1988 Gmc Suburban problems
The Chevrolet Suburban is a series of SUVs built by Chevrolet since the 1935 model year. The longest-used automobile nameplate in the world, the Chevrolet Suburban is currently in its twelfth generation, introduced for 2021. Beginning life as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, the Suburban is the progenitor of the modern full-size SUV, combining a wagon-style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck. Alongside its Advance Design, Task Force, and C/K predecessors, the Chevrolet Silverado currently shares chassis and mechanical commonality with the Suburban and other trucks.
Traditionally one of the most profitable vehicles sold by General Motors, the Suburban has been marketed through both Chevrolet and GMC for nearly its entire production. Along sharing the Suburban name with Chevrolet, GMC has used several nameplates for the model line; since 2000, the division has marketed it as the GMC Yukon XL. Since 2003, Cadillac has marketed the Suburban as the Cadillac Escalade ESV. During the 1990s, GM Australia marketed right-hand drive Suburbans under the Holden brand.
.The Suburban is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Chile, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Peru, Philippines, and the Middle East (except Israel), while the Yukon XL is sold only in North America (exclusive to the United States, Canada, and Mexico) and the Middle East territories (except Israel).
A 2018 iSeeCars.com study identified the Chevrolet Suburban as the car that is driven the most each year. A 2019 iSeeCars.com study named the Chevrolet Suburban the second-ranked longest-lasting vehicle. In December 2019, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce unveiled a Hollywood Walk of Fame star for the Suburban, noting that the Suburban had been in "1,750 films and TV shows since 1952."
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Common 1988 Gmc Suburban problems
The 1988 GMC Suburban, part of the fourth generation of C/K trucks, is known for its reliability and versatility. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain problems over time. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the 1988 GMC Suburban:
- Idler Arm Wear: The idler arm in the steering system of 1988-1998 GMC Suburbans can deteriorate, causing wear on the pitman arm. This issue is more common when larger tires and a lift are added to the truck. Replacing the idler arm with a beefier version that uses roller bearings instead of bushings can help fix this problem.
- Tie-Rod Endlinks: The factory tie-rod endlinks in GMC Suburbans are small and prone to bending or failing, especially when used with larger tires and rough terrain. Replacing the endlinks with stronger aftermarket components can help prevent this issue.
- Limited-Slip Differential Failure: The Gov-Loc limited-slip differential in some GMC Suburbans may not function consistently. When this happens, replacing it with a full-carrier locker or an open differential carrier is recommended.
- Saggy Doors: The heavy doors in 1988-1998 GMC Suburbans can cause the hinges to wear rapidly, leading to sagging doors. Replacing the hinge-pins and bushings or purchasing new body parts can help fix this problem.
- Intake Gasket Leaks: The intake gaskets in 1988-1998 GMC Suburbans can leak, causing a vacuum leak and affecting the engine's performance. Replacing the intake gasket can help fix this issue.
- Alternator Failure: The alternator in older GMC Suburbans can eventually fail, causing the battery to die and possibly leading to an abnormal noise. This problem typically occurs around 125,000 miles and requires replacing the alternator.
These common issues can help potential buyers or current owners of the 1988 GMC Suburban be aware of potential problems and take preventative measures or seek appropriate repairs.
1988 Gmc Suburban car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Suburban problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Structure problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Gmc Suburban vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Gmc Suburban complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Gmc Suburban.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-26
- VIN: 1GNEV16K6JF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: CONSUMER REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN GETTING GM TO REIMBURSE HER FOR THE DEFECTIVE PARTS INSTALLED IN HER 1988 SUBURBAN.*MR WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATED SEVERELY. *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-05
- VIN: 1GKER16C1JF
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN JUNE AND DIDN'T REALIZE THAT IT HAD TWO ATX TIRES ON IT UNTIL ONE WENT FLAT AND I WENT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE TIRE DEALER SAID THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE WAS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. HE ALSO SAID THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. HOW CAN A RECALL EXPIRE? I DON'T KNOW IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL OR NOT. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE? DT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-16
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER DID NOT SEEM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY ASPECT OF PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER COULD ONLY SAY THAT IT WAS VERY POORLY PRODUCED. THEY COULD ONLY SAY IT WAS DISCONTINUED. CONSUMER WAS WILLING TO PAY FOR THE INSTALLATION & EQUIPMENT. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DURING COLLISION CONSUMERS WERE EJECTED FROM VEHICLE. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMERS)
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-15
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: WHEN JACKING THE TRUCK UP THE GEARS, THE JACK LOCKS UP AND THE JACK WILL NOT LET THE TRUCK DOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-22
- VIN: 1GKGR26K4JF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-07-01
- VIN: 1GKER16K3JF
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FOUR SEAT BELTS IN VEHICLE, NONE OF THE BUCKLES WILL LOCK. *DSH
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-10
- VIN: 1GKEV16K9JF
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BACK ANCHOR BOLT SHEARED OFF PRIOR TO RECALL (93V-187), CAUSING SEAT TO FALL BACKWARDS. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 480470). *SKD
1988 Gmc Suburban recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Gmc Suburban.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: UNANTICIPATED HEAT IN THE TRANSMISSION CAN FORCE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID OUT OF THE VENT TUBE.
- Consequence: THE VENTED TRANSMISSION FLUID CAN CATCH FIRE IF EXPOSEDTO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: INSTALL A LONGER TRANSMISSION VENT HOSE ROUTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT AND/OR SHOULDER BELT LOCKING MECHANISM MAY NOT OPERATE.
- Consequence: IN A CRASH, AFFECTED BELTS WOULD NOT LOCK, THEREBYINCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW DRIVERS SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY.
Other years of Gmc Suburban
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