1998 Ford Econoline
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 46
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1998
Opened by NHTSA
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 46 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 10 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 22 |
| 1989 | 33 |
| 1990 | 30 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 86 |
| 1993 | 67 |
| 1994 | 132 |
| 1995 | 73 |
| 1996 | 81 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 46 |
| 1999 | 84 |
| 2000 | 39 |
| 2001 | 28 |
| 2002 | 23 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
22% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Vehicle speed control
17% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Show complaint excerpts
Intake valve gasket failed, causing coolant to enter cylinder and bend push rod. Motor has only 45,000 miles on it. Van had been driven under 500 miles in last six months.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-31
The engine block fills up with fuel, no warning, no indication that fuel will go over the motor. Drips on part of the engine torque. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-14
Tires
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
No description given. Nlm
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-09
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing filler pipe and cap and tank assembly.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2000-11-11Equipment00V284000 Vehicle description: bi-fuel cng pickup trucks and bi-fuel cng vans, modified by cfi control systems, inc., fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 303, "Fuel system integrity of…
Remedy: Owners will be provided a label with the required statement, along with instructions for affixing the label at the fuel filler door. Owner notification began November 2, 2000. Owners who take…
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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2008-02-18Vehicle speed control08V051000 Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 Econoline, my 1993-1995 Taurus SHO, my 1992-1998 Crown Victoria, my 1993 Bronco, F-Series, my 1995-1997 F-Series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Ford Econoline — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 00V284000 · Equipment
- Recall 08V051000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 Ford Econoline reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Ford Econoline is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford Econoline?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 Ford Econoline have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.