MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford Crown Victoria

▲ Better than typical
1988 Ford Crown Victoria
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:01.907Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
43
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

44% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1987: 42 complaints 1988: 43 complaints 1988 43 1989: 75 complaints 1990: 43 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1992 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2011: 23 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1986 1987: 42 complaints 1988: 43 complaints 1988 43 1989: 75 complaints 1990: 43 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1992 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1994 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1998 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2002 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2006 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2010 2011: 23 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1986 1987: 42 complaints 1988: 43 complaints 1988 43 1989: 75 complaints 1990: 43 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1992 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1994 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1998 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2002 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2006 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2010 2011: 23 complaints

1988: 43 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19812
19823
19835
19846
198521
198627
198742
198843
198975
199043
199156
1992316
1993188
1994198
1995250
1996276
1997288
1998119
1999134
200085
200153
200258
2003249
2004138
2005193
200653
200750
200850
200944
201012
201123

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

44% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1988 Ford Crown Victoria 5.0 liter 302 cubic inch engine (Fuel injected). Second generation (2G) alternator caught on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-03-17

Vehicle parked and suddenly caught on fire. Possibly wiring under the dash.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-28

Notice smoke coming from steering column, dealer replaced the ignition switch. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-12

Seat belts

14% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing anchorage and webbing.

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Vehicle speed control

9% · 4 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Car almost got me killed. The throttle went to the floor and wouldn't let up. To keep from crashing into others was nearly impossible. I had to put the car in neutral and ruin the transmission before the car would stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-09

Power train

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1988-03-30Seat belts88V028000 Automatic retractor for seat belts for dual facing rear seats may be installed in an improper location.

    Remedy: Remove and properly install the right auxiliary seat belts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-09-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-01-03 Engine comp fires
  3. I
    1991-09-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-01-15 Brake line punctures
  4. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Ford Crown Victoria — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V028000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1988 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Ford Crown Victoria is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford Crown Victoria?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Ford Crown Victoria have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.