MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-09-16T14:01:58.550Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F150 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1988: 141 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1988: 141 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19812
19825
198310
198413
198528
198661
198789
1988141
1989210
1990254

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 36%

36% of complaints: electrical system — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

ALTERNATOR FIRE ON 1988 FORD F150. *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030522

2ND WIRE HARNESS FIRE ON THIS VEHICLE. 1ST WAS UNDER THE HOOD THE SECOND WAS UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS AT THE DEALER IN NEW PORT RICHEY FLORIDA. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030513

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A HOUR/HALF IN STEERING COLUMN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950126

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 20%

20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing selector devices and tank assembly.

FIRE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
STRUCTURE 7%

7% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.

Show complaint excerpts

FRAME BROKE. *AW

NHTSA ODI report, 19940930

SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19881013 — PE (closed 19890208)

STEERING COLUMN DROPS

R 19881014 — visibility

SLIDING REAR WINDOW MAY CONTAIN GLAZING PANELS WHICH DO NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 205.

Remedy: REPLACE SUSPECT WINDOW PANELS.

Campaign 88V146000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19881207 — PE (closed 19890601)

FIRES

I 19890126 — DP (closed 19890801)

F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES

I 19901127 — PE (closed 19910417)

FORD TRUCK INCONSISTENT VEHICLE CONTROL.

I 19910523 — PE (closed 19911031)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

I 19911030 — EA (closed 19921030)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (51 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (28 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V146000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Ford F150 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 F150?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford F150 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.