1988 Ford Ranger engine and engine cooling problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1988 Ford Ranger — 15% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Driving 60 mph, a loss of power was noticed. This became a loud exhaust noise. After coasting to a stop, putting up the hood to search for problems, and finding no evidence of any, attempted to restart the vehicle. The vehicle backfired, and smoke began to pour out from the exhaust system. A fire…”
filed Jul 18, 2010
“Dt: the vehicle caught on fire on the engine by the fuel rail. Fire department came and extinguished the fire. This happened on july 26, 2005. The vehicle had been parked for several months. Tried to start it then it back fired and caught flames. *ak”
filed Aug 2, 2005
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Service tip information on revised oil pan gasket replacement procedure. *tt
99183 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 6, 1999
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Ranger years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ranger | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 Ranger | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 Ranger | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 Ranger | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 Ranger | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 Ranger | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 Ranger | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 Ranger | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 Ranger | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 Ranger | 10 | 3% |
| 2004 Ranger | 17 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1988 Ford Ranger
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.