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1990 Chevrolet K2500

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1990 K2500.

The 1990 Chevrolet K2500, a heavy-duty pickup, requires 4 quarts of 5W-30 API oil, a modest capacity for its class. With only three owner complaints on record—the lowest in the 1990–1992 model range—and three recalls, this year stands as the most trouble-free of its generation, though suspension issues were the most frequently cited concern.

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	242.5 in
Overall width	76.8 in
Overall height	76 in
Wheelbase	155.5 in
Curb weight	4650 lb
Track (front / rear)	63.4 / 63.4 in

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	14.0 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	5.5 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi.

At 5,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect idle speed)
Every 5,000 mi	Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Parking Brake Cable (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect) · Throttle Linkage (inspect)
At 6,000 mi	Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 6,000 mi	Steering Linkage (lubricate) · Suspension System (lubricate)
At 7,500 mi	Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level)
Every 10,000 mi	Air Intake System (inspect) · Radiator Fan Assembly (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Air Cleaner Manifold Heat Control Actuator (inspect) · Underbody Splash Shield (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	EGR System (inspect) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1990 Chevrolet K2500 opens the recorded 1990–1992 sequence with the lowest owner-complaint volume (3) but the highest recall count (3), against 1991’s eight complaints and two recalls and 1992’s six complaints and two recalls. Across this span, complaints rose sharply after 1990 before moderating in 1992 while recall activity held steady or declined, placing the target year at a low-usage, high-campaign inflection point early in this generation’s federal record. Grievances are evenly distributed among Suspension, Electrical System, and Power Train with one report each, and although the dataset notes one fire complaint and zero crash complaints, it does not specify root causes for those incidents or for the three recalls. With only one technical service bulletin and zero investigations, 1990 shows limited formal manufacturer guidance relative to its recall exposure. Given its lowest-in-series complaint rate but highest recall count, 1990 is a conditionally sound purchase provided all three recall campaigns are verified complete, as the federal record confirms elevated recall activity without identifying the underlying defects.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

0 involved a crash · 1 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90’91 ’92

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 3 complaints on record, top 3 components.

Suspension1

Electrical System1

Power Train1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

07E088000EquipmentReported 24/10/2007

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

06E043000Fuel System, GasolineReported 19/05/2006

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION…