1988 Chevrolet S10
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 |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 11 |
| 1986 | 22 |
| 1987 | 27 |
| 1988 | 37 |
| 1989 | 48 |
| 1990 | 29 |
| 1991 | 174 |
| 1992 | 180 |
| 1993 | 233 |
| 1994 | 963 |
| 1995 | 910 |
| 1996 | 665 |
| 1997 | 469 |
| 1998 | 613 |
| 1999 | 231 |
| 2000 | 471 |
| 2001 | 307 |
| 2002 | 213 |
| 2003 | 178 |
| 2004 | 21 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
MASTER CYLINDER FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960425
5% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILURE
THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT LOOSENS AT THE STEERING SHAFT TO STEERING GEAR COUPLING. WITH THIS LOOSENESS, THE YOKE PINCH BOLT CAN WEAR ON THE SPLINES OF THE SHAFT UNTIL THERE IS NO LONGER AN INTE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE THE UPPER AND LOWER BOLTS TO CORRECT SPECIFICATIONS.
Campaign 96V195000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Chevrolet S10 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V195000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Chevrolet S10 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Chevrolet S10 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Chevrolet S10?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, accounting for 8% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet S10 have?
4 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.