1998 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Ranger › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1998 Ford Ranger. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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 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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
576 complaints66 involved a crash29 involved a fire40 injuries7 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
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 · Unknown or other
The rear of the frame rusted causing the bumper to hang off. It will fall off if not addressed
- Structure › Body
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
Frame IS rotted out
- Electrical system · Power train · Suspension
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 · Suspension
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…
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 · Vehicle speed control
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 · Suspension
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
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 · Unknown or other
"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
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
Extremely rusted car frame
- Structure › Frame and members
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…
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
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
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
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
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
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
The rear frame of the truck fell apart rusted away
- Service brakes
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.…
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 bags
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 bags · Exterior lighting · Structure › Body
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…
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 bags
Any any??you tell me remember?
- Unknown or other
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.
- Exterior lighting · Steering
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
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steering knuckle separations
There is no summary currently available
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.
- 10017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD.
- 10014096Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013414Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10008587Driveshaft-thump/clunk heard on light acceleration from a stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008552Rear leaf spring noise.
- 10008311Frame mounted front bumper brackets service kit.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008280Thump/clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop on certain 4X4 super cab equipped with automatic transmission and steel driveshaft.
- 10004908Clicking/popping noise from upper steering column area when turning. 2004 e series and explorer sport trac also included.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002516Driveshaft - thump/clunk heard on light acceleration from a stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10002479Thump type noise/vibration heard on light acceleration from a stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10001922Fluid may leak out of the front axle vent tube.
- 10000592Incorrectly installed gear driven camshaft position (cmp) sensor synchronizer assemblies causing surge, lost of power, malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes p1336, p1309 and p0340.
- 6092037Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak sound while opening or closing the front or rear (4DR) door(s).
- 6091965Subject regarding engine hotline phone numbers.
- 6091931Some vehicles may exhibit an engine noise which may be perceived by the customer as a piston / connecting rod bearing knock.
- 6091919Some vehicles may exhibit an internal low end noise that IS described as a diesel and / or marbels in a tin can rattle.
- 6091846Experiencing windnoise at the top of the door glass seal / weatherstrip molding area.
- 6091767Vehicles with limited slip / traction-lok rear axles may exhibit a chatter noise while turning.
- 6091761Concerns with the in-dash cd stops operating when hot / radio display reads cd too hot.
- 6091736Some vehicles may exhibit a high pitched squeal or whistle type noise from the front end at speeds from 10 mph to 40 mph.
- 6091721Some vehicles may exhibit a sag in the rear end.
- 6091678Some 4.0L ohv engines may exhibit an internal low engine noise that IS described as a diesel and / or marbles in a tin can rattle.
- 6091671Some vehicles may exhibit a sag in the rear end.
- 6091663Some vehicles with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an internal low end noise that IS described as a diesel and / or marbles in a tin can rattle.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090799Vehicles equipped with 4.0L ohv engine and manual transmission may exhibit a squawk noise from the clutch on take off.
- 6090765Exhibiting an internal low end noise that IS described as a diesel and / or marbles in a tin can rattle.
- 6090720Some vehicles may exhibit windnoise heard from the cowl / windshield area.
- 6090714Some vehicles equipped with 2.5L manual transmissions may exhibit a high engine idle condition on deceleration or when disengaging the clutch.
- 6090699Vehicles with the 4.0L ohv engine may exhibit an internal low end noise that IS described as a diesel and / or marbles in a tin can rattle.
- 6090641Information regarding windnoise from windshield/cowl area. *Mjs
- 6090636Information regarding slow return to idle. *Mjs
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.