1988 Chevrolet K1500 problems

General information about Chevrolet-K1500
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The fourth generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors. Marketed by the Chevrolet and GMC brands from the 1988 to the 2002 model years, this is the final generation of the C/K model line. In a branding change, GMC adopted the GMC Sierra nameplate for all its full-size pickup trucks, leaving the C/K nomenclature exclusive to Chevrolet.

Internally codenamed the GMT400 platform, GM did not give the model line a word moniker (e.g., "Rounded-Line series" for its predecessor). After its production, the model line would informally become known by the public as the "OBS" (Old Body Style), in reference to its GMT800 successor. In starting a different tradition, the model line overlapped production with both its predecessor and successor; the model line again shared body commonality with GM medium-duty commercial trucks.

Over nearly a 14-year production run, the fourth-generation C/K was assembled by GM in multiple facilities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After the 2000 model year, the fourth-generation C/K was discontinued and was replaced by the GMT800 platform (introduced for 1999); the C3500HD heavy-duty chassis cab model remained in production through 2002. In line with the GMC Sierra, Chevrolet subsequently adopted a singular Chevrolet Silverado nameplate for its full-size truck line (which remains in use).

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Common 1988 Chevrolet K1500 problems

The Chevrolet K1500 1988, also known as the fourth generation of the C/K pickup truck, is a reliable and robust vehicle. However, like any other car, it has its share of common problems that owners often encounter. Here are the top five issues based on complaints from owners:

Coolant Leaks or Oil Leaks from Intake Manifold Gaskets: Coolant leaks or oil leaks from intake manifold gaskets can occur, requiring replacement, which can cost approximately $1,000 to have done by a mechanic. Some drivers have reported having to replace motors multiple times due to this issue.

In summary, these are the top five problems that Chevrolet K1500 1988 owners often encounter. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent or mitigate these issues.

What engine was in a 1988 Chevy K1500?

Powertrain details. At its 1988 launch, the fourth-generation C/K pickup trucks shared its five-engine powertrain offering with the R/V series. On 1500- and 2500-series vehicles, a 4.3 L Vortec V6 was standard, with the options of a 5.0 L V8, 5.7 L V8, and a 6.2 L diesel V8.

What is the mpg on a 1988 K1500?

Based on data from 10 vehicles, 199 fuel-ups and 42,138 miles of driving, the 1988 Chevrolet K1500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 10.73 with a 0.42 MPG margin of error.

What does the K stand for in K1500?

Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, "C" denoted two-wheel drive, while "K" denoted four-wheel drive. Four generations of the C/K series were produced, including the GM monikered second-generation "Action Line" and third-generation "Rounded Line" vehicles (colloquially aka Square-Body trucks).

What is the most dependable year of Chevy truck?

Here are some of the most dependable used Chevy pickup trucks:

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes with an EcoTec3 engine that powers all its trims. ...
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. ...
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. ...
2012 Chevrolet Colorado. ...
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche. ...
2016 Chevrolet Colorado.

What engine was in a 1988 Chevy K1500?

Are Chevy 1500 reliable?

When it comes to reliability, the Chevy Silverado has a reputation for being a dependable vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, the Silverado has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five stars.

When did Chevy trucks get bad?

The 2008 model year competes with the 2014 model year as one of the worst ever produced. Due to its frequent engine problems and overuse of oil, which was repair that cost owners over $2,700 to fix, this problem continued onward from the 2007 into the 2009 model years.

What is the gas mileage on a 1988 Chevy 1500?

Based on data from 13 vehicles, 333 fuel-ups and 85,303 miles of driving, the 1988 Chevrolet C1500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.13 with a 0.47 MPG margin of error.

1988 Chevrolet K1500 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet K1500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Tires problems
Electrical system problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Chevrolet K1500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Chevrolet K1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Chevrolet K1500.

2014-04-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2008-01-08
VIN: 2GCEK19K7J1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 CHEVROLET K1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WARMING UP THE VEHICLE, THE KEY SLIPPED OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE REMAINED RUNNING ALTHOUGH THE KEY WAS NO LONGER IN THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,169 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,418. UPDATED 06/17/14*LJ UPDATED 8/8/17*CN

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2005-07-26

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-07-26
Components: TIRES
Summary: ALL FOUR OF MY SEARS GUARDSMAN TRAILHANDLER AP SIZE LT265/75R16 LOAD RANGE C TIRES HAVE SEPERATED. TWO OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE OTHER TWO TIRES WERE VERIFIED BY BIG O TODAY THAT THEY HAVE SEPERATED AND CREATED AIR POKETS IN THE TIRES, AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A HAZARD. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. SEARS TOOK THE FIRST TIRE BACK AND PAID ME FOR THE LIFE LEFT ON THE TRED. THE FIRST TIRE DEFLATED, WHILE THE LAST THREE ARE STILL INFLATED.

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2003-04-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2003-04-15
VIN: PROVIDE
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE PROBLEMS. *NLM

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2000-09-21

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1991-11-08
VIN: 1GCDK14Z3JZ
Components: TIRES
Summary: WHEN WE BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN 1988, THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE FIRESTONES. AT ABOUT 44,000 MILES, I HAD TO REPLACE THEM DUE TO THE PEELING THAT WAS TAKING PLACE. IT HAD PEELED ENOUGH TO EXPOSE A LAYER OF WHITE UNDERNEATH. I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL FIRESTONE SPARE TIRE, WHICH I USED ONLY ONCE. I HAVE HEARD THAT THE PROBLEMS WENT BACK TO 1991, I CONTEST THAT, IT GOES BACK TO 1988. ENCLOSING, I HAD BOUGHT GOODYEARS TO REPLACE THEM, AND THEY LASTED ME 56,000 MILES. FORTUNATE, I DID NOT HAVE A ACCIDENT DUE TO TIRE FAILURE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: LT22575R16 )

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2000-03-06

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1GCDK14KOJ2
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHEN DRIVING AND UPON MAKING A SUDDEN STOP REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, VERY LITTLE BRAKING ABILITY. ALSO EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

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2000-02-04

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-02-03
VIN: 2GCDK14K2J1
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT FEELS SOFT, AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE IS INCREASED. SOMETIMES DRIVER HAS TO STEP ON BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET. *AK

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1998-07-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1988-09-22
VIN: 1GCDK14K7JZ
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, WHENEVER BRAKE ARE USED THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP PROPERLY. THE PEDAL FEELS LIKE IT IS PRESSING DOWN ON RUBBER. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP, AND NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. THIS CONDITION STILL REMAINS IN VEHICLE AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE. *AK

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1998-04-21

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED CAUSING ANTI FREEZE AND FUMES TO LEAK INTO VEHICLE.

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1997-03-25

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1990-05-15
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: BRAKES HAVE PERFORMED POORLY FOR LIFE OF VEHICLE DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

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1996-11-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1GCDK14K7JZ
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHEN APPYING THE ABS BRAKES IN ANY TYPE OF WEATHER, THE VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK CONSUMER STATES BRAKE SYSTEM TAKES TOO LONG TO STOP VEHILCE, MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF PROBLEM BUT THEY REFUSE TO CORRECT IT.*JB

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1988 Chevrolet K1500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Chevrolet K1500.

2007-10-24

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

2006-05-19

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).