Defect
TRUCKS MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH INCORRECT OR MISSING
Consequence
TRUCKS WOULD NOT CONFORM TO REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 120.
Remedy
INSTALL CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABEL.
1989 GMC C Series problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1989 GMC C Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other C Series years?
What are the most common 1989 GMC C Series problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 100% | new |
Does the 1989 GMC C Series have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TWO RIGHT REAR TIRE FAILURES ON AN RV WITHIN 10 MILES OF EACH OTHER IN KINGMAN AZ, DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. MY DAD HAS CONTACTED THE LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER AND HAS GOTTEN NO RESULTS FROM THEM. HE DOES NOT HAVE THE DEFECTED TIRES BECAUSE THEY WERE LEFT IN ARIZONA WHERE THEY HAD THEM REPLACED.…”
1989 GMC C Series — common questions
Is the 1989 GMC C Series reliable?
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Does the 1989 GMC C Series have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 GMC C Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 GMC C Series under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.