MYRModel Year Report

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier

○ Not enough data
1988 Chevrolet Cavalier
RENDERED 2026-08-02T16:47:24.019Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Cavalier Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 3 complaints 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1991: 55 complaints 1992: 134 complaints 1992 1993: 146 complaints 1994: 212 complaints 1995: 270 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1998: 345 complaints 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2003: 678 complaints 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
199155
1992134
1993146
1994212
1995270
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.

VISIBILITY

2 of 12 total reports mention: visibility.

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, 20051101

WINDSHIELD BONDING DOES NOT MEET FMVSS 212, 1988, CHEVROLET CAVALIER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO: 88V121000. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040409

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN FRONT DASH, ELECTRICAL. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950511

WHEELS

1 of 12 total reports mentions: wheels.

SUSPENSION

1 of 12 total reports mentions: suspension.

STEERING

1 of 12 total reports mentions: steering.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880628 — electrical system

REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.

Remedy: INSTALL NEW WIRING HARNESS.

Campaign 88V095000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19880727 — PE (closed 19890117)

POOR BRAKING

I 19890117 — EA (closed 19900508)

BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS

I 19890119 — PE (closed 19890524)

STOP LAMPS

I 19900829 — EA (closed 19920330)

BRAKE PERFORMANCE

I 19920626 — EA (closed 19940131)

STICKING THROTTLE

I 19931008 — PE (closed 19940228)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 MANUFACTURE

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).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — visibility

THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.

Remedy: REINSTALL WINDSHIELD ASSURING PROPER ADHESION.

Campaign 88V121000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for wheels issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V121000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 88V095000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1989 ▲ 1991 ▲ 1990

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 1997 ■ 1996

See all years ranked →

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 visibility:windshield, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier have?

3 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.