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 Mustang electrical system problems
The 1988 Ford Mustang has 60 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 45% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
60
Electrical System complaints
45%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE FROM HOOD AREA. PULLED VEHICLE OVER TO A SERVICE CENTER, OPENED HOOD AND SAW ALTERNATOR ON FIRE. A SERVICEMAN TRIED TO PUT FIRE OUT WITH A EXTINGUISHER, BUT FIRE WOULD NOT EXTINGUISH UNTIL CABLE ON BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED. *ML”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1988 Ford Mustang have?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the 1988 Ford Mustang electrical system — 45% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Ford Mustang 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.