1988 Ford F-350 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 31%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Ford F-350, 31% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Driver's side seat belt latch would no longer lock or latch . When replacing the latching side assembly I found the web was covered with an interior color matching trim piece . Running inside the trim piece was an electric harness which operated the dashboard warning light when the harness exited the trim and was routed back to the center of the seat. It more or less made a 90 degree turn . The electrical harness split halfway through the belts webbing . To me this seemed to have weakened the restraint of the seat belt by 50% .”
NHTSA complaint #10148537, filed 2006-01, 150,000 miles“Alternator caught fire, thankfully was in my driveway, because it took more than a fire extinguisher to put it out, had to use hose for an extended period. Fortunitely fire was contained to the alt. And plug. When I called about replacing the plug was told it came with the new alt. Because of inherent problems with shorts and fires. Can you imagine in I was hooked to my fifth wheel and out in the desert, witch I am alot what could have happened. This problem could have been huge. This is a known problem that I can't believe wasnt attended to.”
NHTSA complaint #757696, filed 2002-02“Consumer contacted the dealer in reference to recall number 96v-07100 and manufacturer recall number 95s28 regarding ignition system. Manufacturer refused to correct problem due to owner waiting too long , past due date, to bring vehicle in for repairs before vehicle caught on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #824624, filed 1998-06“Vehicle caught on fire and was engulfed into flames before fire department could get to vehicle. Consumer was second owner of vehicle, and didn't know if recall ever applied.”
NHTSA complaint #889233, filed 2001-05“Vehicle was repaired under recall 96v017 . After a week the wiring harness and the motor melted. Consumer has notified the delaer and manufacturer. %ak”
NHTSA complaint #837728, filed 1999-05Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Ford F-350 1988–1991, Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 7% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 4% |
| 2011 | 11 | 8% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 11% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2005 | 15 | 13% |
| 2004 | 19 | 12% |
| 2003 | 11 | 12% |
| 2002 | 14 | 12% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 10 | 3% |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 8 | 6% |
| 1995 | 9 | 7% |
| 1994 | 5 | 5% |
| 1993 | 5 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 6% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
| 1990 | 4 | 10% |
| 1989 | 7 | 17% |
| 1988 | 9 | 31% |
| 1987 | 1 | 13% |
| 1986 | 3 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford F-350
6 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford F-350
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