1988 Ford E150
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 17 |
| 1988 | 14 |
| 1989 | 30 |
| 1990 | 15 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 14 total reports mention: tires.
2 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system.
2 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow 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
1 of 14 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: structure.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Ford E150 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
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 tires:tread/belt, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Ford E150 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.