Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1988 GMC B6p042 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
A CRACK MAY DEVELOP ADJACENT TO THE FUEL TANK SEAM WELD ATTACHING THE TANK END CAP.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A LEAK OR DRIPPING FROM THE FUELTANK WITH POTENTIAL FIRE HAZZARD.
Remedy
INSTALL LIMITER CUSHIONS ON THE TANK SUPPORT BRACKETS OR REPLACE TANK, IF NECESSARY.
Defect
MELTING OF THE AIR BRAKE LINES CAN OCCUR WHERE THE AIR LINES ROUTE UNDER THE LEFT HAND FRAME RAIL NEAR THE EXHAUST PIPE.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR TOTAL LOSS OF SERVICEBRAKES WITHOUT WARNING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
REROUTE AIR LINE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM; REPLACE HARNESS IF HEAT DETERIORATION HAS OCCURED.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 GMC B6p042. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.