1988 Ford F-250 Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1988 Ford F-250. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Ford F-250 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Reported issue: The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Possible consequence: This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/liningsCovers: Ford F-250 1988–1991, F-350 1988–1991
Reported issue: A revised brake lining noise insulator resulted in a decrease in the thermal insulation between the brake lining and the front brake caliper piston. This caused greater heat transfer to the caliper pistons with the potential to overheat the brake fluid and diminish brake effectiveness during severe braking conditions.
Possible consequence: Increased stopping distances and inablility to holdvehicles on a steep grade results in increased risk of accident in the event ofa sudden stop or when constant braking is needed to maneuver through areas withsteep grades.
Remedy: Add snap-in insulators that attach to each of the front brake caliper pistons. In addition, vehicles with 7.5 l engines will have insulation added to the engine compartment brake lines.
- Visibility › Glass, side/rearCovers: Ford F-250 1988, F-150 1988, F-350 1988
Reported issue: Sliding rear window may contain glazing panels which do not meet requirements of fmvss 205.
Possible consequence: A fractured window may contain fragments that are largerthan the 425 grams allowed.
Remedy: Replace suspect window panels.
NHTSA investigations
- PE91090Spare tire firesClosed · Jun 20, 1991
← 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.