1998 Ford Club Wagon problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 35 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 17.5 times the median Club Wagon year — the 1998 model ranks #2 of 25 Club Wagon years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (29% of the total).
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Club Wagon years?
What are the most common 1998 Ford Club Wagon problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 29% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 9% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ALUMINUM HEAD FAILURE, SPARK PLUGS BLEW OUT OF HEAD AT 60 MPH--MILD EXPLOSION, ENGINE SHUTDOWN AT SPEED--COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL REAR END ACCIDENT IF IT HAD HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DAY HOURS, BUT IT WAS AT 3 AM---FAILURE STILL NOT FIXED AFTER 2 FULL WEEKS, DEALER IS FAMILY FORD, CARLISLE PA.---THEY…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL BECAME STUCK IN THE ON POSITION, RAISING THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE TO OVER 90 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND COASTED TO A REST AREA. A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP WAS CONSULTED, WHO DISCONNECTED THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AT THE…”
“TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED WITH NO WARNING OR INDICATION (EVEN THE BRAKE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE). I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH STOPPED VEHICLES SLOWLY BUT COULD NOT GET ANY BRAKE RESPONSE, CAUSING A CRASH AND THEN PUSHING UNTIL THREE OTHER VEHICLES WOULD BE HIT. *AK”
“VAN IS ON 2ND ENGINE&TORQUE CONVERTER.HAS VIBRATION @ ALL SPEEDS.PULLS HARD LEFT. ANY SORT OF ROUGH ROAD & YOU THINK YOU WILL LOSE CONTROL. VIBRATES SO BAD FRONT DOORS ARE EATING IN TO BODY. HAS TERRIBLE SMELL VENTILATION & HEATING SYSTEM. WHAT A HUNK OF JUNK !!!”
“WHEN MAKING A SHARP LEFT TURN THE WHEEL RUBS AGAINST THE TORSION BAR. THE DEALER / MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK”
1998 Ford Club Wagon — common questions
Is the 1998 Ford Club Wagon reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 1998 model at #2 of 25 Club Wagon years. It is one of the Club Wagon years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 Club Wagon problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), speed control (5 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).
Does the 1998 Ford Club Wagon have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford Club Wagon.
Which Ford Club Wagon years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Club Wagon years to avoid are 1997, 1998. The cleanest record among Club Wagon years belongs to 1984.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.