1988 Chevrolet K1500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. 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 C…
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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).
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 K1500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 06E043000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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).
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. 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…
What could happen: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 K1500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07E088000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-890-2075.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: 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.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1988 Chevrolet K1500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (5), Hydraulic (5), Wheels / tires (2), Electrical system (1), Engine (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
04/02/2014 · Electrical system
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 R…
07/26/2005 · Wheels / tires
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…
04/15/2003 · Engine
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE PROBLEMS. *NLM
09/21/2000 · Wheels / tires
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…
03/06/2000 · Brakes
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
02/04/2000 · Brakes
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
07/23/1998 · Brakes
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
04/21/1998 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
HEATER CORE FAILED CAUSING ANTI FREEZE AND FUMES TO LEAK INTO VEHICLE.