1988 Chevrolet Silverado
Only 15 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 15 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 |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 15 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 69 |
| 1994 | 210 |
| 1995 | 263 |
| 1996 | 186 |
| 1997 | 272 |
| 1998 | 279 |
| 1999 | 1660 |
| 2000 | 1305 |
| 2001 | 877 |
| 2002 | 710 |
| 2003 | 695 |
| 2004 | 622 |
| 2005 | 316 |
| 2006 | 182 |
| 2007 | 183 |
| 2008 | 162 |
| 2009 | 76 |
| 2010 | 62 |
| 2011 | 75 |
| 2012 | 68 |
| 2013 | 64 |
| 2014 | 124 |
| 2015 | 76 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 125 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 15 total reports mention: tires.
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 15 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
2 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL, ANOTHER DRIVER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER CONSUMER'S CAR, CONSUMER GOT OUT AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP, AND A MECHANIC SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000824
WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK WAS BURNED.THE TRUCK WAS TOTALLED. OWNER NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981104
1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Chevrolet Silverado — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Silverado?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet Silverado 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.