Model year guide

1988 Ford f350

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1988 Ford f350 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1988 Ford f350 at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints35

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1988 Ford f350 recalls 4

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #96V071000 · 25/04/1996

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:drum:shoes/linings NHTSA Campaign #92V026000 · 03/03/1992

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.

Fix: 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/rear NHTSA Campaign #88V146000 · 02/09/1988

SLIDING REAR WINDOW MAY CONTAIN GLAZING PANELS WHICH DO NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 205.

Fix: REPLACE SUSPECT WINDOW PANELS.

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #88V015000 · 09/02/1988

STEERING/SUSPENSION SYSTEMS MAY NOT ADEQUATELY CONTROL STEERING TYPE WOBBLE ALLOWING THE FRONT END TO SHIMMY.

Fix: MODIFY AND/OR REPLACE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING COMPONENTS, TIRES, AND FRAMES.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1988 Ford f350 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1988 Ford f350 trims & engines on record

Engines
7.3L 8-cyl 160 hp

1988 Ford f350 vehicles on record

1988 Ford f3501FTHF25M2JPB50730

Other Ford f350 model years

2020 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1997 1996 1992

1988 Ford f350 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1988 Ford f350 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1988 Ford f350. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Ford f350?

Across all 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.