1988 GMC Suburban
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 4 |
| 1987 | 8 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 17 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 80 |
| 1993 | 213 |
| 1994 | 419 |
| 1995 | 227 |
| 1996 | 172 |
| 1997 | 200 |
| 1998 | 100 |
| 1999 | 285 |
| 2000 | 15 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
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. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960314
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, 20021211
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. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20050728
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.
DEATHShow complaint excerpts
DURING COLLISION CONSUMERS WERE EJECTED FROM VEHICLE. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMERS)
NHTSA ODI report, 19981020
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). *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950511
SAFETY TIMELINE
CRUISE CONTROL
DRIVERS SEAT AND/OR SHOULDER BELT LOCKING MECHANISM MAY NOT OPERATE.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW DRIVERS SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 89V010000 — check if this car was fixed
IMPROPER SPEED CONTROL
INADEQUATE EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD
SEAT BACK FAILURES
SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 GMC Suburban — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 89V010000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V016000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.