1988 Ford E-150 Recalls
No NHTSA recalls on record for the 1988 Ford E-150. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Complaints by component
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.
“Could this be the same ignition module that they are concerned with in california? While no one was injured when my ignition module failed, it cost my company $453.46 to have the van towed and repaired. This is in addition to about $900.00 in lost revenues for that van.”
“While driving, vehicle started shaking.then felt a bump under vehicle, and vehicle shook harder. Found out that right rear tire experienced tread separation. Triumph radio 2000 p235/75 r15. *ak dot hyhlt28046, tire failure caused damage to vehicle. *slc”
“Two of the firestone fr480 tires experienced tread separation and air loss. *mjs”
“While driving the engine cut off completely,was going 35mph , had a very difficult time in controlling steering and operating power brakes . Van would not restart ,had a pull in. Diagnostic test at ford dealer indicated vehicle needed a new ignition module”
“Bottom of whindshield wiper on driver's side is corroded and, water could get inside of vehicle through that corroded part.*ak”
“While driving, lights kept on flickering, stopped, noticed smoke under hood, checked under hood and noticed flames, parts store employee informed driver it was alternator, did not go to dealer. *ak *slc”
“When starting the vehicle it idles okay then as putting it into gear its rpms seem to jump. After about 10 seconds it calms down. *ak”
“Alternator failed four times. *dh”
Defect investigations
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
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LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
There is no summary currently available
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1988 Ford E-150 as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.