Total Complaints
18 filings
CHEVROLET C3500 · model year
1993 CHEVROLET C3500
18 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1993CHEVROLETC3500 carries 18 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1993 C3500 is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip with 5 filings, followed by visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor (3) and service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:pads (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 1993 C3500, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
18
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 5 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | 1 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| VISIBILITY | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 1 |
| STEERING | 1 |
Recent Complaints
20130201SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 CHEVROLET C3500 HD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE BRAKES SUDDENLY FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DESPITE THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC AND PLANNED TO PERSONALLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.
Mileage: 187,000
20130201STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 CHEVROLET C3500 HD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE BRAKES SUDDENLY FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO THE SHOULDER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DESPITE THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS A MECHANIC AND PLANNED TO PERSONALLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 187,000.
Mileage: 187,000
20080723ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING .I HAD TO PUT PRESSURE ON HARNESS CONNECTOR WITH BUNGE CORD OR PROP STICK BEHIND MOTOR TO PUT PRESSURE ON UNIT IN ORDER TO WORK. THEN THEY ONLY OPERATED WHEN THEY WANTED TO. MOST ANY TIME WHEN A DRIVER USES THE WIPERS IT IS WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED, (RAIN, BAD WEATHER & THE LIKE), AND IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. DOESN'T GM REALIZE THIS COMPLAINT COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENT,( HOPEFUL NOT A FATALITY). I HAD CONTROL MODULE REPLACED ON FACE OF WIPER MOTOR AND WIPERS NOW WORK AS INTENDED. MODULE COST ME $29.00 AND LESS THAN 5 MINUTES TO REPLACE. JUST 3 SMALL SCREWS AND UNPLUG / PLUG HARNESS CONNECTOR. MY COMPLAINT IS NOT FOR REIMBURSEMENT NOW THAT I'VE GOT WIPERS WORKING. PLEASE ---SOMEONE DO SOMETHING TO MAKE GM STAND BEHIND THE STANDARDS FOR SAFETY BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE. THIS STARTED AROUND 2004 OR 2005 AND HAD BEEN A PROBLEM UNTIL I REPLACED THE PART. *TR
Mileage: 50,000
20080723VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING .I HAD TO PUT PRESSURE ON HARNESS CONNECTOR WITH BUNGE CORD OR PROP STICK BEHIND MOTOR TO PUT PRESSURE ON UNIT IN ORDER TO WORK. THEN THEY ONLY OPERATED WHEN THEY WANTED TO. MOST ANY TIME WHEN A DRIVER USES THE WIPERS IT IS WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED, (RAIN, BAD WEATHER & THE LIKE), AND IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. DOESN'T GM REALIZE THIS COMPLAINT COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENT,( HOPEFUL NOT A FATALITY). I HAD CONTROL MODULE REPLACED ON FACE OF WIPER MOTOR AND WIPERS NOW WORK AS INTENDED. MODULE COST ME $29.00 AND LESS THAN 5 MINUTES TO REPLACE. JUST 3 SMALL SCREWS AND UNPLUG / PLUG HARNESS CONNECTOR. MY COMPLAINT IS NOT FOR REIMBURSEMENT NOW THAT I'VE GOT WIPERS WORKING. PLEASE ---SOMEONE DO SOMETHING TO MAKE GM STAND BEHIND THE STANDARDS FOR SAFETY BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE. THIS STARTED AROUND 2004 OR 2005 AND HAD BEEN A PROBLEM UNTIL I REPLACED THE PART. *TR
Mileage: 50,000
20071003TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TIRE TREAD SEPARATION/ DAMAGED REAR FINDER. *JB
20031014VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03V15000; HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Mileage: 120,000
20020711VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN, WINDSHIELD WIPES STOP WORKING WHEN IN USE.*AK *SCC
20000522ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
CONSUMER TAILPIPE FELL OFF AND STRUCK THE FRONT WINDSHIELD OF ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING (OHIO TURNPIKE COMMISSION). NLM
20000323VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD STOP WORKING DURING OPERATION. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER'S RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
20000202CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH IGNITION ON, IT TOOK OFF IN REVERSE AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. VEHICLE GEARS WERE STILL IN PARK. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
19990217STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
WHILE DRIVING FRAME DETACHED FROM BODY OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER ALSO NOTES MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER IS VERY CONCERNED FOR SAFETY. *AK
19980826SEATS
SEAT BOLTS FAILED AFTER RECALL REPAIR, CAUSING SEATBACK TO COLLAPSE.
19980727SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE APPLYING BRAKES THEY LOCKED UP WITHOUT INDICATION. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
19980713SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI LOCK BRAKES LOCK UP CAUSING DAMAGE TO PADS.
19980224SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP AND TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKING SYSTEM. ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF REAR PADS AND SHOES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
19980224SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY INTERMITTENTLY LOCK UP AND TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKING SYSTEM. ALSO, PREMATURE WEAR OF REAR PADS AND SHOES. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
19980205SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED , INTERMITTENTLY THE BRAKES GRAB AND LOCK UP, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
19970121SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
#EA95-026, IN WET WETAND COLD WEATHER WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THEY STICK, HAS ABS ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. *AK
Compare 1993CHEVROLETC3500 to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations 2 Open
EA25007Engineering AnalysisOpen
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
PE23022Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
PE20016Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
EA20002Engineering AnalysisClosed
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
PE20011Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Fuel Line Leak
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1993 CHEVROLET C3500 have?▼
The 1993 CHEVROLET C3500 has 18 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1993 CHEVROLET C3500?▼
The most-complained component for the 1993 CHEVROLET C3500 is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS.
Is the 1993 CHEVROLET C3500 safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.