1988 Ford F150 engine and engine cooling problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1988 Ford F150 — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Consumer started vehicle. Then took the key out of the ignition, vehicle cut off and caught on fire. Please give any further details. *ak”
filed Jul 7, 1999
“Driving at 60 mph the consumer noticed heavy smoke coming from the car part of the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire,causing the consumer to pull over to the shoulder of the road . Was able to put out the fire. Contacted dealer . *ak”
filed Sep 18, 1998
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system. *tt
9864 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 30, 1998
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other F150 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 F150 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 F150 | 4 | 2% |
| 2023 F150 | 1 | 0% |
| 2022 F150 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 F150 | 18 | 2% |
| 2020 F150 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 F150 | 62 | 5% |
| 2018 F150 | 87 | 4% |
| 2017 F150 | 69 | 5% |
| 2016 F150 | 30 | 2% |
| 2015 F150 | 23 | 1% |
| 2014 F150 | 10 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Ford F150
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.