1988 Ford F-150 Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1988 Ford F-150 recalls

Most common 1988 Ford F-150 problems

Problem areas named in the 139 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	56
Fuel System, Gasoline	29
Engine And Engine Cooling	13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	10
Power Train	10
Seat Belts	10
Structure	9
Visibility	8
Tires	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4

What owners report

2011-05-31, Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO START AND WOULD SPORADICALLY OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEIR RECORDS ONLY WENT BACK AS FAR AS TEN YEARS AND THEY COULD NOT VERIFY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V071000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO VERIFIED THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE DEALER AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 69,000.

2010-12-14, Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED WHEN SHE BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS SPILLING OUT OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK CHECK VALVE HAD FAILED AND FUEL FROM ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS WAS OVERFLOWING INTO THE SECOND TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

2008-02-14, Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD F150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDERNEATH IT AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE SAME FAILURE FOR THE 1989 MODEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE 1989 MODEL, THEY HAD TO INSTALL TWO FUEL PUMPS IN EACH TANK. THE DEALER ALSO INSTALLED A CHECK VALVE TO STOP THE LEAKAGE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT HIS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A CHECK VALVE, WHICH WAS THE REASON FOR THE FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IT SHOULD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

2005-06-06, Suspension
THE FRAME IS CRACKED ON THE DRIVES' SIDE AROUND THE GEAR BOX AND IN ANOTHER AREA WHICH LEAVES IT VERY UNSTABLE. THE TIRE IS WOBBLY, DODGES AND DARTS AROUND ON THE ROAD. *AK ALL OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. *SC *JB

2004-08-18, Electrical System
VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED. *AK

1988 Ford F-150 questions

Does the 1988 Ford F-150 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 1988 Ford F-150: Electrical System:Ignition; Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford F-150?

Based on 139 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (56), Fuel System, Gasoline (29), Engine And Engine Cooling (13).

How do I check if a recall on my 1988 Ford F-150 has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.