1988 GMC Sierra
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 16 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 72 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 261 |
| 1996 | 246 |
| 1997 | 238 |
| 1998 | 190 |
| 1999 | 600 |
| 2000 | 443 |
| 2001 | 264 |
| 2002 | 249 |
| 2003 | 206 |
| 2004 | 188 |
| 2005 | 117 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 59 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 37 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2013 | 39 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 53 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 61 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 6 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE, . AFTER PULLING OVER AND EXITING THE VEHICLE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040810
1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 6 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
ALIGNMENT KIT AND ADJUSTMENTS WERE NOT INSTALLED ON VEHICLE AT TIME OF PURCHASE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981130
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY BECOME HARD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE BRAKES, THEY CANNOT BE REPAIRED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19971223
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION COOLING UNIT AND LINES MALFUCTIONED, CAUSING A LEAK IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH SPRAYED TRANSMISSION FLUID ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, CAUSING A FIRE. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990217
SAFETY TIMELINE
W-CAR HINGE PIN FAILURE
SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE N
Campaign 93V119000 — check if this car was fixed
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V119000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 GMC Sierra 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 Sierra?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 GMC Sierra have?
2 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.