1998 Ford Ranger

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 576 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the tires. It has been recalled 11 times.

Avoid One of the Ford Ranger years to avoid: 2.1× the complaints of a typical Ranger year. Which Ford Ranger years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
100,000 milesMedian miles at failure

109 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Ford Ranger problems

134 of the 576 complaints (23%) are about the tires.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Tires75
918
Tires › Tread/Belt45
302
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration43
653
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes20
403
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine20
010
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags19
1719
Interior Lighting15
000
Suspension13
000
Structure › Body · body and frame13
020
Tires › Sidewall12
001

1998 Ford Ranger tires problems

23% of all complaints

134 of the 576 complaints are about the tires. This is what owners describe:

  • vibrates or shakes4% · 6

Share of the 134 tires complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
50,580 mi
median of 1 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
103 tires complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
12 · 1 · 11
in these complaints
Recalls on the tires
“While driving, vehicle would start to shimmy/ vibrate at 35mph and above, vehicle was taken to dealership, and had tires rotated even though it was the right front tire, however problem still exists, consumer contacted firestone, and nothing was being done about the tires. P225/70r15 on a 1998 FORD, ranger.*ak consumer contacted FORD and was informed that this is a firestone problem.*jb”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 17, 2001
“Last july on a hot, 87 degree afternoon, my front left tire began to shake and I pulled over immediately. It was flat by the time I stopped so I changed it. I purchased two new cooper tires to replace the fronts. I have rotated snow tires on the rear and have had no problems with the remaining firestone original tires.*ak (DOT number: w2uu ipo tiresize: p225/70r15)”
Owner complaint, filed May 22, 2001

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1997: 1 complaints, 0 about the tires'971998: 51 complaints, 2 about the tires1999: 109 complaints, 3 about the tires2000: 160 complaints, 103 about the tires2001: 68 complaints, 20 about the tires'012002: 34 complaints, 1 about the tires2003: 20 complaints, 3 about the tires2004: 17 complaints, 0 about the tires2005: 8 complaints, 0 about the tires'052006: 8 complaints, 0 about the tires2007: 12 complaints, 1 about the tires2008: 9 complaints, 1 about the tires2009: 8 complaints, 0 about the tires'092010: 4 complaints, 0 about the tires2011: 13 complaints, 0 about the tires2012: 8 complaints, 0 about the tires2013: 10 complaints, 0 about the tires'132014: 6 complaints, 0 about the tires2015: 13 complaints, 0 about the tires2016: 3 complaints, 0 about the tires2017: 5 complaints, 0 about the tires'172018: 3 complaints, 0 about the tires2019: 1 complaints, 0 about the tires2020: 3 complaints, 0 about the tires2021: 2 complaints, 0 about the tires'21Recall 97V186001 (fuel system)Recall 98V021000 (equipment)Recall 99V062001 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 99V204000 (transmission)Recall 00T005000 (tires)Recall 01X001000 (tires)Recall 06E026000 (headlights)Recall 06E056000 (fuel system)Recall 07V336000 (throttle and acceleration)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)
All complaintsAbout the tiresRecall (red: the tires)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1998 Ranger peaked in 2000, with 160 filed that year. Owners had filed 30 complaints about the tires before the first recall that covers it, 00T005000 in August 2000; 104 more have come in since. In 2021 owners filed 2 so far.

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
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.

Vehicle Speed Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E056000
Filed Jun 13, 200658,640 vehiclesUfi Filters USA

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Risk. FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS 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 WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Tires › Tread/Belt01X001000
Filed May 22, 200113,000,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE DESIGN TO STRESS, AGING, AND MANUFACTURING DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PLANTS. FORD IS REPLACING THESE TIRES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PREMATURE TIRE FAILURE. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW MAY HAVE BEEN ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT TIRES OR MAY HAVE HAD WILDERNESS AT TIRES INSTALLED DURING THE FIRESTONE RECALL LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2000. CERTAIN 1991 THROUGHT 2002 FORD EXPLORER CERTAIN 2001 THROUGHT 2002 EXPLORER SPORT, AND SPORT TRAC CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 2001 RANGER CERTAIN 1999 THROUGH 2001 EXPEDITION CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994, AND 1997 MODEL YEAR F-SERIES CERTAIN 1991 THROUGH 1994 BRONCO NOTE: BOTH ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND REPLACEMENT TIRES ARE AFFECTED.

Risk. SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Tires › Tread/Belt00T005000
Filed Aug 21, 200014,400,000 vehiclesBridgestone/Firestone, Inc.

Defect. TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.

Risk. IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy. THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission99V204000
Filed Jul 28, 1999326 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE PARK DETENT SPRING MISALIGNED. IF THE SPRING IS MISALIGNED, THE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Risk. IF THE PARK MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATOR HAS NOT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE AS IF IN NEUTRAL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE AND ANY WITH MISALIGNED PARK DETENT SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.

Vehicle Speed Control99V062001
Filed Mar 30, 1999898,739 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.

Risk. IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.

Equipment › Other › Labels98V021000
Filed Feb 2, 199811,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OFF-ROAD OPTION. THE TIRE AND RIM IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION IS INCORRECT ON THESE VEHICLES. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."

Risk. THE 16" TIRES COULD NOT BE INFLATED ON THE SPECIFIED 15X7.0J RIM.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE SENT A SAFETY CERTIFICAITON LABEL PARTIAL OVERLAY WHICH WILL CONTAIN THE CORRECT RIM SIZE, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THIS LABEL TO THE VEHICLE. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR FORD DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings97V186001
Filed Oct 28, 19972,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES. THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE CHASSIS MOUNTED FUEL LINE THAT CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE LINE COULD CONTACT THE MANIFOLD.

Risk. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL CLIP TO HOLD THE FUEL LINE IN THE INTENDED DESIGN POSITION.

All 11 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. One names the 1998 Ranger.

STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIONSPreliminary evaluation PE99045Closed
Opened Jul 6, 1999Closed Oct 29, 1999steering

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

289 on file

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

transmission 75engine 52equipment 29suspension 21body and frame 21electrical system 18visibility 14brakes 13
98B25Service campaignAug 1, 1998brakes

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 98B25-1998 RANGER FOUR-WHEEL ABS INVOICING/WINDOW STICKER CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM.

01B77Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2001tires

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT 7 REVISED INFORMATION - REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF WILDERNESS AT TIRES. *TT

995157Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 1999tires

INFORMATION ON MAINTAINING TIRE PRESSURE. *TT

12554Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 1, 1999tires

SUBJECT REGARDING REVOLUTIONS PER MILE TIRE SIZE DATA. *TT

9852Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 13, 1998tires

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 27, 2021PA

I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW, I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BUT NOW MY FRAME IS IN BAD, BAD, BAD RUSTING CONDITION AND MY MECHANIC SAID IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 82,000 MILES ON IT!!! TOYOTA STOOD BEHIND THEIR FRAMES WHY ISN'T FORD?

Suspension
Filed Mar 25, 2021151,000 milesWI

THE REAR OF THE FRAME RUSTED CAUSING THE BUMPER TO HANG OFF. IT WILL FALL OFF IF NOT ADDRESSED

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 16, 2020170,000 milesNJ

REAR FRAME EXCESSIVE RUSTING. SPARE TIRE CARRIER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. ONE SIDE OF BUMPER FELL OFF. NOTICED WHEN I STEPPED ON IT

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 17, 2020115,000 milesIL

FRAME IS ROTTED OUT

Electrical System
Filed Mar 30, 2020150,000 milesNJ

4WD STOPPED WORKING SOME TIME AGO, SERVO/ACTUATOR SEEMED TO BE FREE, RECENTLY STARTED MAKING GRINDING NOISES IN THE FRONT RIGHT, SOUNDS LIKE HUB IS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. SORT OF POPS OUT WHEN COMING TO A STOP HVAC DOES NOT WORK, FAN SPEED ONLY INTERIOR COURTESY STOPPED WORKING

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 25, 2019210,050 milesKY

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED SO SEVERELY THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION IS DETACHING FROM FRAME AND FRAME IS ALMOST RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH AND WILL SEPARATE SOON. THE SPARE TIRE AND CARRIER HAVE FALLEN OFF WHERE IS WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME DUE TO THE EXCESSIVE RUST AND THE BED MOUNTS HAVE RUSTED AWAY AND NO LONGER ATTACH TO THE FRAME LEAVING THE BED WITH NO SOLID MOUNT. SPARE TIRE AND CARRIER FELL OFF ON INTERSTATE WHILE DRIVING.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 25, 2018203,504 milesVA

MY FUSE #27 FOR BACKUP LIGHTS AND THE O/D KEEPS BLOWING OUT AND NOW THE O/D LIGHT FLASHES SOMETIMES I PULLED THE COVER OFF OF THE STEERING COLUMN BUT THE O/D CORD WASN'T PINCHED OR DAMAGED ALSO NO APPEARANCE OF ANY WIRE TOUCHING ANYTHING

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 7, 2018111,150 milesGA

VEHICLE BACK BUMPER FELL OFF DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST (WHILE IN MOTION). BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS RUSTED OUT AS WELL AS HOLES IN THE FRAME (ALL IDENTIFIED WHILE STATIONARY).

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 10, 2018179,143 milesVT

MY FRAME ROTTED STRAIGHT THRU UNDER THE CAB ON BOTH LEFT AND RITE FRAME RAILS Y'ALL MADE TOYOTA FIX THIS SO FORD SHOULD DO THE SAME SO MANY RANGERS WITH BAD FRAMES

Suspension
Filed Oct 29, 2017114,000 milesMD

"FRAME RECALL ? " WHILE DRIVING FRAME BROKE IN HALF, BOTH SIDES. SINCE OWNING I HAVE REPLACED LEAF SPRING AND SHOCK BRACKET,AND ALSO REMOVED SPARE TIRE BRACKET BEFORE IT FELL OFF IN ROADWAY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!!!

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 4, 2017176,000 milesGA

FRAME ROT FROM RUST CREWMEMBERS ARE RUSTED THROUGH FUEL TANK STRAPS ARE RUSTED THROUGH BUMPER MOUNTS ARE BAD REAR FRAME IS ROTED OUT

Structure › Body
Filed May 22, 2017DC

EXTREMELY RUSTED CAR FRAME

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 17, 2017169,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A KNOCKING TYPE NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE BED OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO RUSTING AND CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME AND CROSS MEMBERS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 19, 2017170,000 milesFL

THE TRUCK IS BURNING FUEL AND IDALING I CHANGED ALL THE COMPONENTS THAT THE MANUAL SAID AND THE ENGINE IS FINE IT HAVE TO BE A RECALL SOME WERE ITS WITH ALL FORD RANGERS EVERYONE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 1, 2016150,000 milesIL

THE REAR FRAME OF THE TRUCK HAS ROTTED AWAY. THE REAR SUSPENSION AND BUMPER ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF. THE BODY ITSELF IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. I DIDN'T FIND OUT UNTIL I STEPPED ON THE REAR BUMPER AND IT BEGAN SAGGING DOWN AND THEN REALIZED THAT A LARGE MAJORITY OF THE FRAMES CROSS MEMBERS WERE ALREADY GONE!

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 17, 201699,000 milesWV

FRAME IS RUSTING OUT EVEN THOUGH THE REST OF THE TRUCK LOOKS GREAT . THE TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN WINTER BECAUSE I HAVE A WORK CAR WITH FRONT WHEEL DRIVE THAT I USE FOR THIS AND THE FRAME ON THAT VEHICLE IS IN BETTER CONDITION THAN MY RANGER. WE HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK SINCE 2002 AND IT'S A 1998 MODEL.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 19, 2016150,000 milesNY

THE REAR FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED OFF BETWEEN THE REAR SPRING SHACKLES AND REAR BUMPER, THE SPARE TIRE MOUNT IF ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY, AND THE GAS TANK CROSS MEMBER IS ALSO NEARLY RUSTED AWAY,1/2 IS MISSING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE REAR SPRINGS DETACHED WHEN THE SHACKLED RUSTED AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 8, 2015WV

1998 XLT 4X4. BODY IN GREAT SHAPE. FRAME HAS RUST SO BAD REAR BUMBER AND SPARE TIRE CARRIER HAVE FALLEN OFF. BROKE BY THE LEAF SHACKLES ALSO. FRAME WAS COATED. UNABLE TO REPAIR. I AM BEYOND UPSET THAT FORD DOES NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRAME, SOMETHING I AM UNABLE TO AFFORD.

Suspension
Filed Aug 3, 2015120,000 milesCT

THE REAR FRAME OF THE TRUCK FELL APART RUSTED AWAY

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 15, 2015214,299 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE DEPRESSING THE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,299.

Air BagsCrashFire
Filed Jul 8, 2015DC

YOURE SUPPOSED TO TELL ME OF ANY PAST INCIDENTS , ACCIDENTS , FAILURES, & RECALLS. REMEMBER? THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE POINT OF THIS WEBSITE. IS IT NOT?

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 25, 201540,000 milesOR

I HIT A DEER WHILE COMMING HOME FROM WORK AT 45 MPH AND BENT BUMPER, DENTED LEFT QUARTER PANEL,BROKE LEFT TURN SIGNAL LENS AND CRACKED PLASTIC GRILE. AIRBAGS DID NOT APPLY OR ENGAGE. I ALSO HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES TO GET MY DOOR ALARM CHIP REPLACED @ 50 DOLLARS EACH TIME. ON LAST ATTEMPT MY EXTENDED WARANTY HAD EXPIRED AND THEY REFUSED TO HONER THE PROBLEM AND PROMISE TO REPLACE.EVEN THOUGH IT WAS AN EXSISTING PROBLEM. THIS WAS PRIOR TO HITTING THE DEER.

Air BagsCrashFire
Filed Jun 21, 2015DC

ANY ANY??YOU TELL ME REMEMBER?

Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 18, 2015266,144 milesMO

1998 FORD RANGER FIVE SPEED FOUR SHE'LL DRIVE, WAS PARKED ON LEVEL SURFACE PARKING BREAK ENGAGED TRANSITION IN GEAR IGNITION OFF AND LOCKED KEY REMOVED, VEHICLE BEGAN GAINING SPEED ROLLING AWAY BACKWARD IN FIRST GEAR I TRIED TO JUMP IN TO STOP VEHICLE USING BREAKS, AT WHICH TIME VEHICLE GAINED SPEED AND FLUNG ME UNDER TIRE. I RECEIVED FIVE STITCHES ROAD BURN AS WELL AS A SOFT CAST AND SPLINT.

Steering
Filed Jun 8, 2015TX

1998 FORD RANGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL MELTED. ALSO, THE HEAD LAMP SWITCH AND CONNECTOR WAS REPLACED. *JB

Suspension
Filed May 26, 2015KY

THE BACK SECTION OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED OFF THE SPRING HANGERS ARE RUSTED OFF THE FUEL TANK CROSS MEMBER IS RUSTED OFF AND THE TIRE HANGER IS RUSTED OFF THE SHOCK MOUNTS ARE ABOUT RUSTED OFF AND THE SPRINGS ARE BENT BECAUSE THE BRACKETS RUSTED OFF

Unknown or Other
Filed May 13, 201596,000 milesMA

DRIVING ON HI WAY, EVAP CANISTER ROTTED OFF, AND ALSO LOST MY SPARE TIRE, I HAVE PATCHED FRAME 13 TIMES NOW WAITING FOR A RECALL TO COME OUT AND YET STILL HAVNT HEARD OF ONE. TRUCK NEEDS TO BE FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. . HOPING ANYWAY POSSIBLE THAT THEY WILL THROW A RECALL OUT THERE FOR US RANGER OWNERS. THANKYOU.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 16, 201596,000 milesME

FRAME/ CHASSIS IS RUSTING. I HEARD TOYOTA WAS FIXING THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR TRUCKS. WHY DOESN'T FORD AND OR HAVE YOU CHECKED THESE TRUCKS OUT. YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME AND SEE MINE. THANKS, *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 29, 201572,300 milesWA

PULLED INTO A SLOPING DOWN PARKING SPOT. STOPPED, FOOT ON THE BRAKE. BEFORE I COULD SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE, THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY REVVED UP TO MAX RPM. I HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES, THE BACK WHEELS STARTED SPINNING CREATING A CLOUD OF BLUE SMOKE. I JAMMED THE GEARS INTO PARK AND THEY ENGINE ONLY QUIT AFTER I TURNED OFF THE KEY. I HAVE SEVERAL WITNESSES TO THE EVENT. MY REGULAR MECHANIC DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE AND IT HASN'T HAPPENED AGAIN. FORD CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 13, 2015133,933 milesMD

TOOK MY 1998 FORD RANGER IN FOR AN INSPECTION ON 01/13/2015 ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THE BACK OF THE FRAME IS ALMOST COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ONLY TWO DAYS EARLIER FROM A DEALERSHIP IN VA(01/11/2015) THAT'S RUN BY A MECHANIC. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AS SOON AS I SAW MY MISTAKE, AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T SEE THE RUST, AND THAT THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION IN VA ONLY TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE. THE FRAME IS ABOUT TO SPLIT IN HALF ITS SO BADLY RUSTED AND NOW I CANT REGISTER IT, NOT TO MENTION DRIVE IT, OUT OF FEAR OF IT SNAPPING AND ME LOSING MY LIFE. OH AND DID I MENTION I PAID $3650 FOR THIS POS? *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Nov 10, 2014120,000 milesMA

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN THE FRAME BROKE, BEHIND THE CAB WHERE THE BACK BED BEGINS ON THE DRIVER SIDE. EXCESSIVE ROT ALL OVER FRAME. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 25, 2014163,121 milesNJ

MY FORD RANGER FRAME IS ALMOST COMPLETELY ROTTED AWAY IN THE BACK AND THE REST OF THE FRAME IS IN GOOD CONDITION. THE REAR SHACKLES AND SHACKLE BRACKETS ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. THE SPARE TIRE HAS EVEN FALLEN OFF FROM RUST. ALSO THE GAS TANK STRAPS ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF FROM WERE THEY ARE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING TO A TRUCK THAT IS NOT THAT OLD. I HAVE READ THINGS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLES FRAMES THAT ARE RUSTED AWAY. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 11, 2014145,000 milesOH

I TOOK MY TRUCK TO HAVE A POWER STEERING ISSUE EXAMINED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE FRAME OF THE TRUCK WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. I EXAMINED THE FRAME AND NOTICED THAT THERE WERE SIZABLE HOLES IN THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK. THE ENTIRE BODY OF THE TRUCK IS IN SOLID CONDITION, HOWEVER THE FRAME ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND HAZARD. *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 8, 2014PA

MY 1998 FORD RANGER FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. THE GAS TANK IS READY TO FALL OFF . THE SHOCK FELL OFF. THE STRAP FOR THE SPARE TIRE IS RUSTED OFF HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? *TR

Structure › BodyFire
Filed May 13, 2014250 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE TRUCK STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY AND THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES. *TR

Suspension
Filed Apr 30, 201490,000 milesPA

TOOK IN FOR INSPECTION. IT FAILED BECAUSE OF RUSTED FRAME, SHACKLES, SHOCKS, BRAKE LINES AND REAR BRAKE DRUMS. IT COST ME $3,127.34 TO REPLACE ALL THE PARTS. BEFORE THIS, THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF. TOYOTA REPLACED THE FRAME OF MY NEIGHBORS PICKUP AT NO COST TO HIM. I ALSO HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAD A YEAR 2000 MAZDA PICKUP THAT HAD A RUSTED FRAME AND WOULDN'T PASS INSPECTION. I'M SURE THIS ISN'T THE FIRST COMPLAINT ON THIS SUBJECT. I BOUGHT FORDS FOR YEARS AND MY FATHER WORKED FOR A FORD DEALER SHIP FOR 40 YEARS. SINCE THIS TRUCK, I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD. THANKS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *JS

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Oct 20, 2013MS

WHILE IN BED AT 2:00 AM TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Oct 6, 2013126,000 milesVT

REAR SECTION OF FRAME AT REAR BUMPER MOUNT AND SPARE TIRE HOLDER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF HOLES ALL THE WAY THRU. HAVE READ A LOT OF OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. TRUCK IS IN VERY NICE SHAPE OTHER THAN THIS. HAVE OWN MANY MANY FORD TRUCKS OVER THE YEARS. ALL DIFFERENT YEARS FROM 1968-2008. FORD SHOULD MAKE THIS RIGHT FOR ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 30, 2013116,000 milesCT

WENT TO GET ESTIMATE ON REPLACING MUFFLER SYSTEM AND WAS TOLD NOT TO DO IT BECAUSE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND READY TO BREAK. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE JAN. 16 2001. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE REAR SHACKLES IN 2009. DOES FORD HAVE ANY RECALL ON THIS AS I HAVE READ MANY MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 2, 2013ME

SPARE TIRE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTING. GAS TANK ABOUT TO FALL OFF. TRUCK ONLY HAS 115000 MILES???? *JS

Suspension
Filed Jun 1, 2013140,000 milesMI

THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FROM ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THE DOOR TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION MOUNT IS ALMOST COMPLETELY GONE FROM RUST. I SHOWED IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE AS IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE BUT THEY EITHER COULD OR WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE COIL SPRING POCKET IS CRACKED AND THE SPRING IS ABOUT TO POP OUT. I CANNOT AFFORD A NEW VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE FRAME IS BROKEN AND CRACKED IN SEVERAL AREAS DUE TO STRESS FROM FLEXING BECAUSE OF THE RUST. I ATTEMPTED TO GET A LOCAL FABRICATION SHOP WELD IT BUT THEY WILL NOT TOUCH IT. I CAN TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS IF NEED BE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY TOLD ME THEY HAVE HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM BUT NOT ENOUGH TO ISSUE A RECALL. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE BUT HAVE NO CHOICE. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED REAR SPRING MOUNTS AND SHACKLES BECAUSE OF RUST BUT I CANNOT REPLACE THE FRAME AND NO ONE WILL TOUCH IT. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Apr 26, 2013139,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THE WATER RESERVOIR WAS ABNORMALLY LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUG WAS BURNED. THE HATCH HAD CRACKED AND LEAKED WATER TO THE NUMBER FOUR SPARK PLUG. THE FAILURE RECURRED FREQUENTLY AND HAD TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG EVERY 3,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,329.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Feb 15, 2013100,000 milesNH

TRUCK IN OVER ALL GREAT SHAPE HOWEVER THE FRAME IS BEAT I KNOW FORD SAYS SALT BUT LOOKING AT THE REST OF TRUCK ONE CAN SEE IT WAS TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF. LIKE TOYOTA ,WITH THEM BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ISSUES OF THEIR FRAMES I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT FORD IS ABOVE THE RIGHT THING TO DO... IN CLOSING PLEASE LET ME KNOW, IF ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS IS FORDS . THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 27, 2013180 milesME

REAR FRAME HAS ROTTED OUT BY THE RIGHT REAR SPRING HANGER CAUSING SPRING TO GO TRU BED AND THE REAR AXLE TO BE DETACHED THE TRUCK AT THIS TIME IN IN OPERABLE DUE TO THIS WILL BE TRYING TO WELD AND REPLACE IT AS BEST AS CAN BE BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT IM READING ABOUT ONLINE SURE WISH FORD WOULD STEP UP LIKE TOYOTA DID

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jan 20, 2013131,800 milesAL

THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN SPOTS ALL THE WAY DOWN THE FRAME. IT LOOKS CLOSE TO BREAKING IN HALF IN SOME SPOTS. A 1998 VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS MUCH RUST NO MATTER WHERE IT CAME FROM. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS VEHICLE, IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 14, 201350,000 milesCA

TURN SIGNALS FAILURE AT TIMES, DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 20, 201285,107 milesPA

SEVERELY RUSTED OUT REAR FRAME RAILS THAT WOULD NOT PASS PA. INSPECTION CODES. IN THE PAST 3 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED ALL THE REAR SPRING HANGERS AND MOUNTS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE FORD RANGER LINE AND IS WHY IM SENDING THIS LETTER AND FORM.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 1, 2012150,000 milesNE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE RIVETS ATTACHED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRACKETS WERE CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE MECHANIC HAD TO REATTACH THE PEDAL WITH NEW BOLTS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Suspension
Filed Jun 30, 2012134,000 milesMA

REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNTS ROTTED AND BROKEN , REAR BUMPER MOUNTS ROTTED AND VERY CLOSE TO FAILURE , SPARE TIRE MOUNT SEVERLEY ROTTED. *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 28, 2012131,000 milesME

REAR SECTION OF FRAME THAT HOLD SPARE TIRE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING, TIRE AND FRAME SECTION JUST MISSED A VEHICLE BEHIND ME, AT THIS SAME TIME THE FRAME BROKE OFF JUST IN FRONT OF THE REAR SPRING HANGER ON THE DRIVER SIDE. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 576, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20269800Routine
2025451300Routine
2024961300Routine
202318410Do not drive
202238500Routine
2021119630Routine
2020130710Routine
20192711120Above average
20171000Routine
20161000Routine
20141000Routine
2011235610Do not drive
2010156900Do not drive
2009169801Do not drive
2008326611Do not drive
2007270610Do not drive
20062721224Do not drive
20052891150Do not drive
20044051232Do not drive
20032435111Fatalities reported
20023467122Fatalities reported
2001515994Fatalities reported
20006708122Fatalities reported
199975510140High concern
1998 — this page57611297Fatalities reported
1997411781Fatalities reported
199641381810Fatalities reported
1995321791Fatalities reported
199443811151Fatalities reported
199323210152Fatalities reported
19921896320High concern
19911326210High concern
19901055152Fatalities reported

Compare every Ranger year →

1998 Ford Ranger: questions buyers ask

Is the 1998 Ford Ranger a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Ranger years to avoid: owners filed 576 complaints, 2.1 times as many as a typical Ranger year. The most common complaint is about the tires (23%).

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Ford Ranger?

The tires: 134 of the 576 complaints (23%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (4%). The typical report comes at 50,580 miles.

How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Ranger have?

11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 00T005000, covered 14,400,000 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 Ranger problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 100,000 miles. For the tires the midpoint is 50,580 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1998 Ford Ranger?

Yes, once. PE99045 ("STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIONS") was opened Jul 6, 1999 and closed Oct 29, 1999.

Are there service bulletins for the 1998 Ford Ranger?

The manufacturer filed 289 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (75), the engine (52) and the suspension (21). They include a service campaign, 98B25, filed Aug 1, 1998. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

7 deaths 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: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.