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Seat beltsPart report

1988 Ford F-150 Seat belts Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
6%of 139 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the seat belts of the 1988 Ford F-150, 6% of the 139 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.

“If a passenger pulls on the seatbelt to adjust it for comfort, it doesn't retract like it's supposed to and thus, could cause the passenger to be seriously injured in a crash or if the vehicle is braked to a sudden slow-down or stop. In order for the seatbelt to retract, one must open the door to get it to retract. This can be dangerous if the vehicle is moving.”

NHTSA complaint #720705, filed 2000-03

“Passenger seat belt continue to roll itself loose when in use. Passgener has to pull belt tight to prevent it from coming loose. Dealer notified, and replace the retainer clip, but condition reoccurring. Feel free to provide further details.”

NHTSA complaint #864808, filed 2000-07

“While driving vehicle broadsided armour truck, which ran stop sign, totaled the truck, seat belt broke at buckle, driver injured, hitting dashboard and windshield.”

NHTSA complaint #805192, filed 1996-11

Seat belts: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202432%
202320%
202220%
202150%
202030%
201940%
2018161%
2017171%
2016141%
2015261%
201491%
201370%
201230%
201180%
201081%
200931%
2008113%
200761%
200671%
2005202%
2004171%
2003164%
2002506%
2001786%
2000151%
1999252%
1998131%
1997381%
199631%
199561%
199491%
199361%
199251%
199131%
199010%
198921%
198896%
198733%
1986610%
198514%
1984213%

Other parts of the 1988 Ford F-150

Electrical system
49 complaints
Fuel system
28 complaints
Engine cooling
11 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Vehicle speed control
4 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Wheels
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