Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1988 Ford Crown Victoria electrical system problems
The 1988 Ford Crown Victoria has 21 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 43% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
21
Electrical System complaints
43%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND A FIRE STARTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND ENGULED THE CAR IN FLAMES. PLEASE DESCCRIBE. *AK”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1988 Ford Crown Victoria have?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the 1988 Ford Crown Victoria electrical system — 43% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Ford Crown Victoria electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.