1988 Ford Ford Truck
Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 8 |
| 1991 | 9 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 21 |
| 1996 | 18 |
| 1997 | 34 |
| 1998 | 25 |
| 1999 | 33 |
| 2000 | 25 |
| 2001 | 20 |
| 2002 | 37 |
| 2003 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
AT 3:56 AM MY BROTHER CALLED FROM NEXT DOOR TO TELL ME A VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE. I WENT OUT SIDE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. MY MOM CALLED THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT THEY ARRIVED AT 4:06 AM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000411
IGNITION SWITCH FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 19961114
2 of 7 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing column.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FUEL LINE FIRE. *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960404
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
THROTTLE PLATE JAMS OPEN
INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM'S
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Ford Ford Truck — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1988 Ford Ford Truck 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 Ford Truck?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Ford Ford Truck have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.