1988 Ford LTD Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Ford LTD (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1988 Ford LTD. The part named most often is electrical system, with 4 complaints (67% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (1) and vehicle speed control (1). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system4 67%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Vehicle parked, owner heard horn, went to check, saw smoke coming from under hood, then notice flames, fire dept arrived, put out flames, could not lift hood.”
NHTSA complaint #800372, filed 1996-08Transmission and drivetrain: “Transmission linkage grommet deteriorated, causing loss of power to transmission third and overdrive gears, which leaves no high speed shifting. Dealer was notified.”
NHTSA complaint #828441, filed 1998-10Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Ford LTD version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LTD Crown Victoria RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| LTD Crown Victoria RWD | 5.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| LTD Crown Victoria Wagon RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1988 Ford LTD in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 Ford LTD.
Other model years of the Ford LTD
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 8 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 17 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 14 | — | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Ford LTD have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1988 Ford LTD as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Ford LTD is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 4 complaints (67% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 1.
Has the 1988 Ford LTD been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Ford LTD get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Ford LTD (LTD Crown Victoria, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.