1988 Ford F250
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.
- Complaints
- 62
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 6
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
1988: 62 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 38 |
| 1987 | 38 |
| 1988 | 62 |
| 1989 | 103 |
| 1990 | 108 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
29% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
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, 2006-12-05
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Interior vehicle fire caused by the electrical wiring catching fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-18
While driving, noticed smoke coming from dash, stopped vehicle got out, flames started coming over steering column.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-29
Service brakes
23% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel system, gasoline
18% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly and selector devices.
Power train
11% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
Structure
10% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing body and underbody shields.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1988-10-14Visibility88V146000 Sliding rear window may contain glazing panels which do not meet requirements of FMVSS 205.
Remedy: Replace suspect window panels.
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I
1988-12-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-06-01 Fires
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I
1989-01-26Defect petitionClosed 1989-08-01 F-series fuel tank fires
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I
1991-05-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-31 Loss of brake effectivenes
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I
1991-06-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-10-25 Spare tire fires
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I
1991-10-30Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-30 Loss of brake effectivenes
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R
1992-06-10Service brakes, hydraulic92V026000 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…
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.
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I
1993-06-04Engineering analysisClosed 1994-07-29 Alternator belt failure
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R
1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Ford F250 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V146000 · Visibility
- Recall 92V026000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.