1988 Ford F-150 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 20%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the fuel system of the 1988 Ford F-150, 20% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10218024, filed 2008-02, 89,000 miles“I feel that there should be a recall on all Ford F-150, f-250 & f-350 trucks from 1985 to 1998 with dual fuel tanks. The front gas tank on these vehicles tend to leak after time causing potential hazards of fire & explosions. There are many f series trucks that have this leaking problem & it is highly dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10041138, filed 2003-10“Fuel tank: pumps fluid from one tank to another , leaking through selector valve into other tank. Consumer states when this failure occurred both tanks were full and gas sprayed out the fill spout onto the truck, vehicles from 1989 to 1993 are covered under recall, however this year vehicle is not covered.”
NHTSA complaint #819593, filed 1997-12“Double tank shut off valve failed to operate whenever fuel filled one tank and overflowed to the other tank. Instead of cutting off when full, the tank overflowed and caused fuel to leak. Dealer notified. And will not correct problem unless cost goes to consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #834059, filed 1999-01“Vehicle has dual tanks and gas is coming from front tank filling up the rear tank, and causing gas to spray out of gas cap. The cause is unknown. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #8002250, filed 2002-01Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 6 | 3% |
| 2023 | 10 | 2% |
| 2022 | 92 | 15% |
| 2021 | 94 | 9% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 24 | 2% |
| 2018 | 64 | 3% |
| 2017 | 28 | 2% |
| 2016 | 95 | 5% |
| 2015 | 81 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 5% |
| 2013 | 159 | 5% |
| 2012 | 119 | 7% |
| 2011 | 117 | 5% |
| 2010 | 58 | 7% |
| 2009 | 22 | 7% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 54 | 11% |
| 2006 | 59 | 10% |
| 2005 | 82 | 7% |
| 2004 | 74 | 4% |
| 2003 | 46 | 11% |
| 2002 | 86 | 10% |
| 2001 | 132 | 11% |
| 2000 | 152 | 14% |
| 1999 | 132 | 13% |
| 1998 | 201 | 15% |
| 1997 | 246 | 9% |
| 1996 | 53 | 16% |
| 1995 | 65 | 10% |
| 1994 | 113 | 17% |
| 1993 | 288 | 49% |
| 1992 | 245 | 52% |
| 1991 | 154 | 51% |
| 1990 | 146 | 53% |
| 1989 | 95 | 42% |
| 1988 | 28 | 20% |
| 1987 | 23 | 25% |
| 1986 | 10 | 16% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford F-150
49 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsTires
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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