1988 Chevrolet C10 Problems
- Complaints
- 7filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Chevrolet C10 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1988 Chevrolet C10. The part named most often is brakes, with 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by engine cooling (2) and steering (1). Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and 5 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes3 43%
- Engine cooling2 29%
- Steering1 14%
- Suspension1 14%
Example complaints
Brakes: “Problem in 1988 with the ABS brake indicator light coming on and the truck was hard to stop. Several repair calls at the dealer. At present the brake light stays on and it almost impossible to stop when driving at 40mph within a normal distance. The brakes is and has been a safety hazard on this truck. I need help.”
NHTSA complaint #708926, filed 1999-07Engine cooling: “Heater line fitting corroded, snapped of at base. Leaked coolant. Contacted local dealer who said it was a common failure part. Old fitting was aluminum and appeared to be a bad casting”
NHTSA complaint #721216, filed 2000-04Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Chevrolet C10 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed manual | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 13 | 15 | 14 | $4,800 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 12 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $5,050 |
| C10 Pickup 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl · diesel | 4-speed manual | 18 | 20 | 19 | $5,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 93V016000Feb 1, 1993Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Chevrolet C10 1988–1993, C20 1988–1993, GMC C1500 1988–1993 +11 more
Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
- 87V136000Sep 1, 1987Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Chevrolet C10 1988, C20 1988, GMC C15 1988 +1 more
Right and left hand brake hose may contact the wheel or tire in a full turn.
- 87V125000Aug 10, 1987Vehicle speed control › LinkagesCovers: Chevrolet C10 1988, GMC C35 1988, Chevrolet C20 1988 +9 more
Cruise control cable lock mechanism may self disengage causing erratic operation or throttle not returning to idle.
- 87V126000Aug 10, 1987Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assemblyCovers: Chevrolet C10 1988, C20 1988, GMC K15 1988 +5 more
One or both of outer tie rod nuts may be loose and not crimped.
- 87V127000Aug 10, 1987Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Chevrolet C10 1988, GMC C35 1988, Chevrolet C20 1988 +9 more
Trucks may have cracked or broken door striker nuts, which do not conform to fmvss 206.
Recall details for the 1988 Chevrolet C10 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA92041Fuel system integrityClosed · Dec 8, 1992
- EA89015Brake backing platesClosed · Feb 23, 1989
- PE88109Loose rear brk backing bltClosed · Sep 28, 1988
- EA88035Poor brake performanceClosed · Jul 18, 1988
- PE88044Poor braking performanceClosed · Apr 11, 1988
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Chevrolet C10.
Other model years of the Chevrolet C10
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 7 | — | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 16 | 134,650 | 6 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1995 | 40 | 73,810 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 20 | 80,000 | 11 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 9 | 50,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 9 | — | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 5 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 7 | — | 5 | — | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Chevrolet C10 have?
NHTSA recorded 7 consumer complaints for the 1988 Chevrolet C10 as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Chevrolet C10 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 3 complaints (43% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 2.
Has the 1988 Chevrolet C10 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Chevrolet C10 get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Chevrolet C10 (C10 Pickup 2WD, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.