1988 Chevrolet Silverado Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 20%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Chevrolet Silverado, 20% of the 15 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On april 17th, 2001,I purchased a 1989 chevy gmc for $4,200 after leaving a $100 cash deposit the day before. I paid $3,000 cash and $1,129 in a check. I drove that truck for almost 3 weeks. I kept hearing a rattle. It sounded like the truck was going to throw a rod. I took the truck back to the dealership and told drew the situation. He said he was glad I came and talked directly to him. I saw this 1988 Chevrolet Silverado on his lot. I traded the chevy gmc for the Silverado for and additional $1,600 and paid the difference. This was on may 14, 2001. …”
NHTSA complaint #747265, filed 2001-06“While driving up a hill, another driver saw smoke coming from under consumer's car, consumer got out and vehicle caught on fire. Took vehicle to repair shop, and a mechanic said it was an electrical fire.”
NHTSA complaint #868572, filed 2000-08“While driving the truck caught on fire under the hood area. The entire front end of the truck was burned.the truck was totalled. Owner not sure what caused the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #830067, filed 1998-11Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10 | 8% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 9 | 12% |
| 2014 | 20 | 16% |
| 2013 | 6 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 5 | 7% |
| 2010 | 8 | 13% |
| 2009 | 17 | 22% |
| 2008 | 48 | 30% |
| 2007 | 38 | 21% |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% |
| 2005 | 64 | 20% |
| 2004 | 159 | 26% |
| 2003 | 116 | 17% |
| 2002 | 25 | 4% |
| 2001 | 30 | 3% |
| 2000 | 38 | 3% |
| 1999 | 51 | 3% |
| 1998 | 20 | 7% |
| 1997 | 16 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 12 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
| 1989 | 1 | 5% |
| 1988 | 3 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1988 Chevrolet Silverado
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Chevrolet Silverado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology