1988 Ford F Series
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 6 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 |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 3 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 16 |
| 1997 | 47 |
| 1998 | 20 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 44 |
| 2002 | 34 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 6 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and front.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT BECOMES UNLATCHED. THE BUTTON ON THE LATCH SEEMS TO FAIL CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME UNBUCKLED. BUCKLE WILL SEEM TO LOCK BUT WILL UNLOCK WITH A SLIGHT WIGGLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20110823
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BECAME UNLATCHED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *NLM THE SEAT BELT HAS NOT WORKED SINCE THE ORIGINAL FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030519
DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO STAY ENGAGED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19961029
1 of 6 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
1 of 6 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
INJURYShow 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
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
FIREWALL FRACTURE
FIRE IN HEATER/AC PLENUM
DEFECTIVE WIRING
UNDER DASH FIRES
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Ford F Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control 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.
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 seat belts, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Ford F Series have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.