1998 Ford F-150

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,381 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system. It has been recalled 18 times.

Not among the Ford F-150 years to avoid. Which Ford F-150 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
113,141 milesMedian miles at failure

550 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Ford F-150 problems

180 of the 1,381 complaints (13%) are about the fuel system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system135
060
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame102
100
Tires73
200
Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar62
110
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly56
301
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine55
050
Tires › Tread/Belt51
404
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine47
050
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes44
904
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration42
674

1998 Ford F-150 fuel system problems

13% of all complaints

180 of the 1,381 complaints are about the fuel system. This is what owners describe:

  • leaks oil or fluid27% · 49
  • knocks, grinds or clunks3% · 6

Share of the 180 fuel system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
140,000 mi
median of 162 reports
Peak year of filing
2011
124 fuel system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 6 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the fuel system
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 FORD f-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with a dual fuel tank. After refueling, the front fuel tank would overflow and cause the fuel to leak out of the filler cap and onto the ground. The failure was related to a faulty fuel tank selector valve.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 13, 2012 at 199,500 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 FORD f-150. While having the vehicle repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting) the contact was informed that the fuel tank had began to leak were the straps were replaced and needed to be repaired. The contact was informed that the fuel tank would not be repaired under the recall.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 12, 2012 at 118,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1997: 6 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'971998: 97 complaints, 1 about the fuel system1999: 156 complaints, 1 about the fuel system2000: 141 complaints, 1 about the fuel system2001: 189 complaints, 1 about the fuel system'012002: 100 complaints, 1 about the fuel system2003: 103 complaints, 3 about the fuel system2004: 73 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2005: 105 complaints, 2 about the fuel system'052006: 40 complaints, 1 about the fuel system2007: 42 complaints, 4 about the fuel system2008: 39 complaints, 1 about the fuel system2009: 22 complaints, 6 about the fuel system'092010: 49 complaints, 25 about the fuel system2011: 145 complaints, 124 about the fuel system2012: 22 complaints, 8 about the fuel system2013: 11 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'132014: 13 complaints, 1 about the fuel system2015: 6 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2016: 4 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2017: 5 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'172018: 1 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2019: 7 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2020: 1 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2021: 1 complaints, 0 about the fuel system'212022: 0 complaints, 0 about the fuel system2023: 3 complaints, 0 about the fuel systemRecall 97V171000 (transmission)Recall 98V007000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 98V095000 (wheels)Recall 00V168000 (headlights)Recall 00V284000 (equipment)Recall 05V388000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 06E023000 (headlights)Recall 06E052000 (headlights)Recall 07E066000 (equipment)Recall 08E050000 (headlights)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)Recall 11V385000 (fuel system)NHTSA investigation EA11006NHTSA investigation PE10036NHTSA investigation DP05005NHTSA investigation PE01033NHTSA investigation PE99047NHTSA investigation PE99019
All complaintsAbout the fuel systemRecall (red: the fuel system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1998 F-150 peaked in 2001, with 189 filed that year. Owners had filed 0 complaints about the fuel system before the first recall that covers it, 98V161000 in July 1998; 180 more have come in since. In 2023 owners filed 3 so far.

18 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting11V385000
Filed Jul 29, 20111,100,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.

Risk. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights08E050000
Filed Aug 11, 20081,921 vehiclesK2 Motor Corporation

Defect. K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Equipment › Electrical07E066000
Filed Aug 28, 2007175 vehiclesCequent Electrical Products

Defect. CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Risk. IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy. ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E067000
Filed Aug 1, 200619,413 vehiclesMaxzone Auto Parts Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT 909-822-3288.

Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior Lighting06E060000
Filed Jun 29, 200687,745 vehiclesAai Motorsports USA, LLC

Defect. CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH

Remedy. AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E052000
Filed Jun 12, 200614,616 vehiclesSabry Lee, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E023000
Filed Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehiclesAnzo USA, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Vehicle Speed Control05V388000
Filed Sep 7, 20054,500,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

Equipment › Other › Labels00V284000
Filed Sep 21, 20004,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL CNG PICKUP TRUCKS AND BI-FUEL CNG VANS, MODIFIED BY CFI CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC., FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 303, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS VEHICLES." THE LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FUEL FILLER DOOR BY THE VEHICLE MODIFIER CONTAINS THE INSPECTION DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CNG TANK. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FUEL CONTAINER FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE."

Risk. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A LABEL WITH THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL AT THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 2, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Exterior Lighting00V168000
Filed Jun 19, 200020,637 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Risk. THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL BE ADVISED TO DEACTIVATE THE RUNNING LIGHT FUNCTION AND TO COMPLETE ANY OUTSTANDING SAFETY RECALLS ON THESE VEHICLES.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly98V161000
Filed Jul 15, 1998202,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS. IF THE VEHICLE IS OVERLOADED, THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS CAN BE OVERSTRESSED. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE SPRING CAN OCCUR. THE CENTER LEAF OF THE SPRING CAN FRACTURE AT THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE SPRING SEAT AND, IN SOME CASES, CONTACT THE FUEL TANK.

Risk. FUEL TANK CONTACT CAN DAMAGE THE TANK AND RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SPRINGS AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL CLIP ON THE FORWARD END OF THE REAR SPRINGS TO PREVENT FUEL TANK CONTACT IN THE EVENT OF A LEAF FRACTURE. ANY FRACTURED SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs98V095000
Filed May 13, 19981,520,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. THE LUG NUTS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT CREATE SUFFICIENT CLAMP LOAD ALLOWING WHEEL MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO THE HUB/ROTOR MOUNTING SURFACE.

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE LOOSENING OF LUG NUTS, STUD FATIGUE FAILURE, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A WHEEL SEPARATION FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE RECEIVING TWO NOTIFICATIONS. THE FIRST NOTIFICATION, WHICH BEGAN IN MAY 1998, WILL PROVIDE AN INTERIM REPAIR PROCEDURE UNTIL PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THIS INTERIM PROCEDURE CAN BE COMPLETED BY OWNERS OR THEIR DEALERS. IT SPECIFIES THAT THE LUG NUT TORQUE MUST BE VERIFIED TO BE 100 LBS. THEN THE LUG NUTS NEED TO BE TIGHTENED AN ADDITIONAL 1/8 TO 1/4 TURN MORE. THERE WILL BE A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JULY 20, 1998, UNDER WHICH DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL STUDS AND REPLACE THE WHEEL LUG NUTS.

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal98V007000
Filed Jan 21, 199845,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 4.2L ENGINE AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, NEW YORK, VERMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, MAINE, MICHIGAN, IDAHO, WYOMING, SOUTH DAKOTA, COLORADO, NEBRASKA, KANSAS, IOWA, MISSOURI, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, AND MASSACHUSETTS. THE THROTTLE IS UNABLE TO RETURN TO IDLE DUE TO ICE FORMING IN THE THROTTLE BODY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RANGES FROM -10 TO -40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.

Risk. INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORTS OR SOME INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PCV SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)97V171000
Filed Oct 7, 1997866,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS NOT FULLY ATTACHED TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET, THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY CAN COME OUT OF THE BRACKET. THE VEHICLE OPERATOR WOULD THEN NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS INTO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK."

Risk. THE CONDITION WOULD NOT ALLOW A DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE PARK POSITION OR AFFECT PROPER NEUTRAL START SWITCH OPERATION. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR IF THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT SET.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAKE THE PROPER ATTACHMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL CABLE TO THE STEERING COLUMN BRACKET AND ADD A TIE STRAP TO THAT CONNECTION.

All 18 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 11 name the 1998 F-150.

Fuel Tank Strap Failure Due to CorrosionEngineering analysis EA11006Closed
Opened May 4, 2011Closed Aug 19, 2011Led to recall 11V385000fuel system

One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and fail (break or separate).If one strap fails, the tank may tilt and drop and possibly contact the road surface.If both straps break, the entire tank may drop to the road.If either failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven, contact with the road can abrade the tank and create a hole from which gasoline can spill.When the tank drops, it remains attached to the vehicle only by the fuel filler hose and/or supply lines, or in rare instances, by the skid plate, if present.In some cases …

Fuel Tank Strap Corrosion/RustPreliminary evaluation PE10036Closed
Opened Sep 7, 2010Closed May 23, 2011fuel system

One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and break.If one strap breaks, the tank may tilt and drop and possibly contact the road surface.If both straps break, the entire tank may drop to the road.If either failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven, contact with the road can abrade the tank and create a hole from which gasoline can spill.When the tank drops, it remains attached to the vehicle only by the fuel filler hose and/or supply lines, or in rare instances, by the skid plate, if present.This raises the possibility …

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDefect petition DP05005Closed
Opened Sep 22, 2005Closed Jan 4, 2006engine

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESEngineering analysis EA05005Closed
Opened Mar 22, 2005Closed Aug 2, 2006Led to recall 05V388000electrical system

Ea05-005 is closed with FORD?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.FORD is also including the entire population of 1998 explorers.FORD has informed odi that testing to determine the cause of failures in the 1998 explorers will continue after this investigation is closed.odi believes that the …

STEERING COLUMNPreliminary evaluation PE01033Closed
Opened Sep 17, 2001Closed Feb 6, 2002steering
BLOW BACK DURING REFUELINGPreliminary evaluation PE99047Closed
Opened Jul 12, 1999Closed Sep 23, 1999throttle and acceleration

There is no summary currently available

SPARE TIRE WEARPreliminary evaluation PE99019Closed
Opened Mar 4, 1999Closed Jul 27, 1999body and frame
SPARE TIRE MOUNTINGDefect petition DP99002Closed
Opened Mar 2, 1999Closed Mar 17, 1999body and frame

The national highway traffic safety administration was petitioned to commence a defect investigation of the subject vehicles by a letter signed by william f. Allard and dated 15-feb-98.the petition alleges that the spare tire mounting places the tire sidewall directly in contact with the metal undercarriage causing wear and damage of the sidewall.the petition further alleges that when the damaged tire is used, blowout could result on an interstate placing vehicle occupants and others at risk.

REAR SUSPENSION SPRING BREAKAGERecall query RQ98022Open
Opened Nov 13, 1998Led to recall 98V161000suspension

In july 1998, FORD submitted a part 573 notification to NHTSA concerning broken rear springs on certain 1997-98 FORD f150 trucks, with four-wheel drive.FORD stated that fatigue fracture of the rear springs may occur if the spring are over stresses(sic) by vehicle overloading.the broken piece of the spring leaf may splay inward, damaging the fuel tank and causing fuel leakage.FORD also stated that a broken spring would cause vehicle sag and loss in load carring capability.FORD had 43 reports of fuel tank damage.FORD will install a clip on the forward end (only) of the rear springs to prevent …

ALLEGED LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROLEngineering analysis EA98018Closed
Opened Aug 31, 1998Closed Sep 30, 1999throttle and acceleration

The details of information and data evaluated during this investigation are stated in the engineering analysis closing report, dated september 30, 1999.a safety-related defect trend resulting from interference by the floor mat with proper operation of the throttle in the subject vehicles was not identified during the course of the ea, and the invrestigation has been closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will continue to monitor future complaints on this issue to identify any increasing trend of occurrence, and …

TIE ROD END FAILURESPreliminary evaluation PE98024Closed
Opened Apr 21, 1998Closed Jul 21, 1998steering

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

285 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1998 F-150. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 64transmission 57body and frame 32fuel system 18electrical system 15steering 13throttle and acceleration 13suspension 12
16-0073Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 21, 2016fuel system

For 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250 Light Duty, or 2002-2003 Blackwood vehicles Safety Recall 11S21 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high corrosion areas for an extended period, where one or both fuel tank straps could potentially fracture. Strap fracture may result in the fuel tank contacting the ground. If the fuel …

TSB160073Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 21, 2016fuel system

Safety recall 11S21 - Fuel tank strap fracture - requests for recall service action

TSB-14-0147Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 11, 2014fuel system

FORD/LINCOLN: SAFETY RECALL ISSUED DUE TO ONE OR BOTH FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURING DUE TO BEING IN HIGH CORROSION AREAS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD AND DISLODGING FUEL TANK. MODEL 1997-99 F250, 1997-03 F150, 2004 F150 HERITAGE, 2002-2003 BLACKWOOD. *PE

020503Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 21, 2005fuel system

GUIDANCE FOR CNG TANK INSPECTION FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1996. *TT UPDATE. *TT

03102Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 26, 2003fuel system

COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG). ROUGH IDLE OR NO START WHEN COLD. VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CNG BI-FUEL ENGINE ONLY. *TT

0398Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 12, 2003fuel system

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 18 bulletins about the fuel system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 18, 2023GA

1998 Ford F150 S/N 1FTRX18L7WNB03063 Mechanic said the frame is rusting badly. Suggested I not pull a heavy trailer or haul heavy loads in the bed.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 4, 2023OH

Unknown

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 23, 2023CA

My driver's side seat belt does not work at all for the past 6-8 months its been stuck and locked and it doesn't release the belt at all so I been driving without a seat belt for awhile now it needs to be repaired and as for the other issues unknown like bank-1 & bank-2 not working properly also evap-leaks and sensors not working

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 19, 2021IL

I have multiple issues that hit all around same time. Body rusted and water leaks getting the bcm wet which causes the truck to go haywire, lights flashing, doors locking and unlocking, radio stays on, caused multiple things to stop working, fuel tank leaks when filling it up where the fuel tank fill hose rusted into the tank, causing multiple vacuum leaks and horrible running conditions and truck dies if not holding clutch, gas and brake at light. Rear trailer wiring plug when it's connected causes multiple lights to stay on even though vehicle not running and everything off. Also melted all wires on 2 trailers causing shorted out lights, replaced clutch 2 times since purchase on 3rd clutch and mechanics not sure why even after showing them I am properly using the clutch system, not pulling heavy loads, or driving it like a race truck. ABS system light won't shut off even though no codes or problems with abs system, multiple vacuum leaks and can't get rid of running lean and bad O2 sensors even after replacing them all.

Unknown or OtherFire1 injured
Filed Jun 1, 2020150,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED WITH THE VEHICLE RUNNING AND INSIDE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE INSULATION ON THE ROOF MELTED CAUSING A FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED THIRD DEGREE BURNS ON THE HEAD. A POLICE REPORT WAS MADE FILED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND CAME OUT TO EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS CONTACTED AND TOOK THE CONTACT TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE STAYED HOSPITALIZED FROM APRIL 4 2020 TO MAY 8 2020 FOR HIS BURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A LOSS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 23, 2019MI

MY VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL STRAPS I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER THEY LOOKED AT IT THEY SAID THEY CANNOT FIX IT BECAUSE THE STRAP CALL THROUGH THE BED RAIL FRAME WHAT'S THE STRAP IS WHAT CAUSED THE CORROSION AND RUST TO THE BED RAIL FRAME .THEY WILL NOT PROCEED WITH THE REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL STATES THAT THE STRAPS RUST AND ARE KNOWN TO CORRODE AND IF THE GAS THING FALLS IT SHALL BE REPLACED. OUR GAS TANK FELL AND WAS ROCKING AROUND ON THE SKID PLATES AND IT PUNCTURED THE GAS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 20, 2019204,000 milesOH

I WAS FILLING MY FUEL TANK AND ANOTHER CUSTOMER POINTED OUT THERE APPEARED TO BE SOMETHING DRIPPING FROM MY TRUCK. I FOUND THAT AS I FILLED THERE WAS A STEADY STREAM COMING DOWN WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE FRAMEWORK HOLDING UP THE FUEL TANK AND DRIPPING TO THE GROUND A COUPLE OF FEET FORWARD OF THE FILLING POINT. AS THE TANK FILLED IT APPEARED TO ALSO DRIP DIRECTLY UNDER THE FILLING POINT. I DID FIND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FUEL STRAP WHICH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF EVEN THOUGH I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK REGISTERED IN OHIO FOR ABOUT 18 YEARS AND THUS REGISTERED IN THE RUST BELT STATES. WE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DRIPPING AT OUR HOME, ONLY ON FILLING THE TANK.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 15, 2019231,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL AND THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE DETERIORATING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 231,000.

Electrical SystemCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 10, 2019WA

SINCE PURCHASE 6/24/1998 RIVERSIDE FORD SUMNER WA NON TIRE SIZE NOT CALIBRATED 22570R16 CAUSED ACCELERATED ODOMETER MILES BY 100,144 MILES UNAWARE TACOMASPEEDOMETER I PAID $55.14 ON APRIL 13, 2013 JUNE 11, 2013 AT TITUS WILL DEALERSHIP RECEIPT 203,997 WAS INVOLVED IN MVA MAY 13, 2019 OTHER PERSON CITED 'FAILING TO YIELD RIGHT OF WAY' THE MILEAGE INDICATES 232,350 EVEN THOUGH I SHOWED MY RECEIPT 6/11/2013 AT 203,997 COMMERCE WEST DECEITFUL APPRAISER WILLFUL INTENT TO DEFRAUD ONLY HAVE 28,353 MILES IN WHICH THEY'RE TRYING TO TOTAL VEHICLE? CARFAX COLLECTING DATA IS AS INCORRECT AS WORDS USED NOT HAVE ORIGINAL RECEIPT/PACIFIC COAST FORD INDICATES A BAD ODOMETER MARCH 6, 2008 R&R AXLES ON JUNE 6, 2008 EXP BAD TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED W TRANS ASSEMBLY ON RECEIPT BAD ODOMETER CARFAX COLLECTED DATA IS INCORRECT NOT HAVE ORIGINAL RECEIPTS' CARFAX CONTRADICTS OWN POLICY ON REPORT 'NOT ALL ACCIDENTS REPORTED' INCONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS CARFAX DISSEMINATING FALSE INFO CARFAX CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW 2010 ODO MILEAGE 238,624 BUT IN 2013 INDICATES 208,438? NO ODOMETER TAMPERING ON REPORT CARFAX NEVER SENT ALLSTATE ANY REPORT MAY 21, 2019 THE RECENT MAY 13, 2019 IS COMMERCE WEST RECKLESS DRIVER 100% LIABLE CLAIMING TRUCKS A TOTAL LOSS? SAME AS ALLSTATE EXCEPT 28,353 IN 6 YEARS AT 4,725 MILES FOR 6 YEARS FROM THE RECEIPT THAT I PAID $5589.36 AT TITUS WILL DEALERSHIP PROMISED TO RESET ODOMETER TO ZERO I'VE ACCOUNTED OF ALL ODOMETER MILEAGES FROM RECEIPT ON 6/11/2013 STATE

Engine
Filed Jun 3, 201995,000 milesLA

FAULTY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKING COOLANT IN PISTON BORE HYDROLOCKED MOTOR OVER NIGHT

Unknown or Other
Filed May 1, 2019156,828 milesND

I HAVE CONTACTED MYSELF THE BF GOODRICH COMPANY AND THE DEALERSHIP THAT SELLS BF GOODRICH TIRES. I HAVE CONTACTED THE COMPANY TWO TIMES. I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM THESE PEOPLE AND IT HAS BEEN TWO TO THREE MONTHS. I AM WRITING YOU HOPING THAT I CAN GET SOME RESULTS. I BOUGHT TIRES ON LINE THRU MANDAN WALMART. THE DATE WAS MARCH 26, 2016. IT WAS FOR 4 TIRES. THE SIZE WAS P235/70R16. I HAD A FLAT REAR 3-5-2019. I TOOK THE TIRE IN TO BE REPAIR ON 3-7-2019. MANDAN WALMART WOULD NOT REPAIR THE TIRE BECAUSE IT HAD DRY ROT. THE MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 149312. WHEN I PURCHASED THE TIRE FROM MANDAN WALMART I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE TIRES WERE GOTTEN FROM A THIRD PARTY CALLED DOTCOM TIRE. THEY SENT THE TIRES TO THE STORE AND THEY PUT ON AND BALANCED WITH NEW VALVE STEMS. WHAT I DID NOT KNOW IS THAT THE TIRE HAD A MANUFACTURE DATE OF 04/13. THEY WERE SOLD AS NEW TIRES AND THE WARRANTY ONLY HAD 3 YEARS ON IT. MANDAN WALMART SAID THEY DO NOT FIX FLATS WITH ROT AND THAT DID NOT SELL THE TIRES, THE THIRD PARTY DID. I BOUGHT NEW TIRES NOT THREE YEAR OLD TIRES AND MANDAN WALMART SHOULD TOLD ME THAT THE TIRES WERE THAT OLD. MANDAN WALMART TOLD ME ALSO "CUSTOMER NEGLECT" ON MY VEHICLE WHAT NONSENSE IS THIS? ALSO, MANDAN WALMART ALSO SAID "CUSTOMER NEGLECT" AND NOT TAKING PROPER CARE OF YOUR VEHICLE IS THE OTHER COMMENT THEY MADE AND THIS IS WHY THEY WILL NOT FIX MY TRUCK, THEY SHOULD NOT TELL CUSTOMERS BLUNTLY THERE IS NO NEGLECT ON THIS VEHICLE. THE MILEAGE ON THE TRUCK NOW IS 156828. I TOO

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Apr 12, 2019225,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS ISSUED ON JANUARY 27, 2005. THE SPEED CONTROL FUNCTION FAILED TO PROPERLY SHUT OFF PERTAINING TO THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE THAT THE VEHICLE COULD OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 225,000. .*BF CONSUMER STATED WHEN ENGAGING SPEED CONTROL, THE ENGINE WOULD MISSFIRE SO BAD, THAT I WOULD CUT THE SPEED CONTROL OFF BEFORE THE ENGINE WOULD STALL. 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

WheelsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 11, 201815,000 milesNC

OCTOBER 13,2018 ENTIRE WHEEL ASSEMBLY DRIVER FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING ON HWY 64 ROCKY MOUNT NORTH CAROLINA, CAUSE MY TRUCK TO HIT GUARD RAIL, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH CAUSE ME SERIOUS INJURY TO MY NECK, I DID NOT HAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE AIR BAG.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 2017194,000 milesMO

BOTH FRONT SEAT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO COLLISION. HORN CAME ON, WHITE SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT THE CAB OF THE TRUCK, HAD TO GET OUT, THUMB WAS HURT BUT NOT BROKEN. I HAD TO CUT INTO THE INFLATABLE AIR BAGS AND DISENGAGE THE HORN AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME.

Steering
Filed Jul 26, 2017133,000 milesKY

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A VIOLENT SHAKING IN THE STEERING AND FRONT SUSPENSION CALLED "THE DEATH WOBBLE". OCCURS AS SPEEDS BETWEEN 40 AND 70 MPH. OCCURS IF ROAD IS SOMEWHAT BUMPY. OCCURS OFTEN AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. IT REQUIRES THAT I SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 5 MPH BEFORE IT STOPS. THIS IMMEDIATE NEED TO SLOW DOWN IF DANGEROUS IF SOMEONE IS FOLLOWING ME (ESPECIALLY A LARGE TRUCK.)

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 10, 2017165,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS PARTIALLY DETACHED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAP HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 29, 2017123,776 milesVA

TANK SELECTOR DFR FAILED CAUSING FUEL TO POUR OUT OF FRONT TANK AND ALONG SIDE OF TRUCK WHILE WAITING AT STOPLIGHT.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Feb 13, 2017OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 28, 2016200,000 milesFL

WHEN DEPLOYED THE AIR BAGS DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DID NOT FULLY OPEN WHEN I WAS MOVING AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR.

Electrical System
Filed May 12, 2016160,000 milesNE

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: JUL 15, 1998 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V161000 COMPONENT(S): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE , SUSPENSION MY REAR SUSPENSION IS BAD - HAS THIS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF ON MY VEHICLE? GEM MODULE IS HAVING TROUBLE. I HAVE BEEN READING THIS PART HAS CAUSED A LOT OF TROUBLE FOR THIS FORD MODEL.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Apr 2, 2016KY

WAS PARKING TRUCK AND BEFORE I EVEN KNEW IT THE WHOLE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE ! NO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSE IT.

Engine
Filed Feb 4, 201660,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CYLINDER HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 14, 2015170,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRAPS FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION AND PUNCTURED A HOLE ON THE FUEL TANK, WHICH RESULTED IN A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO OFFERED TO REPLACED THE STRAPS FREE OF CHARGE, BUT REFUSED TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 14, 2015NH

FRAME SO RUSTED CAN'T GET A STICKER, ORIGINAL PAINT ON TRUCK. FORD WAS FACTORY UNDERCOATED WITH RUBBER TYPE UNDERCOATING. WHICH PEALED OFF AND LEFT LOTS OF RUST ON ENTIRE FRAME. NOT SAFE FOR INSPECTION. TOLD BY GARAGE, TO JUNK IT. BOUGHT NEW IN 1998.

Suspension
Filed May 17, 2015146,000 milesTN

SHOCK UPPER MOUNT SIMPLY FELL OFF CAUSING DRIVER SIDE REAR SHOCK TO DRAG GROUND. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION ALSO NOTICED AT THE LOCATION OF THE RUSTED OUT MOUNT LOCATION THAT THE REAR WIRING FOR THE TAIL LIGHT WERE SEVERED CAUSING TRUCK TO NOW BE STUCK IN PARK. ALSO WHILE INSPECTING NOTICED REAR FRAME IS SIMPLY FALLING APART AND OTHER AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FRAME ARE WEAK AS WELL. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AFTER DOING RESEARCH I AM FINDING MANY ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME ISSUE ONLINE BUT NO MANUFACTURE RECALLS. WHY ISN'T FORD DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE? I'VE NEVER SEEN FRAMES DO THIS. TRUCK NEEDS FULL FRAME REPLACEMENT.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed May 15, 2015176,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER ONTO THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 13, 2015270,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS OUT THE DRIVEWAY AND INTO THE STREET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AND THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V171000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 270,000. UPDATED 5/18/15*CN THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW SHIFTER CABLE. UPDATED 05/29/15*JB

Engine
Filed Mar 12, 201592,435 milesNV

I HAVE A 1998 FORD F-150 V6 4.2 LITER WITH 92435 ORIGINAL MILES. I WOKE UP THIS MORNING AND STARTED MY TRUCK UP AND THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING COMING FROM THE MOTOR. MY ANTI-FREEZE WAS LOW. I NOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS EARLIER POSTS OF A BENT ROD AND NEED A NEW MOTOR. I BELIEVE FORD MOTOR COMPANY SHOULD HAVE HAD THIS MOTOR RECALLED AND PROPERLY FIX THE PROBLEM. GLAD THEY HAVE THE JOB BECAUSE I AM ABOUT TO LOSING MINE. WALKING 6 MILES TO WORK TODAY. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 16, 2014200,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 17, 2014120,000 milesHI

IN 2012, I REPLACED MY GAS TANK BECAUSE SEVERE CORROSION HAD EATEN NUMEROUS SMALL HOLES INTO THE TOP OF THE TANK SO IT COULD NOT BE FILLED OVER 3/4TH WITHOUT LEAKING. FLAKES OF RUST WERE FALLING ONTO THE TOP OF THE TANK FROM THE FRAME X-MEMBER CAUSING THESE HOLES. THE FRAME X-MEMBER WAS NOT ADDRESSED AND THE NEW GAS TANK BEGAN TO LEAK WITHIN A YEAR AND A HALF OF REPLACEMENT. THE ENGINE WAS JUST RECENTLY TUNED UP BY A FORD DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS INTERMITTENTLY VIBRATING. WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THIS TUNE UP, THE ENGINE LOST FULL POWER WITH FINDING OF GROSSLY CONTAMINATED FUEL. THE 2 YEAR OLD TANK WAS PULLED AND THE TOP OF THE TANK WAS REVEALED TO BE METALLIC SWISS CHEESE EQUIVALENT, THIS TIME WITH NUMEROUS VERY LARGE HOLES THAT RAIN WAS EASILY PENETRATING INTO THE TANK VIA THE CAB-BED SPACE OPENING. THE X-MEMBER FRAME SUPPORT WAS CORRODED IN HALF. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIX IT AND I PAID FOR A SECOND NEW TANK AND FUEL PUMP($350 WITH SHIPPING TO HI), POR 15 COATED THE TOP OF THE NEW TANK MYSELF, AND PAID A LOCAL BODY SHOP$1042.00 TO PULL THE X-MEMBER AND REPLACE IT WITH A USED PART AS FORD NO LONGER STOCKS (LIKELY RUSTED TO BITS IN THEIR WAREHOUSE). THE NEW TANK AND USED X-MEMBER ARE NOW INSTALLED AND AWAITING AN ENGINE MECHANIC TO ADDRESS WHY THE ENGINE WON'T START UP DESPITE NEW TANK/FRESH FUEL/PUMP/FILTER. LIKELY ANOTHER $500 TO CLEAN FUEL INJECTION/ENGINE BRINGING 2 YEAR TOTAL FOR ROTTED X-MEMBER AND TWO GAS TANKS TO WELL OVER $3000. PERUSING YOUR DATA BASE, THE FRAME RUST ISSUE SE

Power Train
Filed Oct 7, 2014230,000 milesSC

GEAR SELECTOR LEVER BECAME "SLOPPY" AND I COULDN'T DEPEND ON THE SELECTOR FOR PARK, OR DRIVE GEARS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 1, 201477,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED ANTI FREEZE INTO THE NUMBER TWO CYLINDER AS A RESULT THE ENGINE BLEW APART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 201490,000 milesAL

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY SPARK PLUG BLOWS OUT. IT LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.STRANDED. THEN YOU HAVE A COST OF TOWING THE VEHICLE SOMEWHERE. THEN THE REPAIR COST. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 2014150,000 milesAL

TRAVELING HOME TOWING MY BOAT AND ANOTHER SPARK PLUG BLOWS OUT. TRIED TO FIX ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 3 HOURS IN 90 DEGREE HEAT. HAD TO WAIT TO GET MY TRUCK TOWED AND THEN ANOTHER FOR MY BOAT. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed May 23, 201474,000 milesAZ

WHEN BUCKLING THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT, THE SHOULDER HARNESS DETACHED FROM UPPER ANCHOR DUE TO THE NUT COMING OFF THE BOLT. INSPECTION OF THE PASSENGER SIDE BELT SHOWED THE NUT TO BE LOOSE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 14, 2014173,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS EXHIBITED FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LATER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FUEL TANK STRAP WAS FRACTURED DUE TO RUST CORROSION. IN 2011, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V385000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

Engine
Filed May 13, 2014145,555 milesTN

I HAVE NOW HAD 3 SPARK PLUGS EJECT THEMSELVES FROM THE MOTOR. TO ME THERE IS A RISK OF FIRE BEING THAT THE PLUG IS EXPOSED AS WELL AS FUEL/FUEL VAPORS SINCE THE PLUG IS OUT OF THE HEAD. THERE IS ALSO A MANIFOLD EXHAUST LEAK DUE TO THE STUDS BREAKING OFF IN THE MOTOR. THESE HEADS ARE OF POOR QUALITY AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 25, 2014140,000 milesCA

POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT AT/OR NEAR THE HAZARD FLASHER SWITCH. MOST NOTICEABLE AT COLD START, AND COMING FROM UNDER/INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN UPPER COVER CASTING. WITH THIS MAKE & MODEL, YEAR, THE HAZARD SWITCH IS LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN UPPER COVER CASTING. ALTHOUGH I HAVE YET TO SEE ANY SMOKE, THERE IS A MORE THAN SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ELECTRICAL SHORTING NOISE COMING FROM WITHIN THE COLUMN ITSELF. DUE TO THE FACT THAT I CANNOT REMOVE THE COVER MYSELF TO TARGET LOCATE THE ISSUE, I HAVE LEFT IT UP TO A FEW MECHANICS AND DEALERS, BUT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE (PROBABLY BECAUSE THE TRUCK IS WARMED UP BY THE TIME I GET IT TO A DEALER) ISSUE USUALLY IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT COLD START, AND MORE AGGRESSIVELY WHEN OUTSIDE/INSIDE CAB TEMPS ARE AT OR BELOW FREEZING, BUT HAS BEEN HAPPENING MORE DURING WARMER WEATHER. I CAN GET THE SOUND/NOISE OF THE ELECTRICAL SHORT TO STOP BY TOUCHING OR ENGAGING THE HAZARD SWITCH A FEW TIMES. AND USUALLY WHEN THE ISSUE STARTS THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WILL IMMEDIATELY FLASH SUPER FAST AT THE SAME TIME, ALL ON ITS OWN, WITHOUT ME ENGAGING THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. WHEN THE TEMPS REACH AROUND OR BELOW ZERO OUTSIDE, IT'S MORE DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GET THIS ISSUE TO STOP, THEN I HAVE TO RESORT TO PULLING IN THE STEERING WHEEL LEVER AND PHYSICALLY MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL UP & DOWN BY HAND. SOMETIMES WHILE AT A STANDSTILL AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION. IT ALMOST SEEMS THE COLDER AND MORE STIFF THE WIRES ARE INSIDE THE COL

Tires
Filed Feb 13, 2014TX

TIRES STARTED TO SEPARATE AFTER ONLY A FEW HUNDRED MILES I DO NOT HAVE EXACT MILEAGE AT THIS TIME BUT CAN GET AN APPROXIMATE TIRES FAILED IN THE FIRST 1000 MILES THE BRAND IS FEDERAL ,:TYPE IS COURARGIA M/T SIZE IS LT285-75R17. *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 5, 201476,000 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING MY PICK UP FORD 150 1998 32 MILE FOR HOUR AND I LOSE CONTROL OF MY STEERING WHEEL . MY STEERING WHEEL DO NOT RESPOND .. STEERING WHEEL WENT LOOSE TURNING AND TURNING WITH NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK... *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 20, 2014178,000 milesMN

WAS DRIVING AND FUEL TANK FALL OFF AND HIT THE GROUND, PUTTING HOLES INTO THE GAS TANK. MY DAUGHTER RESEARCHED RECALL'S AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS ONE ON THE FUEL STRAPS THAT CAUSED THEM TO BREAK. FORD WILL NOT APPROFVE PAYING FOR AND FIXING MY GAS TANK, WHICH I FEEL SHOULD BE DONE BECAUSE IT WAS THEIR FAULT THAT THE FUEL STRAPS WERE BAD AND I NEVER GOT A RECALL. AM 79 YEARS OLD ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND THEY WANT $700 TO FIX GAS TANK. IF THEIR STRAP WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPEN AND LUCKLEY IT DIDN'T EXPOSED AND KILL ME AND MY PASSENGER. JUST SEEMS VERY UNFAIR THAT THEY DON'T COVER THE WHOLE THING. YOU DO HAVE PERMISSION TO CONTACT MY DAUGHTER AT THE EVENING PHONE NUMBER. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 2, 2013123,000 milesME

FORD REPLACED THE STRAPS ON GAS TANK BUT NOT THE TANK WHICH IS RUSTY FROM THE DEFECTIVE STRAPS. THE ONLY RUST ON THE TANK IS WHERE THE STRAPS ARE. IT STARTED SEEPING A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF GAS AT THAT POINT AFTER THEY REPLACED THE STRAPS. *TR

Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2013100,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, ACCOMPANIED BY A LOUD NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH THREAD AND SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 12, 2013TX

INCIDENT #1 INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN ENGINE BAY AFFECTING CHARGING SYSTEM, EMISSIONS, AND DRIVE SYSTEMS. FORD DEALER DIAGNOSED AS "BAD ALTERNATOR" AND "BAD WIRING HARNESS". AFTER I BROUGHT IT BACK WITHOUT HAVING REPAIRS DONE, I CLEANED AND LUBED ALL CONNECTORS. ALL PROBLEMS WENT AWAY. I ENDED UP HAVING TO BUY A NEW BATTERY DUE TO DAMAGE DONE BY THE FAULTY CONNECTIONS. THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN INTERMITTENT AND PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE BEFORE I CLEANED AND LUBED ALL CONNECTORS, THIS PROBLEM COST ME A BATTERY, AND ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK AS THE BATTERY DIED AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY. WITH NO BATTERY AND NO ALTERNATOR, THE VEHICLE STALLED, LIGHTING DIED, ETC. INCIDENT #2 LEAKING TIMING COVER GASKET AND LOWER INTAKE GASKETS. AT THIS MOMENT THE VEHICLE HAS 127K APPX MILES ON IT, AND IT IS CURRENTLY SITTING AS I WILL NOT DRIVE IT UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED, ALL MILES PUT ON VEHICLE HAVE BEEN "LIGHT" MILES (NO HEAVY TOWING, NO OVERLOADING OF VEHICLE, NO EXCESSIVE SPEED, ETC). FORD ISSUED A BULLETIN STATING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH GASKETS UP UNTIL ROUGHLY 1/16/98. THEY THEN ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REMEDY THAT DID NOT COVER THE FULL GASKET SET OR ALL AFFECTED ENGINE MODEL YEARS. ACCORDING TO THE BULLETIN, MY ENGINE (MFG DATE PRIOR TO 9/97) IS AFFECTED, ACCORDING TO THEIR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REMEDY IT IS NOT ELIGIBLE. IN MY BOOK, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE THE BASIS OF A RECALL. ENGINES HAVE DIED WITH AS LITTLE AS 50K MILES ON THEM, I HAVE NEVER HAD A VEHICLE THA

Power Train
Filed Sep 11, 2013250,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO PARK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN ON UNLESS THE SHIFT LEVER WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V171000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 255,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 6, 2013154,000 milesCT

DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT A NORMAL SPEED I STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND THE TRUCK BEGAN TO MISFIRE.THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN KNOWN TO FORD, BECAUSE OUR MECHANIC RECEIVED AN E-MAIL BULLETIN FROM FORD DIRECTLY. WHICH STATED THE PROBLEMS WITH THE F-150. I HAVE COPIES OF THIS BULLETIN. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT OCCUR ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE MY SON AND I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. BECAUSE THE TRUCK JUST LOST TOTAL POWER.

Suspension
Filed Aug 5, 2013140,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE RETAINING CLIPS THAT SUPPORTED THE FRONT AND REAR LEAF SPRINGS WERE MISSING. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V161000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SUSPENSION). THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Engine
Filed May 26, 2013394,056 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING, AND THE TRUCK STARTED LOSING POWER, AND SPUTTERING, I FINALLY GOT IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE FOUND THAT THERE WERE 3 CRACKED COIL PACK ASSEMBLIES. THESE WERE REPLACED AND IT RUNS FINE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A BAD DEAL IF I HAD BEEN IN A SITUATION PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CROSSING A RR TRACK OR SOMETHING SIMILAR. THIS IDEA OF INDIVIDUAL COILS ON EACH SPARK PLUG IS NOT A GOOD IDEA, AND DANGEROUS. I REALIZE THERE ARE A LOT OF MILES ON MY TRUCK, BUT THIS COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. *TR

Power Train
Filed May 15, 2013123,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED REVERSE. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 97V171000 (POWER TRAIN) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. *TR

Power Train
Filed May 6, 201344 milesTX

TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN BETWEEN GEARS 2 AND 3RD AND 4TH GEAR ON AUTOMATIC. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 1,381, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270300Routine
202612800Routine
20251091440Routine
20241951140Routine
20234181340Above average
20226042370Above average
20211,0422940Do not drive
20207421140Above average
20191,345970Above average
20182,32719333Fatalities reported
20171,46518210High concern
20162,09314250High concern
20151,74614133Fatalities reported
20141,5398161Do not drive
20132,9943354Fatalities reported
20121,7844142Fatalities reported
20112,1946190Above average
20108431350High concern
2009324280Above average
20083691122Fatalities reported
20074887131Fatalities reported
200658514181Fatalities reported
20051,11214292Fatalities reported
20042,02916406Fatalities reported
200342311371Fatalities reported
200282110950High concern
20011,236192487Fatalities reported
20001,075173431Fatalities reported
19991,044186911Fatalities reported
1998 — this page1,38118911Fatalities reported
19972,7582626214Fatalities reported
19963247752Fatalities reported
199562671142Fatalities reported
1994676131010High concern
199358613211Fatalities reported
19924709395Fatalities reported
19913046410High concern
19902755320High concern

Compare every F-150 year →

1998 Ford F-150: questions buyers ask

Is the 1998 Ford F-150 a good car?

It is not among the F-150 years to avoid. Owners filed 1,381 complaints, against about 843 for a typical F-150 year. The most common complaint is about the fuel system (13%).

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Ford F-150?

The fuel system: 180 of the 1,381 complaints (13%) are about it. Owners most often say it leaks oil or fluid (27%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (3%). The typical report comes at 140,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1998 Ford F-150 have?

18 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 29, 2011. The largest, 05V388000, covered 4,500,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1998 Ford F-150 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 113,141 miles. For the fuel system the midpoint is 140,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1998 Ford F-150?

Yes, 11 times. The latest, EA11006 ("Fuel Tank Strap Failure Due to Corrosion"), was opened May 4, 2011 and closed Aug 19, 2011.

Are there service bulletins for the 1998 Ford F-150?

The manufacturer filed 285 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (64), the transmission (57) and the body and frame (32). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 29, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.