Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1998 Ford F-350 — 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. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
16
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
2
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 31% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 6% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 6% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Consequence
OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“NEW TIRES FIRST YEAR OF USE - JUST SHREDDED WHILE DRIVING - DIDNT GO FLAT - JUST EXPLODED AND WERE UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. (TIRESIZE: 225/75R16)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 225/75R16 )”
“WHEN CONSUMER DRIVES HE SMELLS DIESEL FUMES. HEADLIGHT AND INTERIOR LIGHTS HESITATE WHEN THEY ARE FIRST TURNED ON. TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT CORRECTLY. DRIVELINE HAS TOO MUCH SLACK. DOORS RATTLE. RUBBER TRIM AROUND BACK DOOR IS COMING OFF. HEATER SWITCH IS BAD. LOUD EXHAUST LEAK AFTER STARTING THE…”
“WHEN CONSUMER DRIVES HE SMELLS DIESEL FUMES. HEADLIGHT AND INTERIOR LIGHTS HESITATE WHEN THEY ARE FIRST TURNED ON. TRANSMISSION DOESN'T SHIFT CORRECTLY. DRIVELINE HAS TOO MUCH SLACK. DOORS RATTLE. RUBBER TRIM AROUND BACK DOOR IS COMING OFF. HEATER SWITCH IS BAD. LOUD EXHAUST LEAK AFTER STARTING THE…”
“TL*- THE CONTACT HAS A 1999 FORD F-350 AND NOTICED THAT THE OIL TANK WAS LEAKING. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING OUT ON THE ROAD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE CONTACT FOUND OUT THAT FORD WAS SPRAYING THE INNER-LINER OF THE TANK CAUSING IT TO MIX WITH THE FUEL AND CLOG THE FILTERS. THE…”
“DRIVER IS NOT ABLE TO SEE IF THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT IS BLINKING DURING THE DAY TIME AND VERY LITTLE DURING THE NIGHT TIME. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS. DEALERSHIP NOT ABLE TO SOLVE PROBLEM. *AK”
The record is thin — 16 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 (5 complaints), transmission (2 complaints), visibility & wipers (1 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Ford F-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.