1988 Ford E350
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1988 Ford E350. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1988 Ford E350. Newest first.
Nylon ties that support the main wiring harness to the chassis could wear and break due to excessive vibration. Thus, wiring harness could fall on engine components and short circuit.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could cause loss of electrical system which couldresult in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Install retrofit rit of plastic-coated metal clamps, loom for positive battery cables and re-route wiring.
Owner complaints
11 complaints1 involved a crash5 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
I purchased this 28' shasta class c motorhome from a private party. All receipts from work history were included. Upon the first time out, towing my 1200 lb boat to lake mead ( no significant hills as I live in las vegas ), the motorhome ran beautiful, even up to the point of parking. I came out…
I purchased this 28' shasta class c motorhome from a private party. All receipts from work history were included. Upon the first time out, towing my 1200 lb boat to lake mead ( no significant hills as I live in las vegas ), the motorhome ran beautiful, even up to the point of parking. I came out two days later to start it when I noticed the battery as drained. Upon looking under the hood, I noticed it had caught on fire, burning 2 injectors and other wiring located in the same vicinity. I replaced injectors, relays, fuel pump, all hoses, coil, etc... The best guess IS the diverter from thermactor may have caused, but regardless this was a factory issue. It still doesn't run, going to replace ecm, inertia sw, etc until it does. Just grateful it didn't burn up everything. *tr
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 ford E350. the front end of the vehicle shimmied while driving at various speeds. the failure usually occurs when driving over bumps. he took the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions and various repairs were made to the steering components. none of the repairs…
Tl*the contact owns a 1988 ford E350. the front end of the vehicle shimmied while driving at various speeds. the failure usually occurs when driving over bumps. he took the vehicle to the dealer on numerous occasions and various repairs were made to the steering components. none of the repairs have successfully remedied the failure. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 88v015000 (suspension). the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 110,000 and current mileage was 135,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
I have just purchased a 1988 escaper 26FT c class motorhome on a ford E350 chassis. the vehicle has only 30,000 miles on it and was purchased from a private party in california. I was returning with it to my home in texas when just outside of phoenix a fire broke out underneath the vehicle. The…
I have just purchased a 1988 escaper 26FT c class motorhome on a ford E350 chassis. the vehicle has only 30,000 miles on it and was purchased from a private party in california. I was returning with it to my home in texas when just outside of phoenix a fire broke out underneath the vehicle. The fire was put out, but extensive damage occurred. It appears the exhaust system had melted the insulation on the floorboard and the fire started there. The inspector who performed the initial inspection and informed me that the ford motorhomes that year and the next were prown to exhaust fires because they had no secondary heat shields around the converter/muffler, and that the later year models were equipped with them. Can this be true? And IS there any recourse against the manufacturer? Thank you. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
While driving throttle cable popped out of the plastic bracket,(which there wasno part holding down the throttle cable, causing vehicle to idle and loss of power. Ths could have resulted in a crash. same incident happen to a ford bronco. please provide further information. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
Throttle failure resulting immediate drop to fast idle speed.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Upon applying force to the brake pedal the pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance and brakes fading away. after pumping the brakes, the consumer noticed the brakes were functioning. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Wiring harness shorted, causing fire.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Wheel cylinders · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Turned front disc rotors. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition does not turn easily, sticks in start or accessory position, also, accessories fail when stuck in accessory position. *Dsh
- Fuel system, gasoline
The car was parked and a neighbor called the owner and told him his car was on fire. The fire was in front by the steering. tt
- Suspension › Front
The driver skid off the road and bumped a tree. then the van went up in flames. please describe. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front brake fade
Front brakes can fade
- Alternator belt failure
There is no summary currently available
- Loss of brake effectivenes
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- Loss of brake effectivenes
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 3055240Unknown
- 601045Front caliper piston boots damaged.
- 601036Some vehicles may exhibit excessive brake pedal travel, irregular front lining wear, and brake pull.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 51401Diagnostic guides for out-of-warranty vehicles to be used as a master copy - diagnostic guides no longer available from adistra.
- 39892There may be a concern of poor performance, coolant in the oil and engine knocking and/or hydraulic lock on some vehicles.
Every Ford E350 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.