1988 Chevrolet K1500
Only 10 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 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 10 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1993 | 22 |
| 1994 | 100 |
| 1995 | 118 |
| 1996 | 94 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
2 of 10 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
ALL FOUR OF MY SEARS GUARDSMAN TRAILHANDLER AP SIZE LT265/75R16 LOAD RANGE C TIRES HAVE SEPERATED. TWO OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050726
1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Show complaint excerpts
HEATER CORE FAILED CAUSING ANTI FREEZE AND FUMES TO LEAK INTO VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980518
1 of 10 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE PROBLEMS. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030415
1 of 10 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 CHEVROLET K1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WARMING UP THE VEHICLE, THE KEY SLIPPED OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING ALTHOUGH THE KEY WAS NO LONGER IN THE IGNITION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140402
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Chevrolet K1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1988 Chevrolet K1500 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 K1500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet K1500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.