MYRModel Year Report

1988 GMC C1500

○ Not enough data
1988 GMC C1500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:37.177Z

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
6

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 6 complaints 1988 6 1989: 4 complaints 1990: 7 complaints 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 17 complaints 1993: 21 complaints 1993 1994: 25 complaints 1995: 32 complaints 1995 1996: 15 complaints
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1988 6 1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 7 complaints 1990 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 17 complaints 1992 1993: 21 complaints 1993 1994: 25 complaints 1994 1995: 32 complaints 1995 1996: 15 complaints 1996
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 6 complaints 1988 6 1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 7 complaints 1990 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1992: 17 complaints 1992 1993: 21 complaints 1993 1994: 25 complaints 1994 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.

FIREINJURY
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, 1999-12-06

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, 1995-03-20

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, 1995-03-16

Steering

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

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1988-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-31 Rear brk lights stay on
  2. I
    1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
  3. R
    1993-03-13Power train93V016000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 GMC C1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 93V016000 · Power train
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.