1998 Ford F Series Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Ford F Series, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine723.3%
- Tires & wheels413.3%
- Electrical413.3%
- Fuel system413.3%
- Driver assistance310.0%
- Body & structure310.0%
- Interior & seats26.7%
- Suspension13.3%
- Other / unspecified13.3%
- Visibility13.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE #2 SPARK PLUG STRIPED ITS THREADS AND BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD. THE PLUG REMAINED IN THE WIRING HARNESS CAP AND CONTINUED TO SPARK. THE REPAIR COST $220.00. I AM TOLD THIS IS AN ONGOING DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OF SOME OF FORDS ENGINES. *TR
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT CRACKED THE COIL AND WAS SPARKING ON THE FUEL LINE WITH FUEL VAPORS COMING OUT OF THE HEAD AT THE SAME TIME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE/EXPLOSION IF THE VEHICLE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SHUT OFF QUICKLY ENOUGH. I WAS IDLE IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN LONGER TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. INTERNET RESEARCH RETURNED ASTONISHING AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD 3 TIRE FAILURES DUE TO VALVE STEM FAILURE. ALL THREE TIMES WE WERE GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND HAD SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE. THIS RESULTED IN REPLACING TWO TIRES ON 2 VEHICLES AND REPLACING STEMS ON THE REMAINING 6 TIRES. BOTH VEHICLES HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON ABOUT THE SAME TIME AT THE SAME DEALER. (APRIL 2007) I UNDERSTAND FROM CONSUMER REPORT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON DILL VALVE STEMS. I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF THESE STEMS WERE PART OF THAT RECALL. *TR
I OWN A 1998 F150 APPROX. TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 GENERAL AMERITRAC SUV TIRES FROM SEARS, SIZE P225/70 R16 109S. WITHIN A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND A RANGE OF 18 TO 28 THOUSAND MILES, THREE OF THE TIRES HAVE HAD THE TIRE SEPARATE FROM THE STEEL BELTS, THE LAST WHICH HAPPENED TODAY, ALMOST KILLED ME. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE MANUFACTURE OF THESE TIRES. I DO CHECK THE PRESSURE ON A REGULAR BASIS,EVERY 2 TO 3 WEEKS. I STILL HAVE THE LAST TWO TIRES THAT HAVE FAILED. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT CRACKED THE COIL AND WAS SPARKING ON THE FUEL LINE WITH FUEL VAPORS COMING OUT OF THE HEAD AT THE SAME TIME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE/EXPLOSION IF THE VEHICLE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SHUT OFF QUICKLY ENOUGH. I WAS IDLE IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN LONGER TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. INTERNET RESEARCH RETURNED ASTONISHING AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
FORD HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CAB,OVER TIME IT HAS CORRUPTED THE WIRING,MAKING ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAIL TO HAVING A DEAD SHORT THAT CAUSES POWER TO DASH TO CONTINUE AFTER KEY IS REMOVED,THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AT BEST, TO THE FACT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME.THER ARE MANY TSB'S CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM 99133 98246 976011 98913 TO NAME A FEW.THIS ALSO CROSSES OVER TO SEVERAL MODELS AND YEARS AND IN CANADA THERE IS A RECALL FOR SOME OF THE F SERIES FORD TRUCK FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE TYPICAL OF ALL THE OUTHERS. THER IS RUST PRESENT UNDER DASH,DOOM LIGHTS,DOOR LIGHTS,CHIMES,POWER WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD CHARGE DUE TO POWER DRAIN WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT DISENGAGING AFTER TAPPING BRAKE OR THROTTLE I COULD FEEL THE PEDDLE RESET ITSELF AFTER TAPPING BOTH. I HAVE HAD THE WINDOW REPLACED AND RESEALED. AT THIS POINT I WILL BE REPLACING THE GENERAL ELECTRIC MODULE AND HOPE THAT FIXES THE WIPERS FOR ME. IT'S HARD TO SAY WHAT ELSE IS FRIED AT THIS POINT. THAT PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I MAY HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUSE PANEL ALSO. IT SEEMS THAT MANY OF THE FORD TECH'S ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND ITS REPLACE PARTS TILL YOU OR THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE, BUT NO ONE IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY WINDOW INSTALL THAT HAD CAUSED THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE.SO TO SUM IT UP THIS VEHICLE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST,RUN AWAY OR HAVE THE WIPERS FAIL AT ANY TIME ALSO THE CAR FIRES ATTRIBUTED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY IN FACT BE RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. I THINK SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THIS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE HEAD WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT CRACKED THE COIL AND WAS SPARKING ON THE FUEL LINE WITH FUEL VAPORS COMING OUT OF THE HEAD AT THE SAME TIME. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE/EXPLOSION IF THE VEHICLE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SHUT OFF QUICKLY ENOUGH. I WAS IDLE IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHERE IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN LONGER TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. INTERNET RESEARCH RETURNED ASTONISHING AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
I HAD THE TRUCK ON A LIFT TO CHECK FOR A NOISE FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP WAS RUSTED THRU AND THE TANK WAS LOOSE. HAD TO MAKE A TEMPORARY REPAIR. I CHECKED THE VIN ON THE FORD WEBSITE AND THE INFORMATION WAS THERE WAS NO RECALL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
FORD HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CAB,OVER TIME IT HAS CORRUPTED THE WIRING,MAKING ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAIL TO HAVING A DEAD SHORT THAT CAUSES POWER TO DASH TO CONTINUE AFTER KEY IS REMOVED,THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AT BEST, TO THE FACT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME.THER ARE MANY TSB'S CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM 99133 98246 976011 98913 TO NAME A FEW.THIS ALSO CROSSES OVER TO SEVERAL MODELS AND YEARS AND IN CANADA THERE IS A RECALL FOR SOME OF THE F SERIES FORD TRUCK FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE TYPICAL OF ALL THE OUTHERS. THER IS RUST PRESENT UNDER DASH,DOOM LIGHTS,DOOR LIGHTS,CHIMES,POWER WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD CHARGE DUE TO POWER DRAIN WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT DISENGAGING AFTER TAPPING BRAKE OR THROTTLE I COULD FEEL THE PEDDLE RESET ITSELF AFTER TAPPING BOTH. I HAVE HAD THE WINDOW REPLACED AND RESEALED. AT THIS POINT I WILL BE REPLACING THE GENERAL ELECTRIC MODULE AND HOPE THAT FIXES THE WIPERS FOR ME. IT'S HARD TO SAY WHAT ELSE IS FRIED AT THIS POINT. THAT PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I MAY HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUSE PANEL ALSO. IT SEEMS THAT MANY OF THE FORD TECH'S ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND ITS REPLACE PARTS TILL YOU OR THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE, BUT NO ONE IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY WINDOW INSTALL THAT HAD CAUSED THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE.SO TO SUM IT UP THIS VEHICLE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST,RUN AWAY OR HAVE THE WIPERS FAIL AT ANY TIME ALSO THE CAR FIRES ATTRIBUTED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY IN FACT BE RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. I THINK SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THIS. *TR
I WAS TOWING AN ULTRA LIGHT CAMPING TRAILER WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED WHEN I SMELLED WHAT APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THEN THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY FAILED . I REPLACED THE ENTIRE ENGINE AT A COST OF $ 4000.00 AND HAVE HAD AT LEAST 10 MORE INSTANCES WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING ON THE INTERSTATE. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIRD DOOR JAMMED. *TR
THIS WAS NOT A PARTICULARLY BAD INCIDENT, BUT IT COULD VERY WELL HAVE BEEN. I CONSIDER IT A 'CLOSE CALL' FROM WHICH THERE IS A WARNING TO BE HEARD. THE STRAPS HOLDING UP THE GAS TANK ON MY F-150 RUSTED THROUGH, DROPPING THE TANK [FORTUNATELY AT LOW SPEED WHERE I COULD STOP FAST - EVEN SO, ANOTHER FOOT OR SO AND I WOULD HAVE BURST THE TANK AGAINST A SEWER GRATING]. THE TANK WAS RUST-FREE, AS WERE THE VERTICAL PARTS OF THE STRAPS. I THINK THAT THE PLASTIC PAD BETWEEN THE STRAPS AND THE TANK HELD WATER AGAINST THE STRAP, RUSTING IT. THE PAD WRAPS AROUND THE STRAP, AND I BELIEVE SCOOPED WATER THROWN BY THE TIRES. I SUGGEST EITHER A PAD REDESIGN TO ELIMINATE THIS, OR THAT THE STRAPS BE OF STAINLESS. THE STRAPS APPEARED TO BE INTACT, BUT THE METAL WAS PRETTY MUCH CONVERTED TO RUST WITHOUT CHANGING SHAPE. IT IS NOT LIKE THE STRAPS WERE VISIBLY RUSTED AWAY. I SUSPECT THAT THE PAD HELD THE RUST IN PLACE. I HAD CHANGED THE OIL NOT TOO LONG BEFORE AND NOTICED NOTHING WRONG. I DO NOT SPECIFICALLY RECALL LOOKING AT THE STRAPS, BUT I DO TRY TO LOOK AROUND WHEN I AM UNDER THE TRUCK JUST TO SEE IF ANYTHING IS FUNKY. HAD I BEEN GOING AT ANY DECENT SPEED, NOT IN A PARKING LOT, I SUSPECT I WOULD HAVE BURNED TO DEATH.... THE REPAIR WAS SIMPLE; REPLACE THE STRAPS AND TWO PLASTIC VENT HOSE CONNECTIONS THAT FAILED. JACKING UP THE TANK [FULL] AND TYING IT UP SO THE TRUCK COULD BE PULLED UP ON A TILTBED WAS A HASSLE, MAINLY SINCE I DID NOT HAVE THE APPROPRIATE TOOLS ON HAND. A SIMPLE INSPECTION WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS INCIDENT, THOUGH IT WOULD HAVE TO HAVE BEEN MORE THAN JUST A VISUAL INSPECTION; POKING THE STRAP WITH A PICK TO VERIFY IT WASN'T ALL RUST JUST LOOKING LIKE SURFACE RUSTED METAL.. BUT YOUR SYSTEM WILL NOT TAKE THAT NUMBER, SAYING IT IS INVALID. IT IS A 1998 F-150 4WD, EXTENDED CAB, STICK SHIFT, WITH AC. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
FORD HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CAB,OVER TIME IT HAS CORRUPTED THE WIRING,MAKING ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAIL TO HAVING A DEAD SHORT THAT CAUSES POWER TO DASH TO CONTINUE AFTER KEY IS REMOVED,THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AT BEST, TO THE FACT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME.THER ARE MANY TSB'S CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM 99133 98246 976011 98913 TO NAME A FEW.THIS ALSO CROSSES OVER TO SEVERAL MODELS AND YEARS AND IN CANADA THERE IS A RECALL FOR SOME OF THE F SERIES FORD TRUCK FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE TYPICAL OF ALL THE OUTHERS. THER IS RUST PRESENT UNDER DASH,DOOM LIGHTS,DOOR LIGHTS,CHIMES,POWER WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD CHARGE DUE TO POWER DRAIN WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT DISENGAGING AFTER TAPPING BRAKE OR THROTTLE I COULD FEEL THE PEDDLE RESET ITSELF AFTER TAPPING BOTH. I HAVE HAD THE WINDOW REPLACED AND RESEALED. AT THIS POINT I WILL BE REPLACING THE GENERAL ELECTRIC MODULE AND HOPE THAT FIXES THE WIPERS FOR ME. IT'S HARD TO SAY WHAT ELSE IS FRIED AT THIS POINT. THAT PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I MAY HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUSE PANEL ALSO. IT SEEMS THAT MANY OF THE FORD TECH'S ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND ITS REPLACE PARTS TILL YOU OR THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE, BUT NO ONE IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY WINDOW INSTALL THAT HAD CAUSED THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE.SO TO SUM IT UP THIS VEHICLE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST,RUN AWAY OR HAVE THE WIPERS FAIL AT ANY TIME ALSO THE CAR FIRES ATTRIBUTED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY IN FACT BE RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. I THINK SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THIS. *TR
ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO REASON. DOOR OPEN, LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THEN GOES OFF. LOUD NOISE IN REAR END WHEN STARTING OFF.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO REASON. DOOR OPEN, LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON THEN GOES OFF. LOUD NOISE IN REAR END WHEN STARTING OFF.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I CURRENTLY HAVE A 1998 FORD F150 4.2L ENGINE THAT HAS 65000 MILES AND AM EXPERIENCING HEAD GASKET FAILURE. FORD MOCO STATS THERE IS NO TSP'S OR RECALLS REGUARDING THIS. I PULLED THE OWNERS NOTIFICATION 98B33 OFF YOUR WEB SITE. MY ENGINE BUILD DATE IS NOV 1997 AT THE ESSEX PLANT. I AM IN THE ARMY AND AM STATIONED IN GERMANY. THE DEALERSHIP HERE QUOTED ME 2500.00 FOR THE ESTIMATE. AT THIS TIME THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE U.S. ESP PURCHASED FROM THE ORIGINAL DEALER. I AM CURRENTLY TRYING TO GET THIS RESOLVED. FORD WILL NOT GIVE PART TO ME AT NO COST TO FIX THERE DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKETS AND LOWER INTAKE MANIDOLS GASKETS AND ENGINE FRONT COVER GASKETS. THEY ARE GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND AND CAN'T GET ME STRAIGHT ANSWERS. I AM CONTINUING WORKING WITH MY DEALERSHIP. I AM AFRAID THEY WILL SIT ON THIS UNTIL MY WARRANTY RUNS OUT ON THE 22 JANUARY 2003.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
FORD HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INTO THE CAB,OVER TIME IT HAS CORRUPTED THE WIRING,MAKING ELECTRICAL DEVICES FAIL TO HAVING A DEAD SHORT THAT CAUSES POWER TO DASH TO CONTINUE AFTER KEY IS REMOVED,THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AT BEST, TO THE FACT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN FAIL AT ANY TIME.THER ARE MANY TSB'S CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM 99133 98246 976011 98913 TO NAME A FEW.THIS ALSO CROSSES OVER TO SEVERAL MODELS AND YEARS AND IN CANADA THERE IS A RECALL FOR SOME OF THE F SERIES FORD TRUCK FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM. MY PROBLEMS ARE TYPICAL OF ALL THE OUTHERS. THER IS RUST PRESENT UNDER DASH,DOOM LIGHTS,DOOR LIGHTS,CHIMES,POWER WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK. VEHICLE DOES NOT HOLD CHARGE DUE TO POWER DRAIN WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION. I HAVE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT DISENGAGING AFTER TAPPING BRAKE OR THROTTLE I COULD FEEL THE PEDDLE RESET ITSELF AFTER TAPPING BOTH. I HAVE HAD THE WINDOW REPLACED AND RESEALED. AT THIS POINT I WILL BE REPLACING THE GENERAL ELECTRIC MODULE AND HOPE THAT FIXES THE WIPERS FOR ME. IT'S HARD TO SAY WHAT ELSE IS FRIED AT THIS POINT. THAT PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I MAY HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUSE PANEL ALSO. IT SEEMS THAT MANY OF THE FORD TECH'S ARE HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THIS AND ITS REPLACE PARTS TILL YOU OR THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY AT YOUR OWN EXPENSE, BUT NO ONE IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAULTY WINDOW INSTALL THAT HAD CAUSED THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE.SO TO SUM IT UP THIS VEHICLE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST,RUN AWAY OR HAVE THE WIPERS FAIL AT ANY TIME ALSO THE CAR FIRES ATTRIBUTED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY IN FACT BE RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM. I THINK SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THIS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .