Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1988 GMC C35 — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 100% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CRUISE CONTROL CABLE LOCK MECHANISM MAY SELF DISENGAGE CAUSING ERRATIC OPERATION OR THROTTLE NOT RETURNING TO IDLE.
Consequence
ENGINE SPEED WOULD NOT DECREASE; LOSS OF ACCELERATORCONTROL COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
INSTALL A CLAMP AROUND THE LOCK TAB OF CRUISE CONTROL.
Defect
TRUCKS MAY HAVE CRACKED OR BROKEN DOOR STRIKER NUTS, WHICH DO NOT CONFORM TO FMVSS 206.
Consequence
IN A COLLISION, CRACKED OR BROKEN STRIKER NUT COULDALLOW DOOR TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY AND POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
Remedy
REPLACE EXISTING DOOR STRIKER NUTS.
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — 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 C35. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation 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.