1998 Ford E-250
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E-250 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Ford E-250. 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-250. 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: 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.…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
16 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic
1998 ford econoline van 5.4L eng. ABS brakes: while applying brakes, the brake pedal responds with forceful back pressure to prohibit brakes from operating. operator then exerts excessive pressure to force braking, still yet vehicle brakes very sluggishly. operator notes that when the condition…
1998 ford econoline van 5.4L eng. ABS brakes: while applying brakes, the brake pedal responds with forceful back pressure to prohibit brakes from operating. operator then exerts excessive pressure to force braking, still yet vehicle brakes very sluggishly. operator notes that when the condition occurs, if he releases then re-applies brake pedal pressure the brakes tend to grab and try to lock up. operator has taken the van in for service, replaced the speed sensor on rear diff, problem went away for 2 days recurring there after. shop mgr states that the problem could be a dump valve causing malfunction. still investigating problem. vehicle mfr has recently sent a recall notice identifying desc # 09s09, speed control system modification. operator will be scheduling the service. more to follow on this subject. problem has been noted and continues to this day, dec 28 2010
- Engine and engine cooling
Spark plug blew out of head with threads in my 98 E250 with 92,000 well maintained miles on it. the cost IS yet to be determined. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
I received a recall notice to install a fused wiring harness for my brake light switch. I took it to the dealer in august and had the work done. now I have received another recall notice which states that fomoco "has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in a fused…
I received a recall notice to install a fused wiring harness for my brake light switch. I took it to the dealer in august and had the work done. now I have received another recall notice which states that fomoco "has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in a fused jumper harness the was installed in your vehicle when it was serviced." this appears to be a recall of the harness that was installed as part of the first recall. I called the local ford dealer and they were unaware of a second recall and said they had been waiting for months for the harnesses required for the first recall. since I still didn't know if there was a second recall I called fords toll free number and explained the situation. I was told to call the local dealer and give them my vin number. I have not done this yet since I already called them and didn't get an answer. this sounds like a very serious problem and I would like a correct answer. thanks. if they don't have the harnesses how can they do the repairs? why are they not aware of the second recall? why are the recalls not found on your nhtsa website? *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Ford econoline E250 HD - 1998 extended model; column gear shift will shift from park to gear without it going into gear and from gear to park without vehicle going into park but staying in gear. *Jb
- Electrical system
While driving 65 mph spark plug blew out. vehicle was towed to dealer, and problem was repaired. *Ak
- Unknown or other
While driving 30 mph, the spare tire cable broke. As a result the spare tire flew twenty-five feet in the air. No collision reported. Please provide additional information. *jb
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Power steering units may be cause of vehicle roll over problem.*mr *ts
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Rear door was not installed properly on my 1998 chinook motor home. this improper installation has resulted in extensive internal damage and left me without a safe closure for the vehicle. it was presented for repair and the dealer failed to make proper repairs to repair this poor factory…
Rear door was not installed properly on my 1998 chinook motor home. this improper installation has resulted in extensive internal damage and left me without a safe closure for the vehicle. it was presented for repair and the dealer failed to make proper repairs to repair this poor factory installation. both the manufaturer and dealer are not accepting responsibility for this structural failure that could result in people being ejected from the vehicle. Ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer states this vehicle IS experiencing problems with this vehicle similar to those stated in tsb 99-20-7. *slc
- Steering
While trying to switch lane steering went out.*ak
- Air bags › Side/window
Consumer was traveling about 55mph on highway and another vehicle veered into him. driver's side airbag didn't deploy.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Pe00040; tire tread separation; while driving about 65 mphtread on rear driver's side tire came off. driver was able to maintain control of vehicle. Tire equipment on a 1998, ford, E250. Tire mileage about 50,000, tire szie lt22575r16, and dot # vd1l1xd377. please provide any further information.*ak *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator · Seat belts › Front › Anchorage · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Steering · Steering › Rack and pinion · Suspension › Front
Vehicle experienced excessive play in steering wheel. Yh
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator · Seat belts · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Steering · Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar · Suspension › Front
Vehicle experiencing front end alignment problems causing poor directional control. (Attorney for client). nlm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Front brakes lock up, causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance which almost caused an accident. dealer replaced calipers/rotors and pads. dealer cannot determine problem. cause unknown. please provide further information. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- HVAC Switch Failures
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data…
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, ODI did not identify the existence of a safety defect trend.ODI reviewed 1,036 complaints, claims, and field reports of failed blower motor control switches and determined that only two fires were likely to have been caused by a failing subject blower motor control switch.This represents a failure rate of 0.2 R/100K on a population of 1,076,975 vehicles that have been in service for up to 14 years.ODI has found that when the subject switches do fail and begin to melt, they are constructed in a manner that typically prevents the failing switch from igniting and developing into an open flame.Ford Motor Company has agreed to take two actions to further reduce the likelihood an overheated blower motor switch in the subject vehicles.Ford informed ODI that it has implemented a series of design changes to the subject switch that will help prevent it from developing internal high resistance short circuits.Ford has also informed ODI that it would release a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-11-11-21) instructing subject vehicle owners to replace the electrical connector at the same time a failed switch is replaced.In light of the low rate of failure resulting in open flame and fire spread on the subject vehicles, and Ford's actions to reduce the likelihood of a switch failure through switch design changes and a TSB, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following (ODI) numbers: 10427875, 10114393, 10257890For additional information, see the attached closing report.
- 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.
- 10148820This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 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.
- 10004072A bump steer steering feeling, noted when the vehicle's front wheels/tires contact road surface irregularities.
- 10003149Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with no hard fault.
- 6092006Subject regarding tire balance hint.
- 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.
- 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.
- 630683Concerns with bump steer steering feeling noted when front wheels / tires contact road surface irregularities.
- 630150Some vehicles without front brake dust shields may exhibit premature wear of the front wheel bearings.
- 624689Some vehicles may exhibit a fuel fill valve sealing condition.
- 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.
- 620986Subject regarding overview of bi-fuel CNG vehicle parameter identification data (pid), inputs and outputs as a diagnostic aid for bi-fuel vehicles.
- 619273Some bi-fuel vehicles may exhibit a no start condition.
- 618568This bulletin involves fuel door label application / replacement.
- 616508Special field action regarding revised waranty information.
- 615279Some vehicles may exhibit brake rotor checking or signs of excessive heat build-up.
- 615198Some vehicles may exhibit brake rotor checking or signs of excessive heat build-up.
- 615176Malfunction indicator lamp on, with p0300 - p0308 misfire diagnostic trouble codes with a 4.6L engine.
- 613754Some vehicles equipped with the 4.2L engine may exhibit a vibration or boom, off idle between 870 - 900 rpms.
- 612791Vehicles without front dust shields may exhibit premature wear of the front wheel bearings due to damaged inner wheel bearing seals. *Mjs
- 608422Concerns with the oil dipstick and / or pcv valve dislodging from the engine and / or engine oil leaking from dipstick tube.
- 606839Addressing tire balance hints.
- 606484Concerns with engine coolant leaking into engine oil on some vehicles.
- 605593Some vehicles may experience boom / vibration noise off idle during acceleration and deceleration.
- 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.
- 603506Excessive white smoke. Verify glow plug operation by performing glow plug system operation check on the hard start/no start diagnostic sheet.
Every Ford E-250 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.