1988 Gmc S15 problems

General information about Gmc-S15
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced by Chevrolet. It was the first domestically-built compact pickup of the big three American automakers. When it was first introduced as a "quarter-ton pickup" in 1981 for the 1982 model year, the GMC version was known as the S-15 and later renamed the GMC Sonoma. A high-performance version of the latter was released in 1991, called "Syclone." The pickup was also sold by Isuzu as the Hombre from 1996 through 2000, but only in North America. There was also an SUV version, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer/GMC S-15 Jimmy. An electric version was leased as a fleet vehicle in 1997 and 1998. These models are sometimes internally referred to as the S/T series to denote two and four wheel drive models respectively (similar to the full size Chevrolet C/K trucks) despite all versions being badged with 'S' nomenclature.

In North America, the S-series was replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Isuzu i-Series in 2004.

The S-Series ended production in Brazil in 2012, being replaced by the Chevrolet Colorado, but still with the name S-10.

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Common 1988 Gmc S15 problems

The 1988 GMC S15 is a popular pickup truck that has been known for its reliability and versatility. However, like any other vehicle, it is not immune to certain problems. Here are some of the most common issues that owners of the 1988 GMC S15 have reported:

Distributor Problems: The distributor is a critical component of the engine that provides the spark to the spark plugs. In the 1988 GMC S15, the distributor is located at the front of the engine and is driven by the camshaft. Over time, the distributor can wear out, causing a loss of power or even a no-start condition. The distributor cap and rotor are also prone to wear and tear, and should be replaced periodically to ensure proper operation.
Fuel Pump Problems: The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the gas tank to the engine. In the 1988 GMC S15, the fuel pump is located in the gas tank and is driven by the engine. Over time, the fuel pump can wear out, causing a loss of power or even a no-start condition. The fuel filter should also be replaced periodically to ensure proper operation.
ABS Problems: The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety feature that helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. In the 1988 GMC S15, the ABS system is controlled by a module located near the brake master cylinder. Over time, the ABS module can fail, causing the ABS warning light to illuminate on the dashboard.
Door Handle Problems: The door handles on the 1988 GMC S15 are prone to wear and tear, especially if the vehicle is used frequently. Over time, the door handles can become difficult to operate, or even break off completely.
Heater Control Problems: The heater controls on the 1988 GMC S15 are located on the dashboard and are used to regulate the temperature inside the vehicle. Over time, the heater controls can become difficult to operate, or even fail completely.

In addition to these common problems, the 1988 GMC S15 can also experience issues with the tailgate, which can become difficult to open or close. The engine and transmission are generally reliable, but the axles can be prone to problems, especially if the vehicle is used for towing or hauling heavy loads.

To avoid these problems, it is important to perform regular maintenance on the 1988 GMC S15. This includes changing the oil and filter regularly, replacing the fuel filter periodically, and checking the brakes and tires regularly. It is also important to check the distributor cap and rotor regularly and replace them as needed.

In conclusion, while the 1988 GMC S15 is a reliable and versatile vehicle, it is not immune to certain problems. By performing regular maintenance and addressing any issues promptly, owners can ensure that their vehicle remains in good condition for many years to come.

1988 Gmc S15 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc S15 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Gmc S15 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Gmc S15 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Gmc S15.

1996-12-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
VIN: 1GTCS14R5J2
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: ABS BRAKES, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, IN FOR REPAIRS, NO LEAK AND CONTINUES LOSS OF EFFECTIVENESS. *AK

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1995-07-11

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
VIN: 1GKCS18Z4J8
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT LATCH AND RELEASES ON ITS ON. PLEASE DESCRIBE.

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1988 Gmc S15 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Gmc S15.

2006-05-24

Manufacturer: CK MOTORSPORT, INC.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

2006-03-23

Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.