1988 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › Ranger › 1988
These records cover every 1988 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1988 Ford Ranger. Newest first.
Equipment description: aftermarket brake rotors for use on certain ford and mazda trucks. cracked castings caused cracks to appear on the outer diameter of the rotor hat or around the stud hole.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of braking can result.
Remedy
Aimco will reimburse consumers/installers for the cost of replacement rotors and installation. consumers are requested to return to the location where the rotors were originally purchased/installed for replacement.
Trucks were built with incorrect rear brake assemblies. consequence of defect: a tendency for rear brake lockup would exist particularly during heavy brake applicaion with a lightly loaded truck. Also, increased stopping distance would be required if the brake modulation (pumping the brakes) IS used to control the vehicle during a hard brake stop.
Owner complaints
89 complaints5 involved a crash23 involved a fire8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
I was driving uphill on highway 152 when my slip yoke exploded blowing out the rear of the bellhousing to my transmission throwing the truck rear end 6 ft in the air and the nose of the truck 3 feet in the air this was caused by the drive shaft taking into the ground when coming down the driveshaft…
I was driving uphill on highway 152 when my slip yoke exploded blowing out the rear of the bellhousing to my transmission throwing the truck rear end 6 ft in the air and the nose of the truck 3 feet in the air this was caused by the drive shaft taking into the ground when coming down the driveshaft slapped around ripping out the exhaust manifold from the cadillac converter and put a large gash approximately 12IN to 18 in into the gas tank when I drop my transmission to replace it I found out that the block was no good due to the fact that 2 square pieces of the block approximately 2 in square came with the transmission as it was pulled leaving the block useless buy this slip yoke exploding which I found out on youtube this had happened to other ford rangers of this particular year due to the fact that the slip yoke IS made out of compress material it should be a solid still peace if not for going uphill I'm sure my truck would rolled end-over-end inn making this incident fatal if I had known I could have made an instant didn't report about this situation earlier I would have
- Power train › Manual transmission
1988 ford ranger was towed back out here on 4/1/2011 ok this 1988 ford ranger has not been drove anywhere ok it also was on recall for brake work an this can't be done either cause of other issue with power train an you need brake an be able to use the clutch as will ok an this IS sitting in the…
1988 ford ranger was towed back out here on 4/1/2011 ok this 1988 ford ranger has not been drove anywhere ok it also was on recall for brake work an this can't be done either cause of other issue with power train an you need brake an be able to use the clutch as will ok an this IS sitting in the side od the driveway here the 1988 ford ranger has x out recall right with this vin number [xxx] , an while they was working on this 1988 ford ranger there was damage done , they never put the part back at all there big whole there this 1988 ford ranger was a trade in at fairway ford in freeport il on 2003 ford ranger. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Structure
1988 ford ranger still needing a new cab, well I went online here to see if I could find some where to get a 1988 ford ranger cab. So chatting online here with whole sale ford ranger sara asked me for a part number for the new cab I said that they never gave me one on the receipt. I called some…
1988 ford ranger still needing a new cab, well I went online here to see if I could find some where to get a 1988 ford ranger cab. So chatting online here with whole sale ford ranger sara asked me for a part number for the new cab I said that they never gave me one on the receipt. I called some where else ok brad IS name and he said that I could put a parch in there where it would be road safe . body shop would have my ford ranger back to road safe. Ok, what's the hold up on this now ? I mailed in the everything that was said. updated ivoq 08/05/10 updated ivoq 08/19/10*jb *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Driving 60 mph, a loss of power was noticed. This became a loud exhaust noise. After coasting to a stop, putting up the hood to search for problems, and finding no evidence of any, attempted to restart the vehicle. The vehicle backfired, and smoke began to pour out from the exhaust system. A fire started which completely destroyed the vehicle. *Tr
- Structure
Went to pick up my 1988 ford ranger today at fairway ford freeport il at number 1 815 232 6868 ok I was told here that they had been trying to call me but was unable to reach me call had wrong phone number ok but I have report here that state that to fix 1988 ford ranger the fire wall IS unfixable…
Went to pick up my 1988 ford ranger today at fairway ford freeport il at number 1 815 232 6868 ok I was told here that they had been trying to call me but was unable to reach me call had wrong phone number ok but I have report here that state that to fix 1988 ford ranger the fire wall IS unfixable they new cab to match the color or apaint job either way and I will settle on this plu they will fix my chevy for part that will buy that need to fix with , but they need to know to where fine one at that IS road safe, that you would approve an they will repair the 1988 ford ranger at there cost. *Tr
- Electrical system › Starter assembly · Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle) · Structure
I bought a 1988 ford ranger tan gold in color love the truck, but I went to indiana to pick my son up everything was fine but on the way back that's when everything started to fall apart here. Ok, starter wouldn't restart had to pop clutch it, an then the clutch pedal itself gave away from the fire…
I bought a 1988 ford ranger tan gold in color love the truck, but I went to indiana to pick my son up everything was fine but on the way back that's when everything started to fall apart here. Ok, starter wouldn't restart had to pop clutch it, an then the clutch pedal itself gave away from the fire wall on the way home to savanna il. Ok, it was dark out so the next day went to look and my son and I saw there was a crack there so we tried to fix this an see why it wasn't starting up. I called midas to see if they would weld this up for me. We have tried carpenter tape to try and pull the fire wall back in to release the clutch to get this truck somewhere to be fixed at the ford dealership in freeport il , but I have called on ford to do something and not wait on an accident or recall. the fluid that leaked out hit the motor going down the road. updated 5/12/10 *cn updated ivoq 05/26/10 according to the service invoice. The fire wall could not be repaired due to the condition it was in. The dealer recommended a new cab. Updated ivoq 07/13/10 updated 07/15/10.8jb *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 mph in downtown traffic and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle would not stop. the vehicle was maneuvered around traffic and coasted to a stop on a side street. the contact changed the brake lines and the dealer was not notified.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Dt: the contact stated 1988 ford ranger caught on fire on july 28 ,05. It burned up all of the wiring, engine, and one tire. The fire originated from under the hood. The car had been sitting for one year. The consumer had been working on the car. He rebuilt the transmission, put a new rear end…
Dt: the contact stated 1988 ford ranger caught on fire on july 28 ,05. It burned up all of the wiring, engine, and one tire. The fire originated from under the hood. The car had been sitting for one year. The consumer had been working on the car. He rebuilt the transmission, put a new rear end under it, and put on oxygen sensors. He attempted to restart vehicle and it quit. He went to start it again it back fired and caught on fire. Has not contacted ford about the fire. he seemed to think the fire was fuel related. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt: the vehicle caught on fire on the engine by the fuel rail. Fire department came and extinguished the fire. This happened on july 26, 2005. The vehicle had been parked for several months. Tried to start it then it back fired and caught flames. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Failure in the ignition system (third time with this vehicle) 2-12-97 was the first time I replaced the ignition module, then on 10-01-01 the ignition module needed to replaced a second time. This IS quite a concern to me because the vehicle completely stalls out. I lose all power, including…
Failure in the ignition system (third time with this vehicle) 2-12-97 was the first time I replaced the ignition module, then on 10-01-01 the ignition module needed to replaced a second time. This IS quite a concern to me because the vehicle completely stalls out. I lose all power, including steering. The most recent failure was when I was driving home on the 55 freeway doing about 60 mph. This failure also damaged the distributor which also had to be replaced*ak.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While traveling on the highway headlights started flicking on and off. consumer turned the vehicle off and it caught on fire underneath the hood. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Consumer states while driving the vehicle the ignition switch caught on fire, vehicle was pull out the road. Dealer has been notified. If you have any additional information feel free to add. nlm
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly
All four overload springs used on two different pickup trucks used as painter's work vehicles have failed in the past three or four years. Each time an eight inch chunk of hardened steel spring weighing at least a couple of pounds has blasted loose ricocheting down the highway. So far none of these…
All four overload springs used on two different pickup trucks used as painter's work vehicles have failed in the past three or four years. Each time an eight inch chunk of hardened steel spring weighing at least a couple of pounds has blasted loose ricocheting down the highway. So far none of these failures have caused me an acciednet, but with a 100% catostrophic product failure rate I would imagine others have not been as fortunate. Campways shrugged it off without interest. Both trucks have always been used well within normal urban work truck parameters. In my opinion these overload ssprings present a clear, potentially fatal vehicle safety hazard.
- Tires › Tread/belt
While traveling approximately 70 mph in a 1988, ford truck, ranger, a firestone fr480 tire , size: p215/70r14, dot: w2hyfr5106 experienced tread separation. there were approximately 30,000 miles on tires, and it was not original equipment. *ak consumer stated that, firestone customer affairs contacted dealer who replaced his tire at minimal cost. *yd
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Engine runs too fast will not idle -air compresser will not work. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Intermittent sudden acceleration when starting vehicle. Vehicle been to dealer shop on three occasions, and was unable to duplicate the problem. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
Rear brakes lock up after vehicle has set overnight and especially during damp weather. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
My husband was east bound on hwy 90 by ritzville, wa when his ford ranger went off the road for no reason (according to witnesses as he had just passed a truck) the truck rolled, seat-belt failed and he was thrown from the truck. We have had lots of problems with this ranger and our bronco II…
My husband was east bound on hwy 90 by ritzville, wa when his ford ranger went off the road for no reason (according to witnesses as he had just passed a truck) the truck rolled, seat-belt failed and he was thrown from the truck. We have had lots of problems with this ranger and our bronco II stalling out at road speeds. I believe this IS what happened to my husband. according to the investigating policeman, there was no evidence of anything wrong with the truck such as a blown tire, broken tie-rod, etc. this accident occured on a straight strech of road in the early afternoon under good weather conditions. I have a number of repair and replacement reciepts related to this stalling problem. as well as a bronco II that still stalls at highway speeds! please help by investigating this problem.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Vehicle was parked, key was not in ignition and it was in gear , it caught fire and rolled about 50 ft where it hit a building. $ amount of damge not known at this time. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Transmission vibrates and makes a lot of noise- gears sound loose. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
This problem of the engine suddenly stopping first occurred during the summer of 1990. I was on interstate 70 driving to in the mountains when the engine suddenly stopped. this was the first of a series of engine shutdowns that have occurreds continually since that first incident. the shutdowns…
This problem of the engine suddenly stopping first occurred during the summer of 1990. I was on interstate 70 driving to in the mountains when the engine suddenly stopped. this was the first of a series of engine shutdowns that have occurreds continually since that first incident. the shutdowns have occurred at speeds ranging from 25 mph to 75 mph. the usually have occurred at the higher speeds on a highway during warmer weather, but they have also occurred at lower speeds in the city---although less frequently. when I first checked with a mechanic about the problem I was told that it was probably the fuel filter. replacing these did not solve it. I also had the vehicle tuned hoping that would solve it. several tune ups have not helped. finally, in 1996 I was told by a ford trrained techician whom I met while on vacation that it was probably the tfi module. just this september I decided to have the unit replace ( I had found a good ford trained mechanic whom I had been taking the vehicle to for servicing and a minor repair the past year). he replaced the orginal tfi module and the stator assembly with ford factory parts---tfi module e6sz-12a297-a and the stator assembly e8pz-12a112-a). two days after replacing these parts the engine quite while driving about 30 mph in downtown boulder, co. I did not learn that the cause of the engine shutdown was the result of the tfi module getting too hot until I read about the problem in the newspaper. the apparent cause of the shutdowns IS that the tfi module IS mounted too close to the engine block. the mechanic showed me that after 1995 ford moved the unit to underneath the fender away from engine. I read about the judge in california who order a recall of all ford vehicles with this problem (aug 8, 2000) I wrote ford and asked for a refund of the money I spent replacing the unit. I also requested that if replacing the unit did not solve the problem that ford should make the necessary modifications to fix it
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Both driver's side and passenger's side mirrors failed at any speed. I have replaced them twice because there was no tension adjustment to prevent the mirrors from being blown back to a useless position. I know of 4 other owners with the same problem. But just traveling down the road every 1988-1989 ford ranger outfitted with the black ABS plastic "flag" style mirror has this problem. *ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
While driving on highway all of a sudden the rearview mirror lost tension and fell off. contacted dealer who knew that there was a problem. mirror was attached with two screws. has been replaced 9 times. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition switch IS very warm to the touch after operation. I understand some fords with this switch have been recalled, but not mine. why? *Ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
The shoulder harness does not retract after you lean forward,leaving it loose and useless as a restraint .
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Whl separation/torque loss
There is no summary currently available
- Throttle sticking
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.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090051Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 609556Outside rearview mirror manual replacement.
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 605577Information regarding comprehensive pull and drift diagnostic procedure developed to assist technicians with vehicle service.
- 605573Subject regarding a new service center support that uses a thrust bearing (#3 and #4) in place of thrust washers has been released.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601043A grabbing and/or sticking condition during the first few brake applications when the brakes are cold or in the morning after an overnight rain may occur on some vehicles.
- 601025A comprehensive pull and drift diagnostic procedure has been developed to assist technicians with vehicle service.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601010Recommended guidelines for towing behind recreational vehicles.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51689Frame- rivet replacement with bolts- service tips.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 45756High altitude transmission available.
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.