MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:20:51.160Z

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
141
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 141 1989: 210 complaints 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 141 1989: 210 complaints 1989 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1980: 3 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1981 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 10 complaints 1983 1984: 13 complaints 1984 1985: 28 complaints 1985 1986: 61 complaints 1986 1987: 89 complaints 1987 1988: 141 complaints 1988 141 1989: 210 complaints 1989 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% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIREDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Alternator fire on 1988 Ford F150.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-22

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-13

Vehicle caught on fire after being parked for a hour/half in steering column. Please describe details. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-26

Fuel system, gasoline

20% · 28 reports

Most commonly citing selector devices and tank assembly.

FIRE

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Structure

7% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.

Show complaint excerpts

Frame broke.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-09-30

Service brakes

7% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1988-10-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-02-08 Steering column drops
  2. R
    1988-10-14Visibility88V146000 Sliding rear window may contain glazing panels which do not meet requirements of FMVSS 205.

    Remedy: Replace suspect window panels.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1988-12-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-01 Fires
  4. I
    1989-01-26Defect petitionClosed 1989-08-01 F-series fuel tank fires
  5. I
    1990-11-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-04-17 Ford truck inconsistent vehicle control.
  6. I
    1991-05-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-31 Loss of brake effectivenes
  7. I
    1991-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-30 Loss of brake effectivenes
  8. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Ford F150 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 51 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 28 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V146000 · Visibility
  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.