1988 Chevrolet Corsica
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 46 |
| 1989 | 64 |
| 1990 | 55 |
| 1991 | 108 |
| 1992 | 125 |
| 1993 | 100 |
| 1994 | 123 |
| 1995 | 102 |
| 1996 | 110 |
| 1997 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
13% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 6 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
EXPERIENCE STEERING COLUMN SMOKE, WHEN STARTING THE IGNITION SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950320
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ADJUSTED RESULTING IN LATCH BECOMING BENT.
Remedy: INSPECT AND REPLACE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES AS REQUIRED.
Campaign 88V039000 — check if this car was fixed
DOOR HINGE PIN FAILURE
REAR WHEEL SPINDLE
DOOR HINGE PINS
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
A DOOR HINGE (UPPER OR LOWER) MAY BREAK WHILE OPENING OR CLOSING THE DOOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REPOSITION AND CLOSE PROPERLY.
Remedy: REPLACE DOOR HINGES ON BOTH DOORS.
Campaign 89V225000 — check if this car was fixed
INADEQUATE BRAKES
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
BRAKE PERFORMANCE
SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED AND COULD BECOME BENT. THIS WILL LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE FULL PRIMARY LATCH ENGAGEMENT IS NOT ATTAINED.
Remedy: REPLACE THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY, AND THE SUPPORT BRACKET.
Campaign 91V135000 — check if this car was fixed
THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS MAY HAVE REDUCED SENSITIVITY OF THE LOCK-UP FEATURE AND WOULD NOT FUNCTION IN A SUDDEN DECELERATION OR CRASH.
Campaign 91V206000 — check if this car was fixed
HINGE PIN FAILURE
STICKING THROTTLE
PARK BRAKE HANDLE FAILURE
SEAT BREAKS FROM TRACK
STICKING THROTTLE
FR.SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILS
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Chevrolet Corsica — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V039000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 89V225000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V135000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V206000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica?
The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica 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.