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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1988 GMC Sierra Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
1about this part
Share
17%of 6 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1988 GMC Sierra, 17% of the 6 complaints for this model year. 1 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.

“While driving transmission cooling unit and lines malfuctioned, causing a leak in the transmission, which sprayed transmission fluid onto the exhaust manifold, causing a fire. Dealer cannot determine problem. Please provide details.”

NHTSA complaint #827161, filed 1998-08

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20172338%
2015611%
20141010%
2013513%
201227%
2011614%
201013%
200823%
200747%
200624%
2005119%
20041810%
20032914%
2002187%
2001145%
2000266%
1999376%
1998158%
19972812%
19962410%
1995125%
199463%
19931014%
199227%
1990211%
1988117%

Other parts of the 1988 GMC Sierra

Tires
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1988 GMC Sierra

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology