Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 1998 Ford E Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
13
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 7 | 54% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 8% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 8% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 8% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 8% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TREAD SEPARATION (POSSIBLY DUE TO LACK OF ADHESION) AND BLOWOUT, CAUSING DAMAGE TO RIGHT SIDE OF MOTORHOME AND EXHAUST PIPE. TWO OUTSIDE STORAGE BINS WERE DAMAGED; MUD FLAP TORN LOOSE; WHEELWELL TRIM TORN LOOSE; BIN LIGHTS BROKEN; EXHAUST PIPE WAS BENT AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE; FIBERGLASS DAMAGE TO ONE…”
“DRIVER UNABLE TO READ SPEEDOMETER BECAUSE STEERING WHEEL BLOCKS VIEW, LOCATION OF INDICATOR CREATES POOR VISIBILITY. YH”
“I HAVE NOT HAD AN "INCIDENT" WITH MY 1998 FORD EXPEDITION, BUT I AM SCARED SENSELESS HAVING READ THE MANY REPORTS BY OWNERS WHO HAVE. I HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS AGES 3 AND 7 WHO RIDE DAILY IN OUR FAMILY VEHICHLE. I AM URGING YOU TO CONSIDER A MANDATORY RECALL ON EXPEDITIONS WITH SIMILAR CRUISE CONTROL…”
“COMPLAINTS THAT THE PASSANGER SEAT IS MOUNTED TO CLOSE TO THE DASH. IF THE AIR BAG WOULD DEPLOY THE PASSANGER WOULD BE INJURED SERIOUSLY.”
The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (7 complaints), transmission (1 complaints), latches & locks (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Ford E Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.