1988 Ford F250 problems
The Ford Super Duty (also known as the Ford F-Series Super Duty) is a series of heavy-duty pickup trucks produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 1999 model year. Slotted above the consumer-oriented Ford F-150, the Super Duty trucks are an expansion of the Ford F-Series range, from F-250 to the F-600. The F-250 through F-450 are offered as pickup trucks, while the F-350 through F-600 are offered as chassis cabs.
Rather than adapting the lighter-duty F-150 truck for heavier use, Super Duty trucks have been designed as a dedicated variant of the Ford F-Series. The heavier-duty chassis components allow for heavier payloads and towing capabilities. With a GVWR over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg), Super Duty pickups are Class 2 and 3 trucks, while chassis-cab trucks are offered in Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The model line also offers Ford Power Stroke V8 diesel engines as an option.
Ford also offers a medium-duty version of the F-Series (F-650 and F-750), which is sometimes branded as the Super Duty, but is another chassis variant. The Super Duty pickup truck also served as the basis for the Ford Excursion full-sized SUV.
The Super Duty trucks and chassis-cabs are assembled at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and at Ohio Assembly in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to 2016, medium-duty trucks were assembled in Mexico under the Blue Diamond Truck joint venture with Navistar International.
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Common 1988 Ford F250 problems
The 1988 Ford F250 has been reported to have several common problems that potential buyers and owners should be aware of.
- Distributor Cap Issues: The distributor cap, which is responsible for distributing the spark to the correct cylinder, can also be a problem in some engines. These caps may need to be replaced every two years or so.
- Fuel System Problems: The fuel system is another common problem area in the 1988 Ford F250. Recall data shows that there have been 34 recalls related to the fuel system in this model year, indicating that fuel system issues are a significant concern.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues are also common in the 1988 Ford F250, with 12 recalls related to transmission problems. These issues can range from difficulty shifting to complete transmission failure.
- Engine Issues: Engine problems are a significant concern in the 1988 Ford F250, with 1 recall related to engine issues. These problems can include engine stalling, sudden loss of power, and EGR failure, which can be costly and inconvenient to repair.
- Suspension Issues: Suspension issues are also a concern in the 1988 Ford F250, with the 2006 and 2011 models being particularly problematic. These issues can lead to an inability to control the vehicle and can be expensive to repair.
- Steering Difficulties: Steering difficulties are another concern in the 1988 Ford F250, particularly in the 2017 model. These issues can include wobbles when steering and locking up the steering wheel, which can be dangerous and expensive to repair.
- Fuel Filter Head Leaks: For the 7.3 diesel engines, fuel filter head leaks are a common problem. These leaks can be caused by a lack of maintenance or the use of incompatible fuel.
- Cavitation: Cavitation is a significant concern for the 7.3 diesel engines, particularly if the previous owner has not kept up with SCA/DCA additives in the coolant. Cavitation can lead to pitting on the cylinder wall and, if left unchecked, can eventually cause the cylinder wall to fail.
In summary, the 1988 Ford F250 has several common problems that potential buyers and owners should be aware of, including ignition module failure, distributor cap issues, fuel system problems, transmission problems, engine issues, suspension issues, steering difficulties, fuel filter head leaks, and cavitation. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, but some may require significant repairs or replacement parts.
What are the worst years for f250 Super Duty?
The worst years for used Ford F-250 include:
- 2002 Ford F-250.
- 2006 Ford F-250.
- 2008 Ford F-250.
- 2011 Ford F-250.
- 2017 Ford F-250.
What years of f250 are most reliable?
The 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005 Ford F-250 models are still talked about to this day. They offered excellent performance and great reliability. However, they are probably too old for you to buy one now. The most popular model year for the Ford F-250 is currently the 2016.
What is high mileage for a Ford F-250?
Ford's F-Series pickups are the most popular truck in America, and Ford trucks have a reputation for reliability. Like with the Duramax and Cummins engines, these engines can often last up to 500,000 miles. However, anything over 350,000 miles is usually considered high mileage for a Powerstroke engine.
How much can a 1988 Ford F-250 tow?
The Super Duty is powered by the standard 7.5L EFI V-8 with the 7.3L V-8 diesel optional. Gross combined weight ratings for towing applications go up to an impressive 26.000 pounds with the gasoline engine and 17.000 pounds with the diesel.
What are the worst years for F250 Super Duty?
The worst years for used Ford F-250 include:
- 2002 Ford F-250.
- 2006 Ford F-250.
- 2008 Ford F-250.
- 2011 Ford F-250.
- 2017 Ford F-250.
What years of F250 are most reliable?
The 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005 Ford F-250 models are still talked about to this day. They offered excellent performance and great reliability. However, they are probably too old for you to buy one now. The most popular model year for the Ford F-250 is currently the 2016.
Are 1990 Ford F-250 reliable?
Very Reliable
Reliable and easy to maintain! Gas mileage and power could be better, but well worth the investment. Rating breakdown (out of 5): Comfort 4.0.
Is the Ford F-250 reliable?
Ford F-250 is a great choice for hauling and pickup. They are reliable, tough, and trusted on any terrain. However, some of its model years were a great failure. With multiple complaints, they did not impress their buyers.
1988 Ford F250 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford F250 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Ford F250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1988 Ford F250
The NHTSA has received 80 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Ford F250. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1988 Ford F250 vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-09
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1988 FORD F-250'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SHOULDER. THAT'S WHEN THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BUT WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-12
- VIN: 2FTHF26H2JC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING,THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR, THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK EXPLODED. NO INJURIES. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO TRANSFER THE FUEL TO THE SECOND TANK AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB THE VEHICLES ENGINE DIED AS A RESULT OF THE EXPLOSION. THE CONSUMER SWITCHED TANKS AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE. THE GARAGE REMOVED THE GAS TANK. TANK WAS THREE TIMES THE NORMAL SIZE. WHEN TANK EXPLODED IT BENT THE VROSS MEMBER IN FRONT OF THE TANK CAUSING THE BED OF THE TRUCK TO NOW BE BOWED WHERE THE TANK WAS. *TC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-03
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, TIRE TREAD WORE OFF THE TIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE FIRST TIRE BUBBLED AIR UNDER THE TREAD AND WAS ADJUSTED AT 11K MILES. THE SECOND AND THIRD TIRES ALSO HAD AIR BUBBLES UNDER THE TREAD AND HAD SEPARATED FROM THE CASING AT 14K MILES. *SCC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-14
- VIN: 1FTHF25G1JP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IT TOOK NUMEROUS TRIES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START. *JB
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTHX26M8JK
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: BOLTS AND NUTS THAT ATTACH SEAT TO TO FRAME OF VEHICLE HAVE STARTED TO PULL THROUGH FLOORBOARD.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE RIGHT FRONT NUT WAS DETACHED FROM THE FLOOR WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE, ALSO THE LEFT REAR NUT WAS PARTIALLY BROKEN LOOSE.*JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-11
- VIN: 1FTHJ26MZXK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PE 00 040/TIRE TREAD SEPARATION/TIRE FAILURE: LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH, ON A 1988, FORD, F250 WITH AFTER MARKET EQUIPMENT, TIRE SIZE LT235/85R16, DOT# UNVAILABLE. NOTICED MULTIPLE HAIR LINE CRACKS WHERE TREAD MET TIRE. FIRESTONE NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF2G0JN8
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER NOTICED THE SPARE TIRE ON FIRE, THE TIRE WAS MOUNTED UNDERNEATH THE BED AGAINST THE TAILPIPE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FT2S25Y7JP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTFF25Y7JP
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE CUT OFF/ ENGINE DIE OUT COMPLETELY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER , DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTHX25GXJK
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FIREWALL SHEET METAL FAILURE DUE TO METAL FATIGUE, CLUTCH AND BRAKE ARE TOO MUCH FORCE FOR THE DESIGN AND GAUGE OF THE FIREWALL. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTHF25H4JK
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD SEPERATED FROM THE TIRE - NO BLOW OUT.*AK (DOT NUMBER: *T*16X6K TIRESIZE: 85R16M/S)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-15
- VIN: 1FPEF26N1JN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE CALIPER MOUNT IS SPREADING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THERE'S IS A BANGING AND SQUEALING NOISE, AND IS VERY HARD TO STOP VEHICLE. CONSUMER WILL CALL THE MANUFACTURER TO GET ANSWERS TO WHY IT'S HAPPENING. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTHF25MXJN
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
- Summary: ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES FORD ISSUED A RECALL AND INSTALLED INSULATORS ON THE CALIPERS TO CURE THE PROBLEM AND EVER WOULD PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF PARTS AND LABOR DUE TPO THE INITIAL PROBLEM . ALSO FORD RECALLED THE VEHICLE ON THE PAINT AND WHEN AFTER 2 YEARS OF TRYING TO GET FORD TO DO SOMETHING THEY SAID I HAD TO MANY MILES ON THE TRUCK . THIS IS NO WAY TO TREAT A CUSTOMER *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-08
- VIN: 1FTHF26GXJN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DUAL FUEL TANKS SWITCHING MODULE FAILED, CAUSING FUEL TO SPEW FROM REAR TANK---AS PER REPORT ON 1990 TO 1993 MODELS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: NOT AVAILAB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN THE DUAL FRONTAL TANK ARE FULL CONSUMER NOTICES FUEL LEAKAGE COMING FROM THE FRONT TANK, CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD. CONSUMER HAS YET TO HAVE PARTS REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI LOCK BRAKE FAILURE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO 40' COACHMAN RV WHEN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI LOCK BRAKE FAILURE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO 40' COACHMAN RV WHEN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES ON DRY PAVEMENT PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-02
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF26H2JN
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE OUTSIDE FRONT OF HOUSE; APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES LATER WAS INFORMED OF VEHICLE BEING ON FIRE. DEALER/MANUFACTURER. NOTIFIED AND HAD NOTHING POSTIVE TO SAY. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTEF25N4JP
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FTHF26MJ1C
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: OWNER HAD RECALL WORK DONE ON IGNITION SWITCH AND BRAKES ON JUNE 22,1998 (RECALL # 92V026000, 96V071000). 6 DAYS LATER, OWNER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND SMELLED SMOKE, SOON AFTER BRAKE LOSS AND IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE OCCURRED; VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE PARTS THAT WERE WORKED ON FAILED, BUT FORD DENIES RESPONSIBILITY. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
- VIN: 2FTHF26H7JA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DUE TO A DEFECTIVE FUEL CHECK VALVE THE REAR FUEL TANK PUMPS GAS IN TO THE FRONT FUEL TANK WHICH CAUSES FUEL SPILLAGE. RECALL ON 1989 FORD F250. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FTHF26H8JN
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILED.
1988 Ford F250 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1988 Ford F250.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES AND INABLILITY TO HOLDVEHICLES ON A STEEP GRADE RESULTS IN INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENT IN THE EVENT OFA SUDDEN STOP OR WHEN CONSTANT BRAKING IS NEEDED TO MANEUVER THROUGH AREAS WITHSTEEP GRADES.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
- Summary: SLIDING REAR WINDOW MAY CONTAIN GLAZING PANELS WHICH DO NOT MEET REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 205.
- Consequence: A FRACTURED WINDOW MAY CONTAIN FRAGMENTS THAT ARE LARGERTHAN THE 425 GRAMS ALLOWED.
- Remedy: REPLACE SUSPECT WINDOW PANELS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Ford F250 problems:
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