Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1988 Dodge B250 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1 | 50% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 50% | ▼ down |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE BATTERY MAY INTERFERE WITH THE HOOD INNER PANEL AT THE FRONT THREE CELL VENT CAP OF THE BATTERY.
Consequence
SUCH INTERFERENCE MAY DISLODGE CAP AND ALLOW HYDROGENGAS TO ESCAPE AND CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy
REPLACE THREE CELL CAP WITH INDIVIDUAL BATTERY CELL CAPS.
Defect
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WITH THEGEAR SHIFT LEVER IN PARK POSITION.
Remedy
ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLIES REPLACED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVER WAS ON THE BALTIMORE BELTWAY RUNNING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR WHEN HE FELT A VIBRATION, AND THE TIRE BLEW OUT ,HE WAS BETWEEN TWO LARGE TRUCKS BUT WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. NO INJURIES OCCURED. BRATION (DOT NUMBER: VDHL 252 TIRESIZE: P235/75R15)”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1988 Dodge B250. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the B250 years to avoid are 1994. The cleanest record among B250 years belongs to 1985.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.