1988 Chevrolet C20
Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 3 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 16 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 14 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS IMPACT 3:00 POSITION CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL VEHICLE FLIP OVER TOP CAME OFF VAN CAUSING INJURIES. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950310
1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THE V6 MOTOR IS DEFECT THE STEEL CAST IRON BLOCK WEARS OUT AND THE PISTON GOES OUT BURNING A LOT OF OIL . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950814
THE V6 MOTOR IS DEFECT THE STEEL CAST IRON BLOCK WEARS OUT AND THE PISTON GOES OUT BURNING A LOT OF OIL . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950814
SAFETY TIMELINE
ONE OR BOTH OF OUTER TIE ROD NUTS MAY BE LOOSE AND NOT CRIMPED.
Remedy: REPLACE TIE ROD AND KNUCKLE AND SET TOE-IN.
Campaign 87V126000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 87V125000 — check if this car was fixed
TRUCKS MAY HAVE CRACKED OR BROKEN DOOR STRIKER NUTS, WHICH DO NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 206.
Remedy: REPLACE EXISTING DOOR STRIKER NUTS.
Campaign 87V127000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 87V136000 — check if this car was fixed
HIGH TEMP & FUEL EXP
REAR BRK LIGHTS STAY ON
BRAKE SYSTEM
POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE
POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE
FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
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.
Campaign 93V016000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Chevrolet C20 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V126000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V125000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V127000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V136000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 Chevrolet C20 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 C20?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet C20 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.