1998 Ford F Series problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.7 times the median F Series year — the 1998 model ranks #6 of 35 F Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (7), electrical system (4), and fuel system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
32
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other F Series years?
What are the most common 1998 Ford F Series problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 22% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 4 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 4 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS TOWING AN ULTRA LIGHT CAMPING TRAILER WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED WHEN I SMELLED WHAT APPEARED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THEN THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY FAILED . I REPLACED THE ENTIRE ENGINE AT A COST OF $ 4000.00 AND HAVE HAD AT LEAST 10 MORE INSTANCES WHERE THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING…”
“I HAVE HAD 3 TIRE FAILURES DUE TO VALVE STEM FAILURE. ALL THREE TIMES WE WERE GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND HAD SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE. THIS RESULTED IN REPLACING TWO TIRES ON 2 VEHICLES AND REPLACING STEMS ON THE REMAINING 6 TIRES. BOTH VEHICLES HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON ABOUT THE SAME TIME AT THE…”
“I HAD THE TRUCK ON A LIFT TO CHECK FOR A NOISE FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE. I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP WAS RUSTED THRU AND THE TANK WAS LOOSE. HAD TO MAKE A TEMPORARY REPAIR. I CHECKED THE VIN ON THE FORD WEBSITE AND THE INFORMATION WAS THERE WAS NO RECALL. *TR”
“THE ANTI- THEFT ALARM GOES OFF FOR NO REASON AT ALL HOURS FOR NO REASON. ROGERS FORD HCHECKED IT & COULDN'T GET IT TO GO OFF. I TOLD THEM THEY COULDN'T MAKE IT GO OFF. IT DOES IT WHENEVER. IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR TWO YEARS NOW & IT'S A REAL PAIN IN THE NECK. I SEE I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TO COMPLAIN…”
“PAINT SHOWING CROWSFOOT ALL OVER THE BODY, THIS VEHICLE CAME FROM KANSAS CITY PLANT WHERE THERE WAS A FAULT WITH THE PAINTING EQUIPMENT( A FACTORY DEFECT). FORD ASWELL AS THE DEALERSHIP ( FRANKLIN FORD,FRANKLIN N.C.)WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT. I NEED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS EQUIPMENT FAULT, CAN…”
1998 Ford F Series — common questions
Is the 1998 Ford F Series reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 1998 model at #6 of 35 F Series years. It is one of the F Series years to avoid.
What are the most common 1998 F Series problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).
Does the 1998 Ford F Series have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Ford F Series.
Is the 1998 Ford F Series under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford F Series years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.
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.