1990 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1990 Chevrolet Silverado sits mid-pack among Silverado years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 112, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (32% of the total).
37
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1990 compare to other Silverado years?
What are the most common 1990 Chevrolet Silverado problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 12 | 32% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 5% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Trailer Hitch | 1 | 3% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE WAS ON HIGHWAY AT APPROX. 45-50 MPH. APPROACHING RAILROAD TRACKS, APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. WHILE SLOWING DOWN, THE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SLIDE INTO A TRAIN. *AK”
“SEATBELTS KEEP BREAKING ON MY 1990 CHEVY SILVERALDO C/K 1500 PICKUP. LITTLE PLASTIC PIECES INSIDE THE FEMALE PART OF THE LATCHING DEVICE. KNOW OF OTHER PEOPLE AND OTHER VEHICLES WITH WITH SAME PROBLEM. ALL SEATBELTS ARE BROKEN IN MY TRUCK.”
“I HAVE BOUGHT A UNIROYAL LAREDO TIRE AND NOT USED BUT 900 MILES ON IT AND IT BUBBLED ON THE INSIDE COULD HAVE BLEW OUT WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY THANK GOD A TRUCKER TOLD ME I HAD A 3 YEAR OLD CHILD WITH ME. * TR”
“THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE COMPONENT FAILURE. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY HAD MANY TRUCKS COME IN WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS PART SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED, AND I FEEL THEY SHOULD RECALL OTHERS TO CHECK OUT PROBLEM BEFORE WE HAVE ANY FATALITIES. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THIS…”
“STEERING COLUMN ON 1990 CHEVROLET C 1500 (SILVERADO) IS VERY LOOSE AND FEELS DISCONNECTED. STEERING WHEEL MOVES VERTICALLY OVER ONE INCH AND ENTIRE COLUMN SHAKES. *TR”
1990 Chevrolet Silverado — common questions
Is the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 37 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Silverado year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1990 Silverado problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).
Does the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado.
Which Chevrolet Silverado years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 1997, 2005, 1998, 1995, 2007, 1994, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2014. The cleanest record among Silverado years belongs to 1987.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.