1994 CHEVROLET C20

10 recalls, 13 complaints - 1 TSBs

99V025000 Feb 5, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS, CREW CABS, UTILITY TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POLARITY OF THE WIRING FOR THE ZERO ADJUST BRAKE SWITCH REVERSED FROM WHAT WAS SPECIFIED ON THE SWITCH DRAWING. WITH THE REVERSED POLARITY, THE CONTACTS IN THE BRAKE SWITCH... Read more
Consequence
THIS WOULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE SWITCH AND REVERSE THE WIRING.
988,587 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
96E010000 Mar 25, 1996
SEATS
Defect Description
THE SEAT RECLINER TO SEAT FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLES COULD LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE.
Consequence
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THIS COULD RESULT IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE ALL FOAM AND/OR FABRIC SANDWICHED BETWEEN THE RECLINER ASSEMBLY AND THE SEAT FRAME, INSTALL WASHERS BETWEEN THE SEAT RECLINER AND THE SEAT FRAME AT EACH ATTACHMENT POINT, AND INSTALL NEW ATTACHING BOLTS TORQUED TO A HIGHER SPECIFICATION. THESE CORRECTIONS WILL BE MADE TO BOTH THE... Read more
2,400 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS
95V246000 Dec 21, 1995
SEATS
Defect Description
THE SEAT RECLINER TO SEAT FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLE COULD LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE.
Consequence
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THIS COULD RESULT IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE ALL FOAM AND/OR FABRIC SANDWICHED BETWEEN THE RECLINER ASSEMBLY AND THE SEAT FRAME, INSTALL WASHERS BETWEEN THE SEAT RECLINER AND THE SEAT FRAME AT EACH ATTACHMENT POINT, AND INSTALL NEW ATTACHING BOLTS TORQUED TO A HIGHER SPECIFICATION. THESE CORRECTIONS WILL BE MADE TO BOTH THE... Read more
675,661 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
95V242000 Dec 13, 1995
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Defect Description
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH FRONT SEAT BELT SYSTEMS WITH NO ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS AND MAY NOT MEET THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE SEATS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RETRACTOR PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY(S) WITH ONE HAVING THE NEWLY DESIGNED ENERGY-MANAGEMENT TWIN-LOOP SYSTEM.
40 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
95V241000 Dec 13, 1995
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Defect Description
IF BOTH THE LAP-BELT AND SHOULDER-BELT ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOPS ON THE FRONT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES RELEASE AT OR NEAR THE SAME TIME, ACCELERATION FORCES CAN CAUSE THE BUCKLE RELEASE MECHANISM TO ACTIVATE AND ALLOW THE BUCKLE TO SEPARATE FROM THE LATCH.
Consequence
IF THE BUCKLE RELEASED, THE SYSTEM WOULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT PROTECTION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE STITCHING THAT CREATES THE ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOOP IN THE SHOULDER BELT(S).
630,099 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
95I005000 Dec 13, 1994
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, VANS AND MOTORHOMES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONICALLY FUEL INJECTED 6.5L DIESEL ENGINE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION PART 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL IMPRO... Read more
Consequence
CERTAIN VEHICLES CAN EXHIBIT SOME DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS SUCH AS POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE, STALLING, MISFIRE, POOR HOT OR COLD STARTING, EXTENDED CRANKING OF A HOT ENGINE, OR STALLING AFTER START. TRUCKS WITH MANUALTRANSMISSIONS CAN EXHIBIT POOR ACCELERATION FROM START OR COULD STALL DURING DECELERATI... Read more
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL SOME RECENTLY DEVELOPED ENHANCEMENTS WHICH WILL IMPROVE THE OVERALL DRIVEABILITY OF THESE VEHICLES.
60,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
94V212000 Oct 26, 1994
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Defect Description
THE WINDSHIELDS WERE INSTALLED WITH INCORRECT WINDSHIELD OPENING PINCH-WELD-FLANGE PRIMER. THIS PRIMER WILL NOT PROPERLY ETCH THE PAINTED SURFACE OF THE FLANGE, ALLOWING THE WINDSHIELD TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A COLLISION. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 212, "WIND... Read more
Consequence
CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: THE SEPARATION OF THE WINDSHIELD FROM THE VEHICLE DURING COLLISION INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY FOR ALL PERSONS INVOLVED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND REINSTALL IT USING THE CORRECT PRIMER.
29 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
94V060000 Apr 5, 1994
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Defect Description
TRUCKS WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE LEFT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRAME REAR NUT TIGHTENED BELOW THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. LOW TORQUE ON THIS NUT MAY ALLOW THE ATTACHMENT BOLT TO LOOSED AND SUBSEQUENTLY FATIGUE AND BREAK. THE BOLT BREAKAGE CAN CAUSE THE LEFT HAND CONTROL ARM TO SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME.
Consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD RESULT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE LEFT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FRAME REAR NUT TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
30,148 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
93V216000 Dec 14, 1993
SEATS
Defect Description
THE SEATS HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITHOUT BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE UPPER SLAVE HINGE TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, OR WITHOUT BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE SEAT TO THE SEAT ADJUSTER. IN EITHER CASE, THE VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FNVSS NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Consequence
THE MISSING BOLTS MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO BECOMELOOSE AND IN A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT MAY SUBJECT THE OCCUPANT TO INCREASEDRISK OF INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT SEATS FOR MISSING BOLTS AND INSTALL BOLTS IF REQUIRED.
1,375 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
93V152000 Sep 15, 1993
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Defect Description
THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER IS MISSING, MISPOSITIONED OR NOT PROPERLY SEATED.
Consequence
BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD PROBLEMS CAN CAUSE THE STOP LAMPSWITCH AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSH ROD TO DISCONNECT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL,RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE OPERATION, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUTPRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
INSPECT VEHICLES TO ASSURE THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER IS PRESENT AND FULLY SEATED IN ITS CORRECT POSITION.
70,154 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Complaint Statistics

13 total complaints 3 crashes 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
SEATS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
TIRES1
TIRES Sep 1, 2010
Incident date: Jul 16, 2010
1994 CHEVROLET C20, LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD, STRIKING THE CONCRETE MEDIAN WALL. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE TIRES SHOWED SUFFICIENT TREAD, BUT SHOWED SIGNS OF DRY ROT AND CRACKING. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0469-90) *... Read more
Crash 4 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES May 14, 2002
CONSUMER FEELS THERE IS INSUFFICIENT SPACE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE COVER (THIS IS A VAN WITH THE ENGINE COVER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SEAT). WHEN THE DRIVER REMOVES HIS FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL IT WILL OCCASIONALLY GET CAUGHT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONSUMER ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES Mar 14, 2002
CONSUMER FEELS THERE IS INSUFFICIENT SPACE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ENGINE COVER (THIS IS A VAN WITH THE ENGINE COVER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SEAT). WHEN THE DRIVER REMOVES HIS FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL IT WILL OCCASIONALLY GET CAUGHT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONSUMER ... Read more
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD Aug 14, 2001
Incident date: Jun 5, 1995
DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD HAS AN IRREGULARITY, THIS CAUSES DRIVER'S VIEW TO BE OBSTRUCTED, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S RAINING. AREA IS NOT ABLE TO BE CLEANED WHEN WIPER IS IN USE. ROAD IS HARD TO DISCIPHER WHEN THE WEATHER IS CLEAR AND SUNNY.*AK *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Feb 8, 2001
Incident date: Aug 1, 1994
AT ANY SPEED WHEN APPLYING BRAKES BRAKING DISTANCE IS NOT WHAT IT SHOULD BE. REAR BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY, LOCK UP. FRONT BRAKES REPLACED TWICE. *AK BRAKES ARE REAL BAD ON WET OR ICY ROADS. *YH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER Mar 29, 1999
Incident date: Nov 12, 1997
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED FUNCTIONING FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND HAVE INTERMITTENT OPERATION. POSSIBLE TO RESTART WIPERS BY TAPPING ON MOTOR HOUSING AND/OR MOVING WIRES THAT PLUG INTO WIPER MOTOR. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Oct 20, 1998
ANTI LOCK BRAKES LOCKED UP SEVERAL TIMES, TWO ACCIDENTS FROM LOCK UP.
SEATS Apr 1, 1996
Incident date: Apr 1, 1995
DRIVERS SEAT BRACKET THAT SECURES THE FRAME BROKE. *AK THE BRACKET BROKE ON TH BACK SEAT, HAD A ROCKING MOTION WHICH FELT VERY UNSAFE PARTICULARY IF THERE WOULD BE AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPAIRED IT.*JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dec 26, 1995
THE CAR IDLES AT 1100 TO 1500 RMP WHEN YOU RELEASE THE PEDAL. HAS TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO DEALERS SEVEN TIMES NOTHING HAPPENED. TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Apr 17, 1995
SEAT BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, WILL LOCK UP UNEXPECTEDLY. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Apr 10, 1995
Incident date: Sep 25, 1994
VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, PE94-091 ACTIVE. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Mar 3, 1995
Incident date: Feb 26, 1995
APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE, HELD THEM DOWN, WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. TT
Crash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Mar 3, 1995
Incident date: Feb 26, 1995
HAD A FRONTAL COLLISION, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
Crash

Technical Service Bulletins, 1994 CHEVROLET C20

1 manufacturer communications from 1 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)1
130089009 Sep 1, 2013
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

NHTSA Safety Investigations, CHEVROLET C20

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA88018 Opened: Jan 20, 1988 , Closed: May 31, 1991
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1984
BRAKE SYSTEM
There is no summary currently available
EA88016 Opened: Jan 19, 1988 , Closed: Jun 30, 1988
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1985
HIGH TEMP & FUEL EXP
There is no summary currently available
PE87043 Opened: Aug 7, 1987 , Closed: Jan 14, 1988
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1985
EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER:ANALYSIS OF THE 65 COMPLAINTSFORWARDED BY GM ON THIS ISSUE REVEALS THAT 15 OF THE COMPLAINTS MAY BESAFETY RELATED.COMPLAINTS IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM AS A RED HOT EXHAUSTSYSTEM OR MUFFLER FAILURE WERE NOT COUNTED.GM ALSO INCLUDED NUMEROUSCOMPLAINTS PERTAINING ... Read more
DP86015 Opened: Jul 23, 1986 , Closed: Nov 19, 1986
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1985
BRAKING
BRAKING

CHEVROLET C20 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the CHEVROLET C20 across all model years (1967, 2001).

74 Total Recalls
101 Total Complaints
4 Investigations
14 Reported Crashes
7 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

CHEVROLET C20 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2001 1 0 View
2000 1 0 View
1998 1 0 View
1997 2 2 View
1996 5 0 View
1995 7 15 View
1994 (current) 10 13
1993 3 25 View
1992 3 2 View
1991 1 7 View
1990 3 6 View
1989 2 2 View
1988 5 4 View
1987 0 3 View
1986 1 0 View
1985 1 2 View
1984 1 6 View
1983 1 1 View
1982 2 1 View
1981 2 1 View
1980 2 5 View
1979 4 0 View
1978 1 1 View
1977 2 0 View
1976 3 0 View
1975 2 0 View
1974 3 1 View
1972 0 1 View
1971 3 1 View
1970 1 1 View
1967 1 0 View

Other CHEVROLET Models

Model Recalls Complaints
SUBURBAN 246 10,458 View
TAHOE 240 12,622 View
MALIBU 216 29,080 View
SILVERADO 1500 200 22,534 View
CORVETTE 187 6,308 View
CAMARO 179 4,298 View
SILVERADO 159 10,964 View
SILVERADO 3500 152 1,409 View