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 Exp problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1988 Ford Exp — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1988 compare to other Exp years?
What are the most common 1988 Ford Exp problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 2 | 67% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 33% | new |
Does the 1988 Ford Exp have recalls?
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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”
“THE BRAKES FAIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY SIX TO SEVEN MONTHS, EVEN AFTER REPLACING PADS, CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND A NEW MASTER CYLINDER AND METERING VALVE.”
1988 Ford Exp — common questions
Is the 1988 Ford Exp reliable?
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Does the 1988 Ford Exp have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1988 Ford Exp. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1988 Ford Exp under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.