1998 Ford E-150
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E-150 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Ford E-150. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1998 Ford E-150. Newest first.
Ford IS recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-250 sd through F-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 E-150 through E-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 F53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. on 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. repairs will be completed free of charge. the safety recall began on october 27, 2009. owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Ford IS recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car vehicles. the affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that IS not compatible with…
Risk and remedy
Risk
As a result, the fuse IS located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and may not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. the recall began on february 18, 2008. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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 and remedy
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.
On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly IS out of alignment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.
Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight with frequent twisting of the vehicle body, such as off-road, rough road or speed bump events, the 35 gallon mid-ship fuel tank could develop a crack where it contacts the frame cross member. if the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and, if cracked, will replace the tank. insulator pads will be installed on all vehicles to reduce the stress levels in the fuel tank. owner notification began april 19, 2001. 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.
Owner complaints
60 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford E-150. While the contact was filling up the fuel tank with fuel, the fuel leaked out. The service engine warning indicator illuminated, indicating a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the midship fuel tank…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford E-150. While the contact was filling up the fuel tank with fuel, the fuel leaked out. The service engine warning indicator illuminated, indicating a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the midship fuel tank developed a crack where it contacted the frame cross member and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 01v114000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was made of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
- Equipment adaptive/mobility
TL* the contact owned a 1998 ford E-150 equipped with a cci airtouch pneumatic gas/brake. The model was unknown. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle began to accelerate without cause or warning. The failure caused a crash with another vehicle, trees, and a street lamp. The contact…
TL* the contact owned a 1998 ford E-150 equipped with a cci airtouch pneumatic gas/brake. The model was unknown. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle began to accelerate without cause or warning. The failure caused a crash with another vehicle, trees, and a street lamp. The contact attempted to brake, but the vehicle continued. The vehicle was destroyed and could not be diagnosed. A police report was filed and the contact was injured. Medical attention was not required. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
- Wheels
Left front tire (michelin p235/75r15 ltx M/S2) separation at 25 mph. Also, noticeable stress cracks on the sidewall of the tire. Tires bought 01/2010; with 7/32 tread remaining. reference 13t012000. *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford E-150. The contact stated that after refueling, fuel spewed out of the filler neck and onto the ground. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. The technician diagnosed that the fuel tank failed due to corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 80,750.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford E-150. The contact stated the fuel tank straps fractured. The contact stated that the fuel tank and straps were the same as the ones utilized on the 1998-2003 ford F-150, in which was recalled for the same failure. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was 250,000.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford E-150. While at a stop sign the contact was rear ended by a vehicle driving approximately 35 mph. A police report was filed. The vehicle was driven away from the scene with damage to the rear bumper and frame. The contact suffered neck pain and was seen by a doctor…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford E-150. While at a stop sign the contact was rear ended by a vehicle driving approximately 35 mph. A police report was filed. The vehicle was driven away from the scene with damage to the rear bumper and frame. The contact suffered neck pain and was seen by a doctor at the hospital. A cat scan was performed but there was no diagnosis. Approximately four months after the crash occurred the contact continued to suffer from neck pain. The doctor performed an mri and diagnosed that the contact sustained a broken neck caused by trauma. The contact stated the injury may have occurred due to the seat belt laying on the neck during the crash. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
98 ford E-150 / safety recall-01s14 I contacted chalmers ford dealer ([xxx]) santa fe,nm 473-3673 / ford customer service([xxx]) 1-800-392-3673 my vehicle exhibits exactly the same symptoms as recall and was told I was not on the list and nothing could be done-i discovered the leak when I was…
98 ford E-150 / safety recall-01s14 I contacted chalmers ford dealer ([xxx]) santa fe,nm 473-3673 / ford customer service([xxx]) 1-800-392-3673 my vehicle exhibits exactly the same symptoms as recall and was told I was not on the list and nothing could be done-i discovered the leak when I was pumping gas into the gas tank and a huge puddle of gas was observed dripping from van by an observant customer-i stopped pumping gas immediately and returned home-upon my return I inspected edge of tank and all the hoses and saw that gas had formed a ring where the fuel had leaked out-did not see leak from hoses but they were deteriorated-leak was from upper tank area and flowed downward-if this IS not taken care of soon there could be many ford owners susceptible to car fires-many of the vehicles such as mine are conversion vans and we carry our entire families in them-very dangerous defect or cheap part or poor design-please help if you can. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Structure › Body
06-03-2007 right door handle (outside part) broke and I could not get into my van. no abuse on my part. I had the door handle replaced by ford dealership at my expense ($125.00). 03-03-2008 left door handle (outside part) broke when I pulled the handle. I now have to get into my van by the…
06-03-2007 right door handle (outside part) broke and I could not get into my van. no abuse on my part. I had the door handle replaced by ford dealership at my expense ($125.00). 03-03-2008 left door handle (outside part) broke when I pulled the handle. I now have to get into my van by the passenger side, and crawl over to the drivers side. this IS awful since I had advanced copd breathing problems. I had to order the part today, and hope for the best to get it installed, again at my expense. the handles should not broke on a 1998 vehicle so soon. I have read all complaints for 1998 ford E150 vans, I have a sherrod conversion van. 04-10-2009 back a/c & heat does not blow cold or heat from back unit. the fan part IS the only part that works in the back unit. IS there a recall on this. 01-20-2002 the front a/c & heat distribution assembly had to be replaced when it stopped working completely. dealership told me sherrod IS out of business and that I would have to bring it in for a diagnostic check, and replacement at my expense. please investigate these problems, and help me out. thank you. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford E15. while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began making a pinging sound in the engine. the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 50 mph. the contact stated that the vehicle was losing oil. on january 23 2007, a remanufactured engine was installed in the vehicle. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford E15. while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began making a pinging sound in the engine. the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 50 mph. the contact stated that the vehicle was losing oil. on january 23 2007, a remanufactured engine was installed in the vehicle. the dealer rebuilt the cylinder heads. for one year, two months, and nineteen days, the pinging noise continued to occur. the dealer and manufacturer stated that they were unable to assist her with the repair, although the warranty was valid. a second dealer diagnosed the failure on april 10, 2008 and stated that the transmission seal was leaking, there were oil leaks present in three places on the oil gaskets, the timing was off, and there was condensation on the oil cap. there were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failures. the second dealer charged the contact $107 to diagnose the failure and stated that they were waiting on a response from the manufacturer prior to repairing the vehicle under warranty. the contact filed a complaint with the better business bureau. the vehicle does not have cruise control. the failure mileage was 142,865 and current mileage was 161,100.
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford E150. the contact received a safety recall notice in february of 2008 for the vehicle speed control. the dealer was called three times and they stated that the part would be available the following month. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 140,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1998 (manufactured 1997) ford 4.2 liter engine blew main head gasket - engine froze up. Replaced with remanufactured engine - combustion too high - pings - ford refuses to install another engine. carbon build up - valves, rings, crankshaft, egr and catalytic converter will all be damaged if not corrected. dealer had tried on 5 occasions - ford continues to deny approval for another engine. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
98 ford E150, 4.2l,82k miles, engine started knocking. Took to ford dealer. They said needs new engine. Cost $4749. I find out this engine has been failing prematurely and ford knows about it. They supposedly sent out a recall to replace gasket. I never received notice. I think I should get partial reimbursement. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford E-150. the contact stated that the vehicle IS difficult to start in cold weather. once the vehicle started, it would hesitate and produce a tapping noise. he had to replace the coolant frequently. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. the current mileage IS 102,797 and failure mileage was 101,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
1998 ford E-150 V6 4.2 engine leaked coolant into #1 cylinder causing rod to bend and disable engine. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1998 ford E150 5.4 triton V8 blew a spark plug at 98000 miles requiring head repair. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Driving down the highway I heard a popping sound, the truck stalled and the check engine light came on. The truck continued to stall. I called clark ford after hearing about a spark plug problem with ford trucks and they claimed to know nothing about it. I took my truck to my mechanic and the motor had to be replaced, this resulted in also a radiator split.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Automatic transmission › Torque converter
At only 70,000 miles the transmission needs to be replaced was never used for towing or pulling also several other problems with tie rod ends, back window leaking,valves claterring,tire wear 3 sets replaced, body panels rusting,step bumbers completly rusted away.
- Tires › Tread/belt
I purchased four goodyear wrangler atd 255/70r16 tires from sam's wholesale club. I have experienced irregular and excessive wear on outer edges of all four tires, causing vibration and handling problems. I have tried rotating, balanceing, and realignment of my truck. Nothing seems to help. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine coolant mixes with oil. *ak
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Failure of ball joint in steering linkage attaching passenger side front wheel to steering linkage. The result was loss of control of the passenger side front wheel. This occured on a straight stretch of highway. The part was original equipment and had not been damaged. The ball came out of the socket, a potentialy fatal flaw.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The truck's gas tank developed cracks and leaked gas. There's was a recall # 01v114000 for fuel tank cracks, but the vehicle identification number was outside the remedy scope. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Vehicle IS experiencing a fuel leakage. Consumer doesn't fill it up completely, only to the 3/4 mark. 2003 makes and models are currently on recall; however, this vehicle IS not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic
While stopping at a traffic light or a stop sign, the consumer had his foot on the brake pedal, the brake pedal suddenly went to the floorboard and the vehicle went forward, almost causing a collision. the consumer had taken the vehicle to the mechanic. after test driving the vehicle, the mechanic told the consumer that the problem was with the sensors. since then, the sensors were replaced. *ak *scc *jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Manufacturer installed a steel gauge inside of driver's side seat for better reclining position, and without prior warning seat collapsed. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and lines
My 1998 ford E-150 van has developed a problem with the transmission cooling lines going from the tran to the radiator. These lines were placed against the oil pan and the chassis of the vehicle when manufactured. The friction over the years has caused these lines to develope a leak. The warrenty…
My 1998 ford E-150 van has developed a problem with the transmission cooling lines going from the tran to the radiator. These lines were placed against the oil pan and the chassis of the vehicle when manufactured. The friction over the years has caused these lines to develope a leak. The warrenty that I brought from the dealership will not replace these lines, and ford motor company themself have shown no real interest in fixing this problem. I believe that the design should have been in search a way as to not have any type of presure rubbing against these lines. This could be a serious consumer safty issue if anyone IS killed are injured as a result of this problem with the 1998 E-150 conversion van. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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…
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 any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10022675Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
- 10018941Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
- 10008193Front brake pad wear.
- 6090542Information regarding front cover & water pump bolts-torque valve revision/3.8-4.2l. *Mjs
- 6090309Information regarding a change in the torque values of the engine front cover water pump bolts.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 6089651Subject on engine coolant leaking into the engine oil on some vehicles.
- 637519Some vehicles equipped with 4r70w transmission (driveshaft >70 inch) may exhibit a vibration / roughness on acceleration or under load at about 50-55 mph.
- 630271Some vehicles may exhibit accelerated front disc brake pad wear under extreme loading conditions.
- 630043Subject regarding exaggerated engine braking on deceleration.
- 622802Some vehicles equipped with 4r70w transmission (driveshaft >70 inch) may exhibit a driveline vibration / roughness on acceleration or under load at about 50 - 55 mph.
- 621035Some vehicles may exhibit rapid wear of the front brake pads (under 10,000 miles).
- 621016Information used when servicing, or replacing the CNG fuel fill valve on all dedicated and bi-fuel CNG vehicles.
- 615176Malfunction indicator lamp on, with p0300 - p0308 misfire diagnostic trouble codes with a 4.6L engine.
- 615164Some vehicles may exhibit rear axle noise.
- 615157Some vehicles may exhibit malfunction indicator light on with evaporative diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455 set.
- 613754Some vehicles equipped with the 4.2L engine may exhibit a vibration or boom, off idle between 870 - 900 rpms.
- 613265Subject regarding the availability of the fqr anti-lock braking system hydraulic control unit (abs-hcu) assemblies.
- 608422Concerns with the oil dipstick and / or pcv valve dislodging from the engine and / or engine oil leaking from dipstick tube.
- 607711Mil light on with evaporative dtc p0442, p0455
- 606484Concerns with engine coolant leaking into engine oil on some vehicles.
- 605804Experiencing difficulty diagnosing vehicles with evaporative fuel system diagnostic trouble codes.
- 603536Some vehicles with the 4.2L engine may exhibit a vibration or boom, off idle between 870-900 rpms.
- 603510Symptoms regarding p0300-p0308 misfire dtcs with 4.6L engines.
- 54069Experiencing difficulties with the malfunction indicator lamp (mil).
- 50553Electronic automatic temperature control (eatc) invalid diagnostic codes u1235 & 155 may be stored if the ignition switch IS cycled from 'off' to 'run' extremely slowly.
- 50552Information on vehicles that may exhibit a slight delay in the first drive away after the vehicle has been parked overnight, or for a longer period of time.
- 50541Concerns for the labor time standard in tbs 96-19-02 (steering - grunt noise during steering wheel return from full right turn) IS incorrect.
- 50540Concern where the door glass drops when cycled down on vehicles with the power door option.
- 50536Improper rtv application at the front/rear lower intake manifold end seals & side gaskets may cause an oil/coolant leak.
- 50534Light to moderate axle noise (axle whine) at 50 to 65 mph (80 to 105 kph) during accels, decels or cruise may be due to axle noise being transmitted from the axle into the vehicle.
- 50533Procedure for brake exterior lights stay on (tail & high mount stop light).
- 50532Procedure for brake warning indicator stays on red in cluster.
- 50531Push connection between the flexible fuel vapor line at the carbon canister & the metal fuel vapor line may not seat fully on the fuel vapor line.
- 50529Concern for vehicles exhibiting lean codes p0171 & p0174 (vacuum leak).
- 50506Procedure for vehicles equipped with an aode or 4r70w transmission has a concern of shudder from the transmission torque converter clutch in 3RD or 4TH gear or during 3-4 shift.
- 50502Information for air bag dtc b1813 observe the air bag lamp flash out code & perform the appropriate pinpoint test for the flash out code.
- 50499Information on ABS sensors returned for analysis are identified as 'no problem found'.
- 50493Information on stowing the spare tire stowage.
- 50492Information on replaced/repaired manual transmission under warranty and returned w/ signs of improper/lack of maintenance or misdiagnosis.
Every Ford E-150 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.