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1988 Chevrolet CavalierProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints122 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 1, 2005. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier has problems

12 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
Electrical system31
Steering20
Visibility20
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Exterior lighting10
Suspension10
Wheels10
Seat belts11

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

2 recalls

1988 Chevrolet Cavalier 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.

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 Cavalier 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 Cavalier median. How we score

'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
6 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

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

  1. BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESSEA89010 · closed May 8, 1990
    No recall
  2. BRAKE PERFORMANCEEA90041 · closed Mar 30, 1992
    No recall
  3. STICKING THROTTLEEA92024 · closed Jan 31, 1994
    No recall
  4. POOR BRAKINGPE88085 · closed Jan 17, 1989
    No recall
  5. STOP LAMPSPE89035 · closed May 24, 1989
    No recall
  6. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE93090 · closed Feb 28, 1994
    No recall
In owners' words

What Cavalier owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

PURCHASED A 1988 CHEVROLET CAVALIER FROM E[ILOTOS AUTO SALES 2230 FRANKFORT AVE. PHILA. PA. THE CAR WAS SOLD WITHOUT THE DEALER INFORMING THE BUYER OF THE DEFECTS. THERE WERE MANY....TWO MAIN CRUNCHERS WERE THE BRAKES AND HUDDLED SYSTEMS. THE EMISSION STICKERS WERE DUE. THE DEALER SAID,"HE WOULD…
Complaint 10064146 · Mar 30, 2004
THE ELCTRONIC INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING. *AK CONSUMER STATES THE CLUSTER GOES OUT WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HAS TO PUKK OVER TO WAIT FOR THE CLUSTER TO COME BACK ON, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX PROBLEM, CONSUMER STATES HE HAS ANOTHR VEHICLE THAT HAS THIS SAME…
Complaint 987087 · Jul 19, 1996

Own a 1988 Cavalier?

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