1988 Chevrolet C10
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 4 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 9 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 20 |
| 1995 | 40 |
| 1996 | 16 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
3 of 7 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and hoses/lines/piping/fittings.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle experienced engine fire. (Ohio traffic crash report).
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-03-23
Suspension
1 of 7 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing control arm.
Show complaint excerpts
When driving there is a noise in the front ball joint .
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-15
Steering
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Due to defect steering bolts, steering wheel is too loose for proper control while driving. Please describe. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-03
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1987-08-31Vehicle speed control87V125000 Cruise control cable lock mechanism may self disengage causing erratic operation or throttle not returning to idle.
Remedy: Install a clamp around the lock tab of cruise control.
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1987-08-31Steering87V126000 One or both of outer tie rod nuts may be loose and not crimped.
Remedy: Replace tie rod and knuckle and set toe-in.
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1987-08-31Latches/locks/linkages87V127000 Trucks may have cracked or broken door striker nuts, which do not conform to FMVSS 206.
Remedy: Replace existing door striker nuts.
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1987-11-16Service brakes, hydraulic87V136000 Right and left hand brake hose may contact the wheel or tire in a full turn.
Remedy: Install new repositioning brackets for the front brake hoses.
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1988-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-31 Rear brk lights stay on
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1988-04-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-07-18 Poor braking performance
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1988-07-18Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-31 Poor brake performance
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1988-09-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-02-23 Loose rear brk backing blt
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1989-02-23Engineering analysisClosed 1990-01-09 Brake backing plates
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1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
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1993-03-13Power train93V016000 Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Remedy: Install a longer transmission vent hose routed to the left side of the engine compartment of the vehicle.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Chevrolet C10 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 87V125000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 87V126000 · Steering
- Recall 87V127000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 87V136000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 93V016000 · Power train
FAQ
- Is the 1988 Chevrolet C10 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1988 Chevrolet C10?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet C10 have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.