MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford F Series

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford F Series
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:01:13.217Z

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 F Series Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 1 complaints 1985: 0 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 2 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 16 complaints 1995 1996: 16 complaints 1997: 47 complaints 1998: 20 complaints 1999: 36 complaints 1999 2000: 40 complaints 2001: 44 complaints 2002: 34 complaints 2003: 1 complaints 2003 2004: 7 complaints 2005: 9 complaints 2006: 4 complaints 2007: 4 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaints 2008
1988: 4 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19830
19841
19850
19860
19872
19884
19892
19902
19916
19922
19935
19947
199516
199616
199747
199820
199936
200040
200144
200234
20031
20047
20059
20064
20074
20081

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 4 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC.

NHTSA ODI report, 20131217

SEAT BELTS

1 of 4 total reports mentions: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO STAY ENGAGED.

NHTSA ODI report, 19961029

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

THE TRUCK KEEPS TRYING TO START ON ITS OWN. IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND HIT MY HUSBAND IN THE BACK. THEN HE MOVED FAST OR IT WOULD HAVE RAN OVER HIM. THE TRUCK STILL WOULDN'T QUIT TRYING TO CRANK, SO HE UNDONE THE BATTERY AND IT SHOCKED HIM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20060303

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19890207 — steering

BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET TO THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER MAY LOOSEN, ALLOWING THE FRONT WHEELS TO OSCILLATE WITH FRONT END SHIMMY.

Remedy: INSTALL REDESIGNED FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR TO CROSSMEMBER BRACKET AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE CERTAIN STEERING COMPONENTS.

Campaign 89V009000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19890615 — PE (closed 19891117)

FIREWALL FRACTURE

I 19891205 — PE (closed 19900301)

FIRE IN HEATER/AC PLENUM

I 19940310 — DP (closed 19940425)

DEFECTIVE WIRING

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Ford F Series — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 89V009000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Ford F Series 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 F Series?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford F Series have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.