Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1988 Ford F250, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system15
- Service brakes, hydraulic14
- Fuel system, gasoline10
- Power train7
- Structure6
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Tires4
- Exterior lighting3
- Seat belts3
- Suspension2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 3 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
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 PISTONS WITH THE POTENTIAL TO OVERHEAT THE BRAKE FLUID AND DIMINISH BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS DURING SEVERE BRAKING CONDITIONS.
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 F250: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 618602 | CONCERNS WITH THE SIGNAL MIRROR REFLECTIVE SURFACE DETERIORATING OVER TIME, DEVELOPING DARK SPOTS DUE TO CHROME PLATING DELAMINATION. *JB |
| 609538 | FRONT END SHIMMY MAY OCCUR AT VARIOUS DRIVING SPEEDS AND IS USUALLY INDUCED WHEN HITTING BUMPS, SUCH AS LARGE POTHOLES OR ROUGH RAILROAD CROSSINGS. SHIMMY IS NOT ALWAYS VERIFIED DURING ROAD TEST. *AK |
| 605721 | SOME VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP "CAVITATION" EROSION IN THE CYLINDER WALL OF THE ENGINE. *TT |
| 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 |
| 601045 | FRONT CALIPER PISTON BOOTS DAMAGED. *YC |
| 601036 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, IRREGULAR FRONT LINING WEAR, AND BRAKE PULL. *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 |
| 51401 | DIAGNOSTIC GUIDES FOR OUT-OF-WARRANTY VEHICLES TO BE USED AS A MASTER COPY - DIAGNOSTIC GUIDES NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM ADISTRA. *TW |
| 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 |
| 41012 | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LACK OF POWER OR A NO START CONDITION DUE TO AN EXHAUST RESTRICTION. *TW |
| 40086 | LACK OF POWER OR NO START CONDITION MAY BE DUE TO EXHAUST RESTRICTION CAUSED BY A PLUGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND/OR MUFFLER. *TW |
| 39892 | THERE MAY BE A CONCERN OF POOR PERFORMANCE, COOLANT IN THE OIL AND ENGINE KNOCKING AND/OR HYDRAULIC LOCK ON SOME VEHICLES. *TW |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
ALTERNATOR BELT FAILURE
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
SPARE TIRE FIRES
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES
FIRES
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation