Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1998 Ford F-250 Sd — 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.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 1 | 100% | ▼ down |
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.
“WHILE TRAVELING AT APROX. 25 MPH THE TIE ROD END ON THE RIGHT SIDE DISCONNECTED WITH NO WARNING CAUSING THAT TIRE TO TURN OUT WORD WITH THE OTHER STILL STRAIGHT. THEN IT HAPPENED TO THE OTHER SIDE WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT HAD HAPPENED DOING THE SAME…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Ford F-250 Sd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2008, 2017, 2012, 2007, 2023, 2015, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among F-250 Sd years belongs to 1998.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.