RoadVitals

1988 Ford Ranger

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
89
Latest Sep 17, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 8, 1998
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
28
8 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 89 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1988 Ford Ranger, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 28 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
98E010000

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR

Apr 8, 1998
23,500 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKING CAN RESULT.
The 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.
AIMCO PRODUCTS INC.View on NHTSA.gov
87V141000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

Sep 4, 1987
141 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The remedy: REPLACE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLIES.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE92029ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

WHL SEPARATION/TORQUE LOSS

Opened Mar 16, 1992
Closed Aug 31, 1992

There is no summary currently available

SUSPENSION
EA90042ClosedEngineering Analysis

THROTTLE STICKING

Opened Aug 31, 1990
Closed Dec 31, 1991

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 89
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 17, 2018
2 injuries reported

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

NHTSA ID
11129805
Incident
Sep 1, 2017
Mileage
180,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Apr 6, 2011

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

NHTSA ID
10394372
Incident
Jul 11, 2010
Mileage
650,050 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 20, 2010

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

NHTSA ID
10344197
Incident
Apr 5, 2010
Mileage
57,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 18, 2010
Fire reported

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

NHTSA ID
10343825
Incident
Jul 17, 2010
Mileage
89,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 29, 2010

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

NHTSA ID
10340651
Incident
Apr 5, 2010
Mileage
30,000 mi
Body & structureElectricalTransmission
Filed May 1, 2010

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

NHTSA ID
10328338
Incident
Apr 5, 2010
Mileage
51,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 12, 2006

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.

NHTSA ID
10168047
Incident
Sep 11, 2006
Mileage
127,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 10, 2005
Fire reported

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

NHTSA ID
10132247
Incident
Jul 28, 2005

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

01157

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

002310

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT

0015

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

99222

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

99196

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Ranger by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026460—
20253313062.0
20246813058.8
2023184058.5
2022375056.7
20211116064.1
20201257163.7
201926311059.1
2018000—
2017100—
2016100—
2015000—
2014100—
2013000—
2012000—
20112356053.5
20101569053.2
20091688051.6
20083256158.3
20072706159.9
200627112052.1
200528911362.3
200440412365.5
20032435160.5
20023467056.0
20015159263.3
20006708056.3
199975510056.2
199857611161.4
19974117261.3
19964138055.9
19953217157.9
199443811161.3
199323210264.6
19921896163.9
19911326467.5
19901055366.3
1989733163.0
1988Viewing892266.4
1987505471.3
1986355775.0
1985273167.6
1984128169.0
1983117057.4
1979100—
1978100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.