VehicleVerdict

1998 Ford Ranger transmission problems

The 1998 Ford Ranger has 68 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

68

Transmission complaints

9%

Share of year

6

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

99V204000TransmissionJuly 28, 1999 · 326 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE PARK DETENT SPRING MISALIGNED. IF THE SPRING IS MISALIGNED, THE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence

IF THE PARK MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATOR HAS NOT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE AS IF IN NEUTRAL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE AND ANY WITH MISALIGNED PARK DETENT SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.

What owners report

1998 FORD RANGER, DRIVE SHAFT BROKE ON VEHICLE. *BF AFTER THE DRIVE SHAFT BROKE, IT WENT THROUGH THE GAS TANK CAN CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-0294-89 UPDATED 05/03/10 *BF UPDATED 05/24/10 *BF THE REAR AXLE PINION FROZE, THE DRIVE SHAFT TWISTED AND BROKE IN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 10, 2009 · fire

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 1998 Ford Ranger have?

NHTSA has 68 complaints about the 1998 Ford Ranger transmission — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 1998 Ford Ranger transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 99V204000.

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.