Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1988 Ford F150, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system49
- Fuel system, gasoline27
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Structure9
- Seat belts9
- Visibility8
- Service brakes, hydraulic8
- Power train8
- Tires5
- Vehicle speed control4
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 4 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
SLIDING REAR WINDOW MAY CONTAIN GLAZING PANELS WHICH DO NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 205.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 1988 Ford F150: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 623988 | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC |
| 623944 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC |
| 618602 | CONCERNS WITH THE SIGNAL MIRROR REFLECTIVE SURFACE DETERIORATING OVER TIME, DEVELOPING DARK SPOTS DUE TO CHROME PLATING DELAMINATION. *JB |
| 613007 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DRIFT OR PULL TO THE LEFT WHILE BRAKING. *TT |
| 612203 | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS |
| 6090087 | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT |
| 6089681 | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT |
| 604059 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC |
| 601312 | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT |
| 601290 | INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC |
| 601269 | ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC |
| 601238 | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC |
| 601010 | RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR TOWING BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES. *TT |
| 51945 | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD |
| 51691 | ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS- FEAD BELT COMES OFF- VEHICLES WITH 4.9L ENGINE. *JD |
| 51689 | FRAME- RIVET REPLACEMENT WITH BOLTS- SERVICE TIPS. *JD |
| 51669 | NOISE- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FRONT FRAME OR SUSPENSION BRACKETS- FRAME- "POPPING/CREAKING"- FASTENER REPLACEMENT. *JD |
| 50997 | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW |
| 50940 | WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW |
| 50908 | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW |
| 50905 | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW |
| 45943 | STEERING GEAR-REPLACEMENT OF BENDIX, STEERING GEAR WITH NEW ROSS STEEERING GEAR. *SD |
| 42085 | UNKNOWN |
| 42080 | UNKNOWN |
| 41029 | KNOCKING NOISE ON INITIAL START-UP. *TW |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
FORD TRUCK INCONSISTENT VEHICLE CONTROL.
F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES
FIRES
STEERING COLUMN DROPS
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation