1988 Dodge B250 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. THE BATTERY MAY INTERFERE WITH THE HOOD INNER PANEL AT THE FRONT THREE CELL VENT CAP OF THE BATTERY.
What could happen: SUCH INTERFERENCE MAY DISLODGE CAP AND ALLOW HYDROGENGAS TO ESCAPE AND CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD.
The fix: REPLACE THREE CELL CAP WITH INDIVIDUAL BATTERY CELL CAPS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 B250.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 88V073000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Summary: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: BATTERY CAP.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS EQUIPPED WITH 700 AMP BATTERY.
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY CONTAIN A PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLY THAT MAY STICK IN THE TOOTH BUTT UNENGAGED POSITION.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WITH THEGEAR SHIFT LEVER IN PARK POSITION.
The fix: ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES WILL HAVE THE PARK SPRAG ROD ASSEMBLIES REPLACED.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 B250.
- Book a repair at any authorized Dodge dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V194000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Summary: 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.
Notes: SYSTEM: PARKING GEAR SHIFTVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT TRUCKS AND VANS/WAGONS.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1988 Dodge B250 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (1), Steering (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
10/09/2000 · Wheels / tires
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: P23…
07/08/1997 · Steering
BOLTS HOLDING STEERING COLUMN TO BODY LOOSENED.