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
- 14
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 14 complaints
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.
Electrical system
7 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-13
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-05-07
Wiring in rear of vehicle caught fire from left rear tail light.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-15
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.
0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1991-05-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-31 Loss of brake effectivenes
-
I
1991-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-30 Loss of brake effectivenes
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Ford E150 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 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 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.