1988 Ford F-250 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 18%of 62 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the fuel system of the 1988 Ford F-250, 18% of the 62 complaints for this model year. 1 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.
“Consumer parked vehicle outside front of house; approximately two minutes later was informed of vehicle being on fire. Dealer/manufacturer. Notified and had nothing postive to say. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #838269, filed 1999-06“While driving,the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the rear, the consumer was able to pull over. The consumer noticed that the fuel tank exploded. No injuries. The consumer was able to transfer the fuel to the second tank and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the fuel tank needed replacement. Please fill in additional information. The vehicles engine died as a result of the explosion. The consumer switched tanks and was able to drive to an independent garage. The garage removed the gas tank. Tank was three times the normal size. …”
NHTSA complaint #10096680, filed 2004-10“When the dual frontal tank are full consumer notices fuel leakage coming from the front tank, causing a fire hazard. Consumer has yet to have parts replaced. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #854202, filed 1999-12Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 11 | 8% |
| 2013 | 9 | 9% |
| 2012 | 20 | 8% |
| 2011 | 22 | 9% |
| 2010 | 7 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 17 | 8% |
| 2005 | 19 | 13% |
| 2004 | 19 | 12% |
| 2003 | 13 | 11% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
| 2001 | 4 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% |
| 1999 | 41 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 11% |
| 1997 | 29 | 10% |
| 1996 | 15 | 9% |
| 1995 | 16 | 9% |
| 1994 | 13 | 11% |
| 1993 | 37 | 28% |
| 1992 | 32 | 27% |
| 1991 | 30 | 28% |
| 1990 | 40 | 36% |
| 1989 | 30 | 27% |
| 1988 | 11 | 18% |
| 1987 | 4 | 11% |
| 1986 | 3 | 8% |
| 1985 | 2 | 10% |
| 1984 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford F-250
15 complaintsBrakes
14 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 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