MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford E150

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford E150
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:31:53.820Z

Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford E150 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 9 complaints 1987: 17 complaints 1987 1988: 14 complaints 1988 1989: 30 complaints 1990: 15 complaints 1990 1997: 0 complaints 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2006: 1 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 0 complaints 2009: 0 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012 2013: 0 complaints 2013
1988: 14 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19823
19831
19843
19853
19869
198717
198814
198930
199015
19970
19980
19990
20000
20040
20061
20070
20080
20090
20100
20110
20120
20130

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, LIGHTS KEPT ON FLICKERING, STOPPED, NOTICED SMOKE UNDER HOOD, CHECKED UNDER HOOD AND NOTICED FLAMES, PARTS STORE EMPLOYEE INFORMED DRIVER IT WAS ALTERNATOR, DID NOT GO TO DEALER. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ODI report, 19961213

STOPPED AT GAS STATION AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD,AFTER OPENING THE HOOD, CONSUMER SAW FIRE FLAMES AND THEN THREW WATER ON IT TO PUT IT OUT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960507

WIRING IN REAR OF VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950615

TIRES

2 of 14 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 of 14 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and tank assembly.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 14 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.

STRUCTURE

1 of 14 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 19910523 — PE (closed 19911031)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

I 19911030 — EA (closed 19921030)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Ford E150 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Ford E150 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford E150?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford E150 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.