1988 Ford Econoline problems
The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).
With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).
The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.
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Common 1988 Ford Econoline problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1988 Ford Econoline, several common problems have been reported:
- Transmission Problems: Complaints include shifting delays, grinding during acceleration, shakiness, whistling noises, and burning smells. These issues can impact the vehicle's performance and fuel economy. Regular inspection and maintenance of the transmission system are recommended to avoid further complications.
- Starting Issues: Some owners have experienced difficulties starting the 1988 Ford Econoline, with reports of the starter not engaging, relay or solenoid clicking, and power draw without the starter engaging. This problem can be caused by various factors such as faulty wiring, relays, or fuses, and it is essential to diagnose and address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's reliability.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the 1988 Ford Econoline. Addressing these issues promptly can help ensure the safety, performance, and longevity of the vehicle.
How many miles per gallon does a 1988 Econoline 350 get?
Based on data from 3 vehicles, 419 fuel-ups and 87,266 miles of driving, the 1988 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon gets a combined Avg MPG of 9.54 with a 0.27 MPG margin of error.
How long do Ford Econoline vans last?
What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.
Why was Ford Econoline discontinued?
In June 2014, production of E-Series passenger and cargo vans was discontinued as sales of the Ford Transit began in North America; at the time of its retirement, the model line had been the best-selling full-size van line in the United States since 1980.
Are Ford Econolines good on gas?
I average 13 in city, sometimes towing. I get a solid 15-16 hwy as long as I keep my foot out of it. If you do plan to go 4wd in the future, I would recommend stepping up to the diesel or V10.
How many miles per gallon does a 1988 Econoline 350 get?
Based on data from 3 vehicles, 419 fuel-ups and 87,266 miles of driving, the 1988 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon gets a combined Avg MPG of 9.54 with a 0.27 MPG margin of error.
How long do Ford Econoline vans last?
What is the realistic life expectancy for a well-maintained gasoline cargo van such as a Ford econoline? If it doesn't rust away, a well maintained van can last INDEFINITELY, compared to what it costs to buy a NEW van to replace your old one.
Why was Ford Econoline discontinued?
In June 2014, production of E-Series passenger and cargo vans was discontinued as sales of the Ford Transit began in North America; at the time of its retirement, the model line had been the best-selling full-size van line in the United States since 1980.
Are Ford Econolines good on gas?
I average 13 in city, sometimes towing. I get a solid 15-16 hwy as long as I keep my foot out of it. If you do plan to go 4wd in the future, I would recommend stepping up to the diesel or V10.
1988 Ford Econoline car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Econoline problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford Econoline vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Ford Econoline
The NHTSA has received 32 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford Econoline. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Ford Econoline vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-21
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1988 FORD ECONOLINE VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE. HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VIN, FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/09/10. *LJ UPDATED 05/17/10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-27
- VIN: 1FDEE14NOJH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT WARNING OIL IS LEAKING AND THE CONSUMER WILL HAVE TO REFILL MORE OFTEN. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14Y3JH
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHT FAILED. *SLC
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14Y3JH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SIDE WINDOWS AND HI TOP WINDOWS ARE INOPERATIVE, THEY WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN AND LEAK. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14Y3JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES STARTER FAILED, ALSO VEHICLE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STALLING, CONSUMER FEELS THAT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE RECALL REGARDING THE TFI MODULE, THE STALLING HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MOTION AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. *SLC
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14Y3JH
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE RUBBER MOUNTING ON THE SPARE TIRE COVER DOES NOT MEET AND KEEPS COMING LOOSE, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THAT THE RADIO FELL APART. *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14Y3JH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVER SIDE BRAKES LOCK UP. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14Y3JH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A RATTLE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *SLC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14Y3JH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS BEEN FIXED TWICE, HOWEVER AFTER THE SECOND REPAIR IT WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. *SLC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-15
- VIN: 1FDEE14N0JH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT FROM TOM STOWERS AT CCI MICHIGAN >AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WHILE DRIVING COMSUMER TOOK THE TIRE TO FIRESTONE DEALER WHO ACCUSED CONSUMER OF PUNCTURING THE TIRE IN SOME WAY THUS CAUSING THE TREAD TO COME OFF (FIRESTONE STEELTEX RADIAL R4S LT215/85R16 M/S VDOP 1WU493). NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-07
- VIN: 1FDEE14N3JH
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE HAD BEEN SPARE BLEW OUT AR 60MPH TREAD SEPARATED, STEEL BLETS SHREDDED, TIRE BODY SPLIT TRASVERSLY. TIRE HAD GOOD TREAD AND WAS FULLY INFLATED BEFORE THE BLOW-OUT. THE TIRE MAY HAVE BEEN ORRIGINAL EQUIPMENT FROM FORD AS IT WAS THE SPARE. OTHER NUMBERS ON TIRE: DOT: VDHL ILM 048 F08R MADIE IN USA 14476 URBD 86120-2 EXTRA LOAD SE985J. *AK( DOT NUMBER: VDHL ILM 0 TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-03
- VIN: 1FDEE14Y5JH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING. MANUFACTURER/DEALER NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-25
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT WHEEL CAME OFF OF VEHICLE CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT).
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FDEE14N3JH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION MODULE OVERHEATS CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FDEE14N2JH
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT PROBLEMS.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-03
- VIN: 1FDEE14N5JH
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHEEL DISCONNECTED DUE TO LOOSE LUG NUTS, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: BLOWER SWITCH FOR HEATER AND A/C CAME OFF.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-05-05
- VIN: 1FDKE30G6JH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD BOLT BROKE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-03-02
- VIN: 1FDKE30G6JH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: ENGINE NOT RECEIVING FUEL DUE TO FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-04-30
- VIN: 1FDKE30G6JH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: UNIVERSAL JOINTS FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-09-10
- VIN: 1FDKE30G6JH
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SPRING LEAF ADDED TO RIGHT REAR SIDE DUE TO DESIGN OF MOTOR HOME OVERLOADING SPRING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-02
- VIN: 1FDEE14NOJH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE VAN WOULD NOT CUT OFF ONCE IT WAS STARTED AND THE WIRING HARNESS BURNED OUT. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE TURNED OFF IGNITION, TOOK KEY OUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OFF. *JB
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford Econoline problems:
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