1988 Chevrolet Corvette
Only 16 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 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 16 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1984 | 14 |
| 1985 | 16 |
| 1986 | 15 |
| 1987 | 21 |
| 1988 | 16 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 34 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 22 |
| 1994 | 29 |
| 1995 | 32 |
| 1996 | 44 |
| 1997 | 153 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 308 |
| 2000 | 278 |
| 2001 | 205 |
| 2002 | 157 |
| 2003 | 85 |
| 2004 | 217 |
| 2005 | 533 |
| 2006 | 365 |
| 2007 | 341 |
| 2008 | 541 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2011 | 85 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 82 |
| 2014 | 63 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2016 | 105 |
| 2017 | 257 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 148 |
| 2020 | 34 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
8 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
the seatbelts on my vehicle will not retract leaving the seatbelt loose on the occupants resulting a injuries if the vehicle were to be involved in a collision, I have contacted GM, they have refused to fix the vehicle due to its age.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-27
In June 2020 my mechanic ran a recall check while performing my inspection. It showed 2 outstanding recalls for left and right seat belt retractor failures. I called 3 local Chevy dealers to set up a repair, and no one wanted to touch the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-06-07
Contacted the manufacturer on the open seat belt recall. They stated they no longer make the seat belt and I am on my own to fix the recall. Seat belts are failing as per the recall and are no longer safe to operate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-16
Electrical system
4 of 16 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Alternator failed repeatedly, causing vehicle to stall/loss of electrical power. Also, ABS brakes failed.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-17
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Service brakes
3 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Seats
2 of 16 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing power adjust.
Show complaint excerpts
Problems with oil leaks, driver seat was broken and electric antenna stopped working.*mr three weeks after having purchased the car the transmission went out as well. The consumer had to pay $2500.00 for a new transmission.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-06
Also filed under Power train and engine and engine cooling
Power seat failure, overheating and causing electrical short due a faulty wiring harness under the seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-09-24
Power train
2 of 16 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1988-02-22Wheels88V017000 Missing weld that attaches wheel center to the rim could allow wheel center to separate from the rim.
Remedy: Replace wheels with missing welds.
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I
1990-01-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-22 Tie rod socket failure
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R
1990-03-14Suspension90V032000 Rear wheel tie rod assembly may fatigue and could fracture at the inboard bearing due to high inner joint rocking torque.
Remedy: Replace faulty tie rod assemblies.
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R
1991-10-25Seat belts91V143000 Under certain vehicle operations and occupant usage conditions, the safety belts can lockup or jam in the safety belt retractor.
Remedy: Replace the safety belts if the lockup occurs.
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I
1992-01-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-01-29 Throttle sticking
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I
1996-05-14Defect petitionClosed 1996-10-18 Brake pull
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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).
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R
2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above.…
Remedy: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Chevrolet Corvette — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V017000 · Wheels
- Recall 90V032000 · Suspension
- Recall 91V143000 · Seat belts
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 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 Corvette?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 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.