MYRModel Year Report

1988 GMC C1500

○ Not enough data
1988 GMC C1500
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:36:09.253Z

Only 6 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 6 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, GMC C1500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1988 1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 7 complaints 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 17 complaints 1993: 21 complaints 1993 1994: 25 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1995 1996: 15 complaints 1996
1988: 6 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19830
19840
19851
19860
19870
19886
19894
19907
19915
199217
199321
199425
199532
199615

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON DECEMBER 4, 1999, WHILE FUELING THE TRUCK FLAMES STARTED COMING OUT OF THE FILL SPOUT AREA RESULTING IN TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE TRUCK AND SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE GAS STATION.

NHTSA ODI report, 19991206

SERVICE BRAKES

2 of 6 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

TIRES

1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing temporary/emergency spare tire.

Show complaint excerpts

MISSING SPARE TIRE FROM THE MOUNTING UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950320

SUSPENSION

1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing lower ball joint.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 35MPH, SUDDENLY THE PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL DETACHED FROM AXLE, NO PRIOR WARNING, DUE TO LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950316

STEERING

1 of 6 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing linkages.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19880119 — PE (closed 19880331)

REAR BRK LIGHTS STAY ON

I 19921208 — EA (closed 19950309)

FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY

R 19930313 — power train

UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.

Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.

Campaign 93V016000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 GMC C1500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 GMC C1500 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 GMC C1500?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 GMC C1500 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.