Defect
THE REAR AXLE RELAY VALVES (ONE PER AXLE) MAY NOT MEET BRAKE RELEASE TIMING REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 121.
Consequence
THE REAR AXLE BRAKES MAY NOT RELEASE IN THE TIMESSPECIFIED BY FMVSS 121.
Remedy
REPLACE THE NONCOMPLYING RELAY VALVES.
1988 GMC Brigadier problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1988 GMC Brigadier — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1988 compare to other Brigadier years?
Does the 1988 GMC Brigadier have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
1988 GMC Brigadier — common questions
Is the 1988 GMC Brigadier reliable?
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Does the 1988 GMC Brigadier have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 GMC Brigadier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1988 GMC Brigadier under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.