MYRModel Year Report

1988 Chevrolet Nova

○ Not enough data
1988 Chevrolet Nova
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:17:51.093Z

Only 11 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 11 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 Nova Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 15 complaints 1987 1988: 11 complaints 1988 1990: 1 complaints 1990
1988: 11 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19864
198715
198811
19901

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEAT BELTS

3 of 11 total reports mention: seat belts.

POWER TRAIN

3 of 11 total reports mention: power train.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE IN PARK, KILLING OWNER. *DSH

NHTSA ODI report, 19960307

VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE IN PARK, KILLING OWNER. *DSH

NHTSA ODI report, 19960307

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TAIL LIGHTS' WIRING HARNESS BURNED OUT/MELTED, RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970106

TIRES

1 of 11 total reports mentions: tires.

SEATS

1 of 11 total reports mentions: seats.

CRASH INJURY DEATH

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Chevrolet Nova — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Chevrolet Nova 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 Nova?

The most-reported component is seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet Nova have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.