MYRModel Year Report

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier

○ Not enough data
1988 Chevrolet Cavalier
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:55:16.961Z

Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
12

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 12 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2003: 678 complaints 2003 2004: 330 complaints 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 12 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 24 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 12 1989: 43 complaints 1989 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1993 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1995 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 1999 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2001 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2003 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints 2005

1988: 12 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19833
19848
19854
198618
198724
198812
198943
199055
199156
1992137
1993148
1994217
1995271
1996503
1997540
1998345
1999240
2000315
2001243
2002196
2003678
2004330
2005287

Known problem areas

Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

3 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving, vehicle caught fire in front dash, electrical. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-11

Purchased a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier from e[ilotos auto sales 2230 frankfort ave. Phila. Pa. The car was sold without the dealer informing the buyer of the defects. There were many....two main crunchers were the brakes and huddled systems.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-30

Exterior lighting

3 of 12 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing tail lights and brake lights.

Visibility

2 of 12 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.

Show complaint excerpts

Dt: the contact stated there is wind blowing around the front windshield sealants, allowing cold drafts to enter into the vehicle. The contact discovered NHTSA recall 88V121000, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-11-01

Windshield bonding does not meet FMVSS 212, 1988, Chevrolet Cavalier, NHTSA campaign no: 88V121000.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-09

Steering

2 of 12 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack.

Wheels

1 of 12 total reports mentions: wheels.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1988-06-28Electrical system88V095000 Rear lamp wiring harness may contain open or intermittent circuits affecting back up lamp or license plate lamp operation.

    Remedy: Install new wiring harness.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-07-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-01-17 Poor braking
  3. I
    1989-01-17Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-08 Brake ineffectiveness
  4. I
    1989-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-24 Stop lamps
  5. I
    1990-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1992-03-30 Brake performance
  6. I
    1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
  7. I
    1993-10-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-28 Engine compartment fires
  8. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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 1).

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    Date not on fileVisibility88V121000 There may be poor bond adhesion between windshield glass and mounting.

    Remedy: Reinstall windshield assuring proper adhesion.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V121000 · Visibility
  • Recall 88V095000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Cavalier?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
3 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.