MYRModel Year Report

1988 GMC Suburban

○ Not enough data
1988 GMC Suburban
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:50:16.465Z

Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
8

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 4 complaints 1987: 8 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1988 8 1989: 17 complaints 1990: 22 complaints 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 80 complaints 1992 1993: 213 complaints 1994: 419 complaints 1995: 227 complaints 1995 1996: 172 complaints 1997: 200 complaints 1998: 100 complaints 1998 1999: 285 complaints 2000: 15 complaints 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 5 complaints 2004: 1 complaint 2004
1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 4 complaints 1987: 8 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1988 8 1989: 17 complaints 1990: 22 complaints 1991: 31 complaints 1991 1992: 80 complaints 1993: 213 complaints 1993 1994: 419 complaints 1995: 227 complaints 1995 1996: 172 complaints 1997: 200 complaints 1997 1998: 100 complaints 1999: 285 complaints 1999 2000: 15 complaints 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 5 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint
1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 4 complaints 1986 1987: 8 complaints 1987 1988: 8 complaints 1988 8 1989: 17 complaints 1989 1990: 22 complaints 1990 1991: 31 complaints 1991 1992: 80 complaints 1992 1993: 213 complaints 1993 1994: 419 complaints 1994 1995: 227 complaints 1995 1996: 172 complaints 1996 1997: 200 complaints 1997 1998: 100 complaints 1998 1999: 285 complaints 1999 2000: 15 complaints 2000 2001: 5 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2002 2003: 5 complaints 2003 2004: 1 complaint 2004

1988: 8 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19810
19820
19832
19845
19853
19864
19878
19888
198917
199022
199131
199280
1993213
1994419
1995227
1996172
1997200
1998100
1999285
200015
20015
20027
20035
20041

Known problem areas

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seat belts

2 of 8 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing webbing and buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Four seat belts in vehicle, none of the buckles will lock.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-14

Tires

1 of 8 total reports mentions: tires.

Show complaint excerpts

I just bought the vehicle in June and didn't realize that it had two atx tires on it until one went flat and I went to have it repaired. The tire dealer said the tread had separated and the tire was unsafe and should be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-11

Suspension

1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension.

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer request assistance in getting GM to reimburse her for the defective parts installed in her 1988 Suburban.*mr while driving 60 MPH the vehicle vibrated severely.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-07-28

Structure

1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.

DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

During collision consumers were ejected from vehicle. (Attorney for consumers)

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-20

Seats

1 of 8 total reports mentions: seats.

Show complaint excerpts

Driver's seat back anchor bolt sheared off prior to recall (93V-187), causing seat to fall backwards. (Other vehicle on 480470).

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-11

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1989-03-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-05 Cruise control
  2. R
    1989-03-08Seat belts89V010000 Drivers seat and/or shoulder belt locking mechanism may not operate.

    Remedy: Install a new drivers seat belt assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1989-12-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-04-09 Improper speed control
  4. I
    1990-08-24Defect petitionClosed 1990-12-21 Inadequate exhaust heat shield
  5. I
    1992-03-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-06-24 Seat back failures
  6. I
    1992-06-24Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-19 Seat back bolt breakage
  7. 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 Suburban — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 89V010000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 93V016000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1988 GMC Suburban 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 Suburban?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 GMC Suburban 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.