1988 Ford Ranger Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 10%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 127,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 1988 Ford Ranger, 10% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 127,000 miles. 1 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.
“The contact stated while driving 20 MPH in downtown traffic and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle would not stop. The vehicle was maneuvered around traffic and coasted to a stop on a side street. The contact changed the brake lines and the dealer was not notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10168047, filed 2006-09, 127,000 miles“The brake piston hangs up and does not release on the left front brake. The caliper does not release and the rotors get extremely hot, causing driver to lose brakes. The dealer has not been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #816917, filed 1997-10“Vehicle is not included in recall notice (98e01000) for repairs for brake rotor failure. However, two recalls were done and it does not show that it has been done.”
NHTSA complaint #547206, filed 1999-07Related recalls
- 87V141000Sep 4, 1987Trucks were built with incorrect rear brake assemblies. Consequence of defect: a tendency for rear brake lockup would exist particularly during heavy brake…Covers: Ford Ranger 1988
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 22% |
| 2025 | 7 | 16% |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 3 | 17% |
| 2022 | 3 | 8% |
| 2021 | 15 | 13% |
| 2020 | 9 | 7% |
| 2019 | 20 | 7% |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 10 | 3% |
| 2004 | 23 | 6% |
| 2003 | 35 | 14% |
| 2002 | 23 | 7% |
| 2001 | 55 | 11% |
| 2000 | 78 | 12% |
| 1999 | 88 | 12% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 44 | 11% |
| 1996 | 69 | 17% |
| 1995 | 60 | 19% |
| 1994 | 116 | 26% |
| 1993 | 60 | 26% |
| 1992 | 17 | 9% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 6 | 6% |
| 1989 | 7 | 10% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 3 | 9% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1988 Ford Ranger
32 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsSeat belts
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Ford Ranger
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