MYRModel Year Report

1988 Ford F350

○ Not enough data
1988 Ford F350
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:18:51.657Z

Only 29 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford F350 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaints 1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 14 complaints 1986 1987: 8 complaints 1988: 29 complaints 1988 1989: 40 complaints 1990: 39 complaints 1990 2005: 0 complaints 2006: 0 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2008: 0 complaints 2008
1988: 29 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19812
19820
19831
19842
19854
198614
19878
198829
198940
199039
20050
20060
20070
20080

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.

CRASH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 29 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. REASONS UNKNOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960304

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. REASONS UNKNOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960304

WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. REASONS UNKNOWN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960304

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
TIRES

2 of 29 total reports mention: tires.

CRASH INJURY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 of 29 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880204 — suspension

STEERING/SUSPENSION SYSTEMS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY CONTROL STEERING TYPE WOBBLE ALLOWING THE FRONT END TO SHIMMY.

Remedy: MODIFY AND/OR REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS, TIRES, AND FRAMES.

Campaign 88V015000 — check if this car was fixed

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 19881103 — PE (closed 19890419)

POWER LOSS

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

I 19940125 — PE (closed 19940429)

HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE CRACKS/LEAKS

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 F350 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 88V015000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • 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 F350 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 F350?

The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Ford F350 have?

4 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.