MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford Explorer

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford Explorer
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:24:58.860Z

Only 4 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 4 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 Explorer Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 609 complaints 1992: 633 complaints 1993: 939 complaints 1994: 1207 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1450 complaints 1996 1997: 1731 complaints 1998: 1959 complaints 1999: 1348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3293 complaints 2002 2003: 1131 complaints 2004: 1304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 147 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1192 complaints 2012: 820 complaints 2013: 2222 complaints 2014: 1669 complaints 2014 2015: 1748 complaints 2016: 2424 complaints 2017: 1656 complaints 2018: 706 complaints 2019: 281 complaints 2020: 1155 complaints 2020 2021: 393 complaints 2022: 242 complaints 2023: 99 complaints 2024: 19 complaints 2025: 87 complaints 2026: 16 complaints 2026
1988: 4 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991609
1992633
1993939
19941207
1995843
19961450
19971731
19981959
19991348
2000952
2001375
20023293
20031131
20041304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008147
200933
2010115
20111192
2012820
20132222
20141669
20151748
20162424
20171656
2018706
2019281
20201155
2021393
2022242
202399
202419
202587
202616

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 4 total reports mention: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

INCOMPLETE IGNITION RECALL REPAIR DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970527

TIRES

1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.

SUSPENSION

1 of 4 total reports mentions: suspension.

STEERING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

POWER STEERING FAILED.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970527

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 19920316 — PE (closed 19920831)

WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2025 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2016 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 Ford Explorer 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 Explorer?

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

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford Explorer 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.