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1988 Ford EXPProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1988 Ford EXP, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints31 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 19, 1998. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Ford EXP has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system21
Service brakes, air10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1988 Ford EXP recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system: ignition

Recall 96V-071 · Apr 25, 1996 · 7,900,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.

Best & worst years

1988 vs. every other EXP year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the EXP median. How we score

'82'83'84'87'88'89'94
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Ford EXP, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SAFETY BELT D-RINGPE90063 · closed Jul 31, 1990
    No recall
In owners' words

What EXP owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION FOR OVER TEN MINUTES THE HORN SOUNDED OFF, AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATED THAT RECALL WORK WAS CORRECTED ON VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM. (96V-071). *AK
Complaint 816729 · Sep 30, 1997
CONSUMER HAD IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED UNDER RECALL, HOWEVER AFTER THE REPAIR THERE WERE SEVERAL FAILURES THAT WERE NOT PRESENT PRIOR TO THE REPAIR. THE POWER STEERING/HEADLIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE, THE BATTERY WAS DOWN AND THE INSIDE LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF.
Complaint 515145 · Feb 26, 1997

Own a 1988 EXP?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.