or two front-seat mounting bolts were not installed.
1998 C10 extended cab and 4-door utility: Steering-gear bolt can loosen and fall out, resulting in separation of shaft from gear.
1998 C10753 extended cab: Rear brake line can contact left front-fender wheelhouse inner panel; a hole could be worn in brake line, allowing loss of fluid and reducing rear-brake effectiveness.
1998: On certain vehicles, the outside rearview mirror switch may short circuit. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
1998: On some trucks, one or both front brake rotor/hubs may have out-of-spec gray iron that can fail during life of vehicle.
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