1988 GMC C2500

○ Not enough data
1988 GMC C2500
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:44:19.227Z

Only 2 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 2 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 C2500 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 0 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaints 1988: 2 complaints 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1991: 4 complaints 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1994: 8 complaints 1995: 8 complaints 1995 1996: 6 complaints 1996
1988: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19830
19840
19850
19860
19871
19882
19896
19905
19914
19923
19935
19948
19958
19966

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

1 of 2 total reports mentions: suspension.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON HWY, AT APPROX. 25MPH, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL DISENGAGED FROM AXLE AND FELL OFF, DUE TO MFR DESIGN FLAW NON-GREASEABLE BALL JOINTS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950509

SUSPENSION

1 of 2 total reports mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING ON HWY, AT APPROX. 25MPH, RIGHT FRONT FAILED. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950509

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19880119 — PE (closed 19880331)

REAR BRK LIGHTS STAY ON

R 19880614 — exterior lighting

REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKE (RWAL) FEATURE COULD BECOME DISABLED BY AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION.

Remedy: INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE HARNESS BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION CONNECTION AND ENGINE WIRE HARNESS.

Campaign 88V081000 — check if this car was fixed

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

R 20071108 — equipment

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. TH

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 GMC C2500 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V081000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 1988 GMC C2500 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 C2500?

The most-reported component is suspension:front:control arm, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 GMC C2500 have?

3 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.