1988 Chevrolet Corsica Problems
- Complaints
- 46filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.8L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica. The part named most often is electrical system, with 12 complaints (26% of the total), followed by engine cooling (7) and latches, locks and linkages (7). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Electrical system12 26%
- Engine cooling7 15%
- Seat belts6 13%
- Brakes4 8.7%
- Exterior lighting4 8.7%
- Steering3 6.5%
- Body and structure3 6.5%
Also reported: Equipment (2), Fuel system (2), Seats (2), Other or unknown (1), Suspension (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Latches, locks and linkages: “While driving at about 35mph, the hood of the vehicle flew up and broke the windshield; it also obstructed the driver's view. Driver managed to steer vehicle to side of road. Will be taking to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #817416, filed 1997-09Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Chevrolet Corsica 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corsica FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 32 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Corsica FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Corsica FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Corsica FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Corsica FWD | 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,350 |
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
- 91V206000Nov 26, 1991Seat beltsCovers: Chevrolet Corsica 1988–1990, Beretta 1988–1990
The front shoulder belt retractors may have reduced sensitivity of the lock-up feature and would not function in a sudden deceleration or crash.
- 91V135000Aug 19, 1991Structure › Body › HoodCovers: Chevrolet Corsica 1987–1988, Beretta 1987–1988
Secondary hood latch assembly on these vehicles may not be properly adjusted and could become bent. This will lead to a condition where full primary latch engagement is not attained.
- 89V225000Dec 18, 1989Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachmentsCovers: Chevrolet Corsica 1987–1988, Beretta 1987–1988
A door hinge (upper or lower) may break while opening or closing the door making it difficult to reposition and close properly.
- 88V039000Mar 23, 1988Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Chevrolet Corsica 1987–1988, Beretta 1987–1988
Secondary hood latch assembly may not have been properly adjusted resulting in latch becoming bent.
Recall details for the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Corsica
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 110 | 95,000 | 0 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 102 | 119,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 123 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 100 | 156,427 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 125 | 15,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 108 | — | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 55 | 129,589 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 64 | 96,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 46 | — | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Corsica model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica have?
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 12 complaints (26% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 7.
Has the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 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 Corsica get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica (Corsica, 2.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 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.