MYRModel Year Report

1988 Chevrolet C20

○ Not enough data
1988 Chevrolet C20
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:29.858Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 4 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1988 3 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 5 complaints 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 0 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 3 complaints 1988 3 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 0 complaints 2001
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 4 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 3 complaints 1988 3 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1992 1993: 16 complaints 1993 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 0 complaints 2001

1988: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19821
19831
19844
19852
19860
19873
19883
19891
19905
19916
19922
199316
199412
199514
19960
19972
19980
20000
20010

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Structure

1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 1995-03-10

Seat belts

1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

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, 1995-08-14

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1988-01-19Engineering analysisClosed 1988-06-30 High temp & fuel exp
  6. I
    1988-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-31 Rear brk lights stay on
  7. I
    1988-01-20Engineering analysisClosed 1991-05-31 Brake system
  8. I
    1988-04-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-07-18 Poor braking performance
  9. I
    1988-07-18Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-31 Poor brake performance
  10. I
    1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
  11. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Chevrolet C20 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V126000 · Steering
  • Recall 87V125000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 87V127000 · Latches/locks/linkages
  • Recall 87V136000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 93V016000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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, 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.