1988 Chevrolet Corsica problems
The Chevrolet Corsica (named after Corsica, France) is a front-wheel drive compact car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1987 until 1996. The Corsica was built upon the L-body platform. It shared the L-body with the 2-door Beretta, and the rebadged revival of the Pontiac Tempest which was essentially the same car, but was only sold in Canada. The Corsica came in two styles and four trims. Sold initially only as a 4-door sedan, it was also available as a 5-door hatchback from model years 1989 until 1991. Corsicas were built alongside the Beretta by both the Wilmington Assembly in Delaware and Linden Assembly in New Jersey.
Year-to-year changes
1987–1989
The Corsica was first sold as a fleet car to rental agencies and large companies in 1987, prior to mainstream release. The Corsica and Beretta were the second best-selling passenger cars in America in calendar year 1988, right behind the Ford Escort. Much of the suspension components were borrowed from the J-body Chevrolet Cavalier, and the chassis was an extension of that of the J-body, but modeled with similar proportions to the N-body. The L-body platform however, was engineered by Chevrolet rather than Oldsmobile. The car was equipped with either the 2.0 L TBI OHV I4 from the Cavalier, or the 2.8 L MPFI OHV V6 from the Chevrolet Celebrity. The base Corsica's door handles were colored silver, while the Corsica LT/LTZ had black-colored handles. Some earlier models had a column shifter with a handbrake between the front seats, an uncommon configuration for most compact cars of the time. A 5-door hatchback model was introduced for 1989, as was an LTZ performance package that included many suspension parts from the Beretta. A rare XT trim included all the performance parts from the LTZ trim as well as a leather interior, special body kit and spoiler package designed for GM by a third party supplier.
1990
The base model Corsica was dropped, leaving the LT and LTZ. Both engines offered were increased in displacement. The Corsica now either used the same 2.2 L 4-cylinder engine and 3-speed automatic transmission as the Cavalier, or the 3.1 L V6 and 3-speed automatic from the Lumina. Minor changes were made to the interior, mostly around the driver controls.
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Common 1988 Chevrolet Corsica problems
The 1988 Chevrolet Corsica, a front-wheel-drive compact sedan, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
- Transmission problems: The Corsica's automatic transmission has been known to have issues, such as slipping, hard shifting, and delayed engagement. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch packs, or a malfunctioning torque converter.
- Heating and cooling system issues: Many Corsica owners have reported problems with the heating and cooling system, such as lukewarm heat or overheating. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, a clogged heater core, or a malfunctioning cooling fan.
- Electrical issues: The Corsica's electrical system has been known to have issues, such as malfunctioning gauges, warning lights, and the ABS light staying on. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors, wiring issues, or a malfunctioning alternator.
- Brake problems: The Corsica's brake system has been known to have issues, such as the brake pedal feeling spongy, the brake warning light staying on, or the brakes not releasing properly. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out brake pads, a malfunctioning brake booster, or a leaking brake master cylinder.
- Suspension and steering issues: The Corsica's suspension and steering system has been known to have issues, such as a loose steering wheel, a noisy steering system, or a rough ride. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out bushings, loose steering components, or a damaged suspension system.
- Fuel system issues: The Corsica's fuel system has been known to have issues, such as the fuel pump not working properly, the fuel pressure regulator malfunctioning, or the fuel filter getting clogged. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out fuel system components, contaminated fuel, or a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator.
- Body and interior issues: The Corsica's body and interior have been known to have issues, such as water leaks, rust, and interior trim falling apart. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to the elements, poor quality materials, or a lack of maintenance.
In summary, the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include engine performance problems, transmission problems, heating and cooling system issues, electrical issues, brake problems, suspension and steering issues, fuel system issues, and body and interior issues. If you own a Corsica, it is important to be aware of these potential problems and to address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
When did they stop making the Chevy Corsica?
1996
GM discontinued the Corsica and the Chevrolet Beretta after the 1996 model year, due to safety standards in 1997 that would have required a total redesign of these cars, and competition from the similarly sized redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier for compact car sales.
How much does a 1996 Chevrolet Corsica weigh?
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Curb Weight | 2745 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.3 inches |
| Towing Capacity, Maximum | 1000 lbs. |
What is the rarest Chevy ever made?
Rare as hen's teeth – the 1969 Nova Yenko SC 427 tops of our list of the rarest Chevrolet muscle cars. Yenko wanted to order the 427 engine in the compact Nova's – but Chevrolet wouldn't allow it for safety reasons.
What replaced the Corsica?
Chevrolet Malibu
Beretta sales steadily declined every year of production as the market turned away from 2-door models. In 1996, Chevrolet ended production of both the Beretta and Corsica after 10 model years. The Corsica was replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997. The last Beretta was assembled on July 30, 1996.
When did they stop making the Chevy Corsica?
1996
GM discontinued the Corsica and the Chevrolet Beretta after the 1996 model year, due to safety standards in 1997 that would have required a total redesign of these cars, and competition from the similarly sized redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier for compact car sales.
How much does a 1996 Chevrolet Corsica weigh?
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
| Curb Weight | 2745 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.3 inches |
| Towing Capacity, Maximum | 1000 lbs. |
What replaced the Corsica?
Chevrolet Malibu
Beretta sales steadily declined every year of production as the market turned away from 2-door models. In 1996, Chevrolet ended production of both the Beretta and Corsica after 10 model years. The Corsica was replaced by the Chevrolet Malibu in 1997. The last Beretta was assembled on July 30, 1996.
What is the rarest Chevy ever made?
Rare as hen's teeth – the 1969 Nova Yenko SC 427 tops of our list of the rarest Chevrolet muscle cars. Yenko wanted to order the 427 engine in the compact Nova's – but Chevrolet wouldn't allow it for safety reasons.
1988 Chevrolet Corsica car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Corsica problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Chevrolet Corsica vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Chevrolet Corsica
The NHTSA has received 82 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Chevrolet Corsica vehicles.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-06
- VIN: 1G1LT5116JY
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: IN 8/98 WE BEGAN TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE A/C. WE HAVE SPENT ALMOST $2000, IN REPAIRS AND IT IS STILL NOT WORKING. WE ARE NOW BEING TOLD IT IS THE COMPRESSOR, EVEN THOUGH WE HAD IT REPLACED IN 8/98, ALONG WITH THE ACCUMULATOR. WE HAVE HAD FAN MOTORS AND FAN BLADES REPLACED. ALSO WE HAD THE EVAPORATOR CLEANED AND SERVICED. WE NO CANNOT AFFORD TO PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. WE JUST SOMEONE TO HELP US WITH OUR PROBLEM. WE LIVE IN FLORIDA AND REALLY NEED THE A/C WHEN IT IS 98DEGREES OUTSIDE!*AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-25
- VIN: 1G1LT511XJY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: LOCK PROBLEMS WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH OR WITHOUT A KEY AND PAINT PROBLEMS ON THE HOOD. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT5117JE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELTS FAILED. NLM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT5117JE
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LATCH AND DOOR LATCHES FAILED. NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT5117JE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SIDE WINDOWS FAULTY. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT5117JE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BLINKER SWITCH FAILED. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT5117JE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION FAILED. NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT5117JE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-15
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN IT RAINS THE VEHICLE IS FLOODED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ONLY. WATER IS COMING IN FROM THE WINDSHIELD, BUT THE DEALER CAN'T FIND OUT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-08
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LATCH FAILED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING DAMAGE TO ROOF AND WINDSHIELD WHEN HOOD OPENED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). MJS
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MECHANISM THAT RETRACTS AND LOCKS THE SEATBELTS IN PLACE, DOES NOT FUNCTION FOR FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDES SEATBELTS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: COMING OUT OF PARKING LOT THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT ON BODY AND TOP OF VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE OXIDIZING. WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR 1990 AND EARLIER MODELS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT5118JY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS AT IDLE AND ON DECELERATION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-16
- VIN: 1G1LT5118JY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION MODULE FAILED TWICE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHUT DOWN IN TRAFFIC. (QCAW)
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT IS PEELING FROM VEHICLE.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: BRACKET HOLDING THE FRONT OF DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: UNSPECIFIED.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-05
- VIN: 1G1AW35K9CR
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-01
- VIN: 1G1LT51W6JY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BECAME LOOSE AND SEPERATED FROM THE SEAT TRACK. THIS WAS CAUSED BY METAL PIECES FALLING OFF. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G1LT5112JY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD LATCH FAILED, CAUSING HOOD TO FLY OPEN/CRACKING WINDSHIELD/ROOF DAMAGE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-20
- VIN: 1G1LT51W9JY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BOOSTER PUSH ROD RETAINER CLIP BROKE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-23
- VIN: 1G1LT5117GE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVNG THE VEHICLE ABOUT (25) MPH THE BELT TENSIONER BRACKET ON THE ENGINE CRACKED AND CAME APART. THE OWNER IS REPLACING PART HIMSELF. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-26
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING SEEMS TO HAVE NO POWER UNTIL IT GETS WARM. IT SEEMS LIKE DRIVING A TRACTOR. *AK *JB
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
- VIN: 1G1LT51W8JY
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: HOOD BUCKLING, AND HOOD LATCH SHAKES WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING, PRIOR TO RECALL.
1988 Chevrolet Corsica recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1988 Chevrolet Corsica.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT RETRACTORS MAY HAVE REDUCED SENSITIVITY OF THE LOCK-UP FEATURE AND WOULD NOT FUNCTION IN A SUDDEN DECELERATION OR CRASH.
- Consequence: FAILURE OF THE SHOULDER BELT RETRACTOR WOULD RESULT INTHE SEAT OCCUPANT ONLY BEING RESTRAINED BY THE LAP BELT IN A CRASH OR SUDDENSTOP, AND AN INCREASED POSSIBILITY OF INJURY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A BENT SECONDARY HOOD LATCH COULD LEAD TO THE PRIMARYLATCH NOT BEING FULLY ENGAGED, ALLOWING THE HOOD TO UNEXPECTEDLY OPEN. IF THISWERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE HOOD MAY CONTACT THEWINDSHIELD, REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OF THE DRIVER AND A VEHICLE CRASHCOULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY, THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY, AND THE SUPPORT BRACKET.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
- Summary: A DOOR HINGE (UPPER OR LOWER) MAY BREAK WHILE OPENING OR CLOSING THE DOOR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO REPOSITION AND CLOSE PROPERLY.
- Consequence: HINGE SEPARATION MAY REDUCE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OFTHE SIDE OF THE CAR AND INCREASE RISK OF INJURY IN CERTAIN TYPES OF ACCIDENTS.
- Remedy: REPLACE DOOR HINGES ON BOTH DOORS.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ADJUSTED RESULTING IN LATCH BECOMING BENT.
- Consequence: A BENT SECONDARY HOOD LATCH COULD CAUSE THE PRIMARYLATCH TO MALFUNCTION. IF THIS OCCURED THE HOOD COULD UNEXPECTEDLY OPEN. IFTHIS HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION REDUCTION OF FORWARD VISIBILITY COULDCAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: INSPECT AND REPLACE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES AS REQUIRED.
Other years of Chevrolet Corsica
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