Complaints over time
Complaints about the 1988 Ford Explorer peaked in 1997, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
1988 Ford Explorer
Coupe, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 26, 1997 to Dec 2, 2001.
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints4Close to the median 1988 coupe
Severity index0.0Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 1988 Ford Explorer name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
No recall campaign lists the 1988 Ford Explorer
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 1988 Ford Explorer
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Dec 2, 2001Live OAK, TXService brakes, Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Tires
I WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE&I AM CONCERN ABOUT THE TIRE&THE BRAKE. *AK
NHTSA complaint 755187 - Filed May 25, 2000Littleton, COFront
VISITED DEALER WITH COMPLAINT OF NOISE(GROWL) IN STEERING COLUMN. WAS ADVISED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. ALSO, FRONT SUSPENSION HAS NUMEROUS SQUEAKS AS YOU WOULD EXPERIENCE IN AN OLDER VEHICLE THAT HAS NOT HAD PROPER LUBRICATION. DEALER ADVISED THIS WAS NORMAL. DOES NOT SEEM NORMAL. I INTEND TO TAKE VEHICLE TO SPECIALIZED SUSPENSION REPAIR SHOP FOR EVALUATION. *AK
NHTSA complaint 723175 - Filed Jul 29, 1999Fairfield, NJIgnition
IGNITION REPLACED ON RECALL 8/7/96. FUEL & TEMPERATURE GAUGES FREQUENTLY MALFUNCTION WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS & OVERHEATS. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATES OVERHEATING. FOCUSING ON OVERHEATING PROBLEM OVERLOOKS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM OF THE IGNITION WHICH WAS REPLACED ON RECALL. ALSO RADIATOR FAN WILL NOT ENGAGE & ACTUAL OVERHEATING WILL TAKE PLACE. LUCKILY NO IGNITION FIRE. REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH & AVOID FORD PRODUCT IF POSSIBLE.
NHTSA complaint 709358 - Filed Feb 26, 1997Failure Jan 13, 1997Columbia City, INIgnition, Switch, Hydraulic power assist system
POWER STEERING FAILED.
NHTSA complaint 515145
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on file
- PE92029 Preliminary evaluation, Suspension
WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS
Opened Mar 16, 1992, closed Aug 31, 1992
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
2 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- BC5225961001 Oct 1, 1996 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A VIBRATION DURING WIDE OPEN THROTTLE ACCELERATION OR WHILE CRUISING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. REVISED FRONT DRIVESHAFT. *TT - BC1350950906 Sep 1, 1995 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
HIGH ALTITUDE TRANSMISSION AVAILABLE. *TW
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.