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
- 6
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 6 complaints
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.
Tires
2 of 6 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving consumer heard a noise, . After pulling over and exiting the vehicle it was discovered that tire tread separated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-10
Vehicle speed control
1 of 6 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.
Suspension
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, 1998-11-30
Service brakes
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing cooling unit and lines.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-17
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1991-10-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-12-05 W-car hinge pin failure
-
R
1993-11-08Service brakes, hydraulic93V119000 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…
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R
2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 93V119000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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, 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.