NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Switch
2532.5%
Selector Devices
1114.3%
Ignition
911.7%
Interior/Under Dash
79.1%
Gasoline
79.1%
Wiring
79.1%
Frame AND Members
79.1%
Buckle Assembly
45.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
110.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
110.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
110.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
220.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
220.0%
150,000+ miles
330.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 14May 2011
NHTSA investigations into the 1988 Ford F150
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA91044Opened 30 Oct 1991Closed 30 Oct 1992SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
===
PE91077Opened 23 May 1991Closed 31 Oct 1991SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LOSS OF BRAKE EFFECTIVENES
PE91017Opened 27 Nov 1990Closed 17 Apr 1991SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FORD TRUCK INCONSISTENT VEHICLE CONTROL.
SEE CLOSE RESUME
DP89005Opened 26 Jan 1989Closed 1 Aug 1989FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES
F-SERIES FUEL TANK FIRES
PE89020Opened 7 Dec 1988Closed 1 Jun 1989VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FIRES
PE89003Opened 13 Oct 1988Closed 8 Feb 1989STEERING
STEERING COLUMN DROPS
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,061 milesJupiter, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR FIRE ON 1988 FORD F150. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10019139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesPalm Harbor, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
2ND WIRE HARNESS FIRE ON THIS VEHICLE. 1ST WAS UNDER THE HOOD THE SECOND WAS UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS AT THE DEALER IN NEW PORT RICHEY FLORIDA.
NHTSA complaint #10018600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, OHFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE. THEN TOOK THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, VEHICLE CUT OFF AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #841808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
PICK-UP WAS DRIVEN LESS THAN 2 MILES THAT DAY PARKED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, THEN DRIVEN BACK HOME, AND PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE ON THE STREET I LOCKED IT AND WENT INSIDE . ABOUT 30 TO 45 MINUTES LATER MY NEIGHBOR INFORMED ME THAT MY PICK-UP WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE WITHIN MINUTES. MY PICK-UP WAS A TOTAL LOSS I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT CAUGHT FIRE BECAUSE IT WAS RUNNING FINE AND IT HAD BEEN RECENTLY SMOGED WITHOUT ANY LEAKS SHOWING. I WAS INSURED WITH AARP- HARTFORD (PL-PD ONLY) DID NOT COVER LOSSES. ALSO JUST WONDERING IF ANYBODY ELSE HAD THESE PROBLEMS. THANK- YOU FOR YOUR TIME --ERNIE.
NHTSA complaint #707375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Dorado, ARFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, PLASTIC FUEL LINE COMING FROM THE FUEL FILTER TO THE FUEL INJECTORS, CRACKED, CAUSING VALVE COVER TO LEAK OIL AND SPRAY IT UNTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH, IN TURN, RESULTED IN A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #836539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manvel, TXFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CONSUMER NOTICED HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM THE CAR PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE,CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD . WAS ABLE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER .
NHTSA complaint #828042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 69,000 milesTelford, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT TO START AND WOULD SPORADICALLY OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THEIR RECORDS ONLY WENT BACK AS FAR AS TEN YEARS AND THEY COULD NOT VERIFY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V071000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO VERIFIED THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE DEALER AND PROVIDED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #10403857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Robonsinville, MS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED WHEN SHE BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS SPILLING OUT OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK CHECK VALVE HAD FAILED AND FUEL FROM ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS WAS OVERFLOWING INTO THE SECOND TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10370548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 FORD F150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDERNEATH IT AND NOTICED FUEL LEAKING. HE DISCOVERED A RECALL FOR THE SAME FAILURE FOR THE 1989 MODEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT WHEN THE RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE 1989 MODEL, THEY HAD TO INSTALL TWO FUEL PUMPS IN EACH TANK. THE DEALER ALSO INSTALLED A CHECK VALVE TO STOP THE LEAKAGE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT HIS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A CHECK VALVE, WHICH WAS THE REASON FOR THE FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IT SHOULD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
NHTSA complaint #10218024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesOmaha, NE
SUSPENSION
THE FRAME IS CRACKED ON THE DRIVES' SIDE AROUND THE GEAR BOX AND IN ANOTHER AREA WHICH LEAVES IT VERY UNSTABLE. THE TIRE IS WOBBLY, DODGES AND DARTS AROUND ON THE ROAD. *AK ALL OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHEEL BEARINGS ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10124286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesMondovi, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #10089172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesWestlnd, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
THROTTLE PEDAL STICKS WHEN PEDAL IS AT >80% THROTTLE POSITION. AFTER TRACING THE PROBLEM, I HAVE FOUND IT IS IN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. APPLYING OIL WILL FIX FOR 1-2 MONTHS BEFORE PROBLEM RETURNS. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE!
NHTSA complaint #10067983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pequot Lakes, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL FORD F-150, F-250 & F-350 TRUCKS FROM 1985 TO 1998 WITH DUAL FUEL TANKS. THE FRONT GAS TANK ON THESE VEHICLES TEND TO LEAK AFTER TIME CAUSING POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF FIRE & EXPLOSIONS. THERE ARE MANY F SERIES TRUCKS THAT HAVE THIS LEAKING PROBLEM & IT IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10041138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPerry, FL
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
FORD COMPANY SOLD ME A DEFUNCT ENGINE, HAS 10,000 MILE ON THE ENGINE,THAT THAY SOLD ME. THAY WELL NOT STAN BEHINE IT. THE DEALER HERE IN PERRY SAID THAT IT WAS DEFUNCT, BUT COULD NOT HELP ME BECOUSE IT WAS FORD MOTOR COMPANY WARRANTY, NOT THERE. CAN YOU HELP ME? THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #10037280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brogue, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
WHILE SELF INSPECTING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FRAME BROKE OFF FROM THE FRONT AND THE REAR.
NHTSA complaint #10030181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,061 milesJupiter, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR FIRE ON 1988 FORD F150. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10019139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesPalm Harbor, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
2ND WIRE HARNESS FIRE ON THIS VEHICLE. 1ST WAS UNDER THE HOOD THE SECOND WAS UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS AT THE DEALER IN NEW PORT RICHEY FLORIDA.
NHTSA complaint #10018600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,900 milesBuzzards BAY, MA
STEERING
STEERING SHAFT LOST STEERING COMPLETELY. UPPER SHOCK BRACKETS ROTTED OUT AND SHOCKS PUT HOLE IN GAS TANK AND LOST ALL FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #10013783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,900 milesBuzzards BAY, MA
SUSPENSION
STEERING SHAFT LOST STEERING COMPLETELY. UPPER SHOCK BRACKETS ROTTED OUT AND SHOCKS PUT HOLE IN GAS TANK AND LOST ALL FUEL.
NHTSA complaint #10013783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Furlong, PA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING THE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION WHICH RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, AT THE TIME OF FAILURE THE TIRE REMAINED FULLY INFLATED, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMT FROM FIRESTONE BUT WAS DECLINED BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT THE TIRE APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN OPERATING FOR AND UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME WITH INSUFFICIENT AIR PRESSURE (FIRESTONE, FR721, P235/75R15, DOT VDHLF7U434, THE TIRE WAS MOUNTED ON A 1988 FORD F150 AND HAD 41002 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE). *AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #8013892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allen Park, MI
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAME TO WOBBLE, AS THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF THE VEHICLE STRIKING A PASSING SEMI, AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE LEFT REAR QUARTER AND AXLE, THE DRIVER INDICATED THAT 250 MILES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT HE HAD A BRAKE JOB AND IT APPEARED THAT ALL FIVE LUG NUT CAME OFF CAUSING THIS ACCIDENT. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #562931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal Lake, IL
TIRES:SIDEWALL
TIRE BLEWOUT ON EXPRESSWAY. DEALER AGREE AND GAVE DISCOUNT ON NEW TIRE. NOTICED SIDE WALL WHERE TREAD AND SIDEWALL COME TOGETHER HAD FUNNY CRACK IN SIDEWALL AND LOOKS LIKE WIRE OR FIBERS COMING OUT. ALL AROUNG THE PERIMETER OF THE TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #9004944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE HAS DUAL TANKS AND GAS IS COMING FROM FRONT TANK FILLING UP THE REAR TANK, AND CAUSING GAS TO SPRAY OUT OF GAS CAP. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8002250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Escondido, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL LEAK DUE TO CRACK IN SEAM OF GAS TANK.
NHTSA complaint #8002170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Escondido, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
CONSUMER HAS TWO TANK ATTACHMENTS TO TRUCK, WHEN REAR TANK IS FULL OF GASOLINE, FRONT TANK WILL LEAK OUT GASOLINE ONTO GROUND, DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER IS STATING THAT THE VEHICLE HAS DUEL FUEL TANKS, WHEN REAR TANK IS USED AND FRONT TANK IS FULL GASOLINE WILL LEAK OUT FROM FRONT FUEL TANK FILLER NECK ONTO GROUND. ALSO THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE REAR TANK WILL FLUCTUATE RAPIDLY, CONSUMER THINKS THE PROBLEM IS IN THE SWITCH, WHICH CONTROLS THE RETURN LINE OF THE FUEL, INSTEAD OF ROUTING TO REAR TANK IT GOES INTO FRONT TANK.
NHTSA complaint #8002173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CONSUMER HAS TWO TANK ATTACHMENTS TO TRUCK, WHEN REAR TANK IS FULL OF GASOLINE, FRONT TANK WILL LEAK OUT GASOLINE ONTO GROUND, DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER IS STATING THAT THE VEHICLE HAS DUEL FUEL TANKS, WHEN REAR TANK IS USED AND FRONT TANK IS FULL GASOLINE WILL LEAK OUT FROM FRONT FUEL TANK FILLER NECK ONTO GROUND. ALSO THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE REAR TANK WILL FLUCTUATE RAPIDLY, CONSUMER THINKS THE PROBLEM IS IN THE SWITCH, WHICH CONTROLS THE RETURN LINE OF THE FUEL, INSTEAD OF ROUTING TO REAR TANK IT GOES INTO FRONT TANK.
NHTSA complaint #8002173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Escondido, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
CONSUMER HAS TWO TANK ATTACHMENTS TO TRUCK, WHEN REAR TANK IS FULL OF GASOLINE, FRONT TANK WILL LEAK OUT GASOLINE ONTO GROUND, DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER IS STATING THAT THE VEHICLE HAS DUEL FUEL TANKS, WHEN REAR TANK IS USED AND FRONT TANK IS FULL GASOLINE WILL LEAK OUT FROM FRONT FUEL TANK FILLER NECK ONTO GROUND. ALSO THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE REAR TANK WILL FLUCTUATE RAPIDLY, CONSUMER THINKS THE PROBLEM IS IN THE SWITCH, WHICH CONTROLS THE RETURN LINE OF THE FUEL, INSTEAD OF ROUTING TO REAR TANK IT GOES INTO FRONT TANK.
NHTSA complaint #8002173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Napa, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
THIS IGNITION MODULE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS BEING A PROBLEM IN FORD VEHICLES AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AS I JUST HAD TO PAY OVER $530 TO TROUBLE SHOOT AND REPLACE THIS COMPONENT ALONG WITH OTHER IGNITION PARTS. THIS IS MY SECOND REPLACEMENT IN TWO YEARS AND I'M NOT HAPPY ABOUT MAKING THE FORD DEALER RICHER FOR THEIR KNOWN DEFECTIVE PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #748833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VA Beach, VA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
GOING FROM A STOP TO ABOUT 5 MPH, FOUR THREE INCH RIPS APPEARED ON SIDEWALL AREA ON TREAD PART. TIRE WENT IMMEDIATELY FLAT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD THE SAME TYPE OF TIRE TO GO FLAT FROM THE SIDE WALL AREA.*AK (DOT NUMBER: BE668L1D4S TIRESIZE: 30X9.5R15L)
NHTSA complaint #738459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Placerville, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
MODULE THAT FITS ON DISTRIBUTOR USUALLY STALLED WHEN ENGINE GOT TO NORMAL TEMPERATURE. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 25-30MPH, AND ENGINE WAS AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. TOOK VEHICLE TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC, AND PROBLEM WAS FIXED, PROBLEM HAS NOT REOCCURRED YET.
NHTSA complaint #875821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
TREADWEAR 420. TRACTION A. TEMPERATURE B. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME THE FUTURA 2000,RADIAL ATD,P215/75R15 TIRE SEPARATED. THE TIRE REMAINS INFLATED AT THE TIME THIS REPORT IS SUBMITTED. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS BRAND OF TIRE MAY BE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AS THOSE OF MAJOR BRANDS THAT ARE BEING RECALLED. I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AND WELFARE AS WELL AS MY FAMILY AND OTHERS ON THE ROADWAYS. PLEASE ADVISE AS WHAT SHOULD BE DONE NEXT. FORTUNATELY, NOBODY WAS INJURED. TIRE REPLACEMENT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED. PLEASE NOTIFY ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.*AK (DOT NUMBER: U9HFB1T405 TIRESIZE: P215/75R15)
NHTSA complaint #735142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.