1988 Ford F Series recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET TO THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER MAY LOOSEN, ALLOWING THE FRONT WHEELS TO OSCILLATE WITH FRONT END SHIMMY.
What could happen: SEVERE SHIMMY COULD DAMAGE STEERING LINKAGE OR STEERINGGEAR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL REDESIGNED FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR TO CROSSMEMBER BRACKET AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE CERTAIN STEERING COMPONENTS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 F SERIES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V009000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:LINKAGES
Summary: BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR BRACKET TO THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER MAY LOOSEN, ALLOWING THE FRONT WHEELS TO OSCILLATE WITH FRONT END SHIMMY.
Consequence: SEVERE SHIMMY COULD DAMAGE STEERING LINKAGE OR STEERINGGEAR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL REDESIGNED FRONT AXLE TRACK BAR TO CROSSMEMBER BRACKET AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE CERTAIN STEERING COMPONENTS.
Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION/STEERING.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: F SUPER DUTY TRUCKS AND CHASSIS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Vehicle Speed Control (1), Electrical system (1), Unknown Or Other (1), Seat belts (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
12/17/2013 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC…
03/03/2006 · Electrical system
THE TRUCK KEEPS TRYING TO START ON ITS OWN. IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND HIT MY HUSBAND IN THE BACK. THEN HE MOVED FAST OR IT WOULD HAVE RAN OVER HIM. THE TRUCK STILL WOULDN'T QUIT TRYING TO CRANK, SO HE UNDONE THE BATTERY AND IT SHOCKED HIM. ITS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND IGNITION. *NM
01/15/2004 · Unknown Or Other
RED/MAROON PAINT PEELING LEAVING GRAY PRIMER COAT. LAST YEAR WORST AREAS OF HOOD, ROOF, TAILGATE AND SMALL AREAS REPAIRED. SOME SUCCESS. PAINT CONTINUES TO PEEL ON THE HOOD, ROOF TOP, FENDERS, SIDE PANELS AND TAIL GATE. JUST LEARNED OF THIS DEFECTIVE PAINT PROBLEM THIS WEEK WHEN I TOOK VEHICLE IN TO HAVE A RE-PAINT ESTIMATE DONE.
07/26/1996 · Seat belts
DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO STAY ENGAGED.