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1988 Chevrolet C20Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1988 Chevrolet C20, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 5 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls5Free fix at dealersOwner complaints32 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 6, 1995. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Chevrolet C20 has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling10
Seat belts10
Structure11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

5 recalls

1988 Chevrolet C20 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 93V-016 · Feb 1, 1993 · 1,702,880 vehicles

Risk. THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 87V-136 · Sep 1, 1987 · 63,196 vehicles

Risk. IF THE HOSE MAKES CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL OR TIRE IT WILLEVENTUALLY WEAR THE HOSE TO A POINT OF RUPTURE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF THEFRONT BRAKES.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Vehicle speed control: linkages

Recall 87V-125 · Aug 10, 1987 · 8,893 vehicles

Risk. ENGINE SPEED WOULD NOT DECREASE; LOSS OF ACCELERATORCONTROL COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Linkages: tie rod assembly

Recall 87V-126 · Aug 10, 1987 · 2,750 vehicles

Risk. LOSS OF ONE OR BOTH NUTS COULD LEAD TO TIE RODDISENGAGING FROM STEERING KNUCKLE RESULTING IN POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERINGCONTROL AND POSSIBLY A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 1 more recall
–no report yet

Doors: latch

Recall 87V-127 · Aug 10, 1987 · 1,521 vehicles

Risk. IN A COLLISION, CRACKED OR BROKEN STRIKER NUT COULDALLOW DOOR TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Best & worst years

1988 vs. every other C20 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C20 median. How we score

'67'70'71'72'74'75'76'77'78'79'80'81'82'83'84'85'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
6 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Chevrolet C20, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HIGH TEMP & FUEL EXPEA88016 · closed Jun 30, 1988
    No recall
  2. BRAKE SYSTEMEA88018 · closed May 31, 1991
    No recall
  3. POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCEEA88035 · closed Oct 31, 1990
    No recall
  4. FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITYEA92041 · closed Mar 9, 1995
    No recall
  5. REAR BRK LIGHTS STAY ONPE88019 · closed Mar 31, 1988
    No recall
  6. POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCEPE88044 · closed Jul 18, 1988
    No recall

Own a 1988 C20?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.