1988 GMC Suburban
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Suburban › 1988
These records cover every 1988 GMC Suburban. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1988 GMC Suburban. Newest first.
Unanticipated heat in the transmission can force the transmission fluid out of the vent tube.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Drivers seat and/or shoulder belt locking mechanism may not operate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
8 complaints2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
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
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…
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 › Front › Webbing
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
During collision consumers were ejected from vehicle. (Attorney for consumers)
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Intermittent stalling. *Sd
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift
When jacking the truck up the gears, the jack locks up and the jack will not let the truck down. Please describe. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Four seat belts in vehicle, none of the buckles will lock. *Dsh
- Seats
Driver's seat back anchor bolt sheared off prior to recall (93v-187), causing seat to fall backwards. (Other vehicle on 480470). *skd
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat back bolt breakage
There is no summary currently available
- Seat back failures
There is no summary currently available
- Inadequate exhaust heat shield
Inadequate exhaust heat shield
- Improper speed control
There is no summary currently available
- Cruise control
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Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 39070New cast iron exhaust manifold and stainless steel gasket to correct engine noise condition.
Every GMC Suburban model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.