MYRModel Year Report

1988 GMC K1500

○ Not enough data
1988 GMC K1500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:50:23.941Z

Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
1

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1 1989: 2 complaints 1990: 4 complaints 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 5 complaints 1993: 12 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1995: 27 complaints 1995 1996: 14 complaints
1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 5 complaints 1992 1993: 12 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 27 complaints 1995 1996: 14 complaints 1996
1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 4 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 5 complaints 1992 1993: 12 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 27 complaints 1995 1996: 14 complaints 1996

1988: 1 complaint

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19830
19840
19853
19860
19870
19881
19892
19904
19913
19925
199312
199420
199527
199614

Known problem areas

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Suspension

1 of 1 total report mentions: suspension, most commonly citing control arm.

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicles has had ball joint failure while driving has complete loss of steering.had to be towed away car undrivable. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-07

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 4 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
    1988-04-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-07-18 Poor braking performance
  3. I
    1988-07-18Engineering analysisClosed 1990-10-31 Poor brake performance
  4. I
    1992-12-08Engineering analysisClosed 1995-03-09 Fuel system integrity
  5. 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 →

  6. R
    2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 GMC K1500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 93V016000 · Power train
  • Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 GMC K1500 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 K1500?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 GMC K1500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.