MYRModel Year Report

1988 Toyota Corolla

○ Not enough data
1988 Toyota Corolla
RENDERED 2026-09-16T04:37:01.410Z

Only 26 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 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Corolla Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 26 complaints 1988 1989: 23 complaints 1990: 27 complaints 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 65 complaints 1992 1993: 134 complaints 1994: 184 complaints 1995: 176 complaints 1996: 129 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 155 complaints 2000: 145 complaints 2001: 133 complaints 2002: 117 complaints 2003: 720 complaints 2004: 477 complaints 2004 2005: 853 complaints 2006: 839 complaints 2007: 836 complaints 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 1459 complaints 2010: 1244 complaints 2010 2011: 584 complaints 2012: 445 complaints 2013: 201 complaints 2014: 268 complaints 2015: 219 complaints 2016: 214 complaints 2016 2017: 178 complaints 2018: 133 complaints 2019: 201 complaints 2020: 304 complaints 2021: 185 complaints 2022: 98 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 63 complaints 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 15 complaints 2026
1988: 26 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19813
19825
19831
19846
19853
19863
198714
198826
198923
199027
199173
199265
1993134
1994184
1995176
1996129
1997135
1998225
1999155
2000145
2001133
2002117
2003720
2004477
2005853
2006839
2007836
2008314
20091459
20101244
2011584
2012445
2013201
2014268
2015219
2016214
2017178
2018133
2019201
2020304
2021185
202298
202373
202463
202531
202615

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEAT BELTS

7 of 26 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage and webbing.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVERS SHOULDER BELT DID NOT RETRACT INTO HOUSING. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950907

DT: 88 TOYOTA, SAFETY BELT PLASTIC COVER CAME OFF ON DRIVERS' SIDE ,AND WHEN CLIPPED IT WON'T COME OFF UNLESS CONSUMER JABBED A SHARP OBJECT INTO IT TO GET IT TO OPEN. ( IT TAKES ABOUT 2 MINUTES). *AK *SB *NM

NHTSA ODI report, 20050509

SEATS

4 of 26 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner and head restraint.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1988 TOYOTA COROLLA ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0051-91 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10 *BF

NHTSA ODI report, 20100218

STRUCTURE

3 of 26 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing bumpers.

INJURY
POWER TRAIN

3 of 26 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20100315 — suspension

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE

Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Campaign 10E002000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2025 ▲ 2024 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ■ 2010 ■ 2005

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Toyota Corolla have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.