MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford F150

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford F150
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:01:55.520Z

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: 139 complaints 1988 1989: 210 complaints 1990: 254 complaints 1990
1988: 139 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19803
19812
19825
198310
198413
198528
198661
198789
1988139
1989210
1990254

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.

FIRE DEATH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
STRUCTURE 5%

5% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 5%

5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

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 (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 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:ignition:switch, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford F150 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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