SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← New search

1988 Ford Econoline

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →
22Owner complaints

Model-year median: 1

0Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
10
19857
198615
198722
198832
198930
199024
1991
Compare all Econoline years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Electrical System
7Engine And Engine Cooling
5Fuel System, Gasoline
3Equipment
2Seat Belts
2
All reported categories
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2Tires
2Visibility
2Wheels
2Exterior Lighting
1Power Train
1Suspension
1Unknown Or Other
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 0 of 22 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports4 fire reports1 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

7 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2010
Electrical SystemFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1988 FORD ECONOLINE VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE. HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VIN, FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/09/10. *LJ UPDATED 05/17/10

NHTSA ODI #10316334

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

THE DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHT FAILED. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #565853

Mileage unknown · May 24, 1999
Electrical System

ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING. MANUFACTURER/DEALER NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK

NHTSA ODI #838364

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 1998
Electrical System

IGNITION MODULE OVERHEATS CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN.

NHTSA ODI #528665

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 1996
Electrical System

THE VAN WOULD NOT CUT OFF ONCE IT WAS STARTED AND THE WIRING HARNESS BURNED OUT. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE TURNED OFF IGNITION, TOOK KEY OUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OFF. *JB

NHTSA ODI #983085

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 1996
Electrical System

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK IS CAUSING THE VEHICLE WIRES TO MELT, WHEN TURNING ON THE HEAT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #982387

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 1996
Electrical System

IGNITION SWITCH WILL STICK WHEN STARTING VEHICLE IN SEVERE COLD WEATHER. TT

NHTSA ODI #978993

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.