MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford F250

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford F250
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:44:41.013Z

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 F250 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1981: 1 complaints 1981 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 1 complaints 1983 1984: 10 complaints 1985: 21 complaints 1985 1986: 38 complaints 1987: 38 complaints 1987 1988: 62 complaints 1988 1989: 103 complaints 1989 1990: 108 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 0 complaints 2008
1988: 62 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19820
19831
198410
198521
198638
198738
198862
1989103
1990108
20050
20060
20070
20080

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 29%

29% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1988 FORD F-250'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SHOULDER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20061205

Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

INTERIOR VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY THE ELECTRICAL WIRING CATCHING FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960418

WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM DASH, STOPPED VEHICLE GOT OUT, FLAMES STARTED COMING OVER STEERING COLUMN. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960229

SERVICE BRAKES 23%

23% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 18%

18% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and selector devices.

FIRE
POWER TRAIN 11%

11% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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 19910523 — PE (closed 19911031)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

I 19910620 — PE (closed 19911025)

SPARE TIRE FIRES

I 19911030 — EA (closed 19921030)

LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES

R 19920610 — service brakes, hydraulic

A REVISED BRAKE LINING NOISE INSULATOR RESULTED IN A DECREASE IN THE THERMAL INSULATION BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINING AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON. THIS CAUSED GREATER HEAT TRANSFER TO THE CALIPER PI

Remedy: ADD SNAP-IN INSULATORS THAT ATTACH TO EACH OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS. IN ADDITION, VEHICLES WITH 7.5 L ENGINES WILL HAVE INSULATION ADDED TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BRAKE LINES.

Campaign 92V026000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19930604 — EA (closed 19940729)

ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE

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 F250 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V146000 (visibility) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 92V026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Ford F250 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 F250?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford F250 have?

3 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.