1988 Ford E-150 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 50%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Ford E-150, 50% of the 14 complaints for this model year. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #734100, filed 2000-10“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”
NHTSA complaint #731667, filed 2000-09“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.”
NHTSA complaint #806348, filed 1996-12“Stopped at gas station and saw smoke coming from under hood,after opening the hood, consumer saw fire flames and then threw water on it to put it out.”
NHTSA complaint #984155, filed 1996-05Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 2 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 19% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 7 | 19% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 8 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 17% |
| 1995 | 3 | 4% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 4 | 27% |
| 1989 | 11 | 35% |
| 1988 | 7 | 50% |
| 1987 | 8 | 47% |
| 1986 | 4 | 44% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford E-150
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford E-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology