MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford F250

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford F250
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:02:22.640Z

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. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 10 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 38 complaints 1986 1987: 38 complaints 1988: 62 complaints 1988 1989: 101 complaints 1990: 107 complaints 1990 2005: 0 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 0 complaints 2008
1988: 62 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19820
19831
198410
198521
198638
198738
198862
1989101
1990107
20050
20060
20070
20080

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

TIRES 5%

5% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.

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 service brakes, hydraulic issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (4 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 service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 8% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford F250 have?

3 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.