1988 Ford Explorer recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1), Wheels / tires (1), Suspension (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (6)
12/02/2001 · Brakes
I WANTED TO KNOW IF THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE&I AM CONCERN ABOUT THE TIRE&THE BRAKE. *AK
05/25/2000 · Suspension
VISITED DEALER WITH COMPLAINT OF NOISE(GROWL) IN STEERING COLUMN. WAS ADVISED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. ALSO, FRONT SUSPENSION HAS NUMEROUS SQUEAKS AS YOU WOULD EXPERIENCE IN AN OLDER VEHICLE THAT HAS NOT HAD PROPER LUBRICATION. DEALER ADVISED THIS WAS NORMAL. DOES NOT SEEM NORMAL. I INTEND TO TAKE VEHICLE TO SPECIALIZED SUSPENSION REPAIR SHOP FOR EVALUATI…
07/29/1999 · Electrical system
IGNITION REPLACED ON RECALL 8/7/96. FUEL & TEMPERATURE GAUGES FREQUENTLY MALFUNCTION WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS & OVERHEATS. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATES OVERHEATING. FOCUSING ON OVERHEATING PROBLEM OVERLOOKS THE ACTUAL PROBLEM OF THE IGNITION WHICH WAS REPLACED ON RECALL. ALSO RADIATOR FAN WILL NOT ENGAGE & ACTUAL OVERHEATING WILL TAKE PLACE.…
02/26/1997 · Electrical system
INCOMPLETE IGNITION RECALL REPAIR DUE TO LACK OF PARTS.
02/26/1997 · Lights
HEADLIGHT SWITCH DEFECTIVE.
02/26/1997 · Steering
POWER STEERING FAILED.