1988 Ford F-250 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 24%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Ford F-250, 24% of the 62 complaints for this model year. 7 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1988 Ford F-250's engine compartment caught on fire. While driving the consumer noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The consumer pulled the vehicle onto the shoulder. That's when the consumer noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The consumer attempted to put the fire out but was not successful.”
NHTSA complaint #10175391, filed 2006-12“Owner had recall work done on ignition switch and brakes on june 22,1998 (recall # 92v026000, 96v071000). 6 days later, owner was driving vehicle and smelled smoke, soon after brake loss and ignition switch failure occurred; vehicle would not shut off. The parts that were worked on failed, but Ford denies responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #824904, filed 1999-01“When driving at any speed without prior warning vehicle cut off/ engine die out completely. Consumer has contacted dealer , dealer was unable to determine the cause of the problem. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #873259, filed 2000-10“The vehicle was parked while consumer was inside the house, when he come out the vehicle was on fire, according to cnsumer, the fire started in the engine under the hood, the engine melted.”
NHTSA complaint #816913, filed 1997-10Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford F-250 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 18 | 7% |
| 2011 | 11 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 12 | 6% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 18 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 36 | 23% |
| 2003 | 13 | 11% |
| 2002 | 14 | 9% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 24 | 7% |
| 1999 | 25 | 4% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 19 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 6% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 8% |
| 1991 | 15 | 14% |
| 1990 | 14 | 13% |
| 1989 | 20 | 18% |
| 1988 | 15 | 24% |
| 1987 | 11 | 29% |
| 1986 | 13 | 34% |
| 1985 | 6 | 29% |
| 1984 | 5 | 50% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford F-250
14 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford F-250
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