1998 Ford F Series
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 2 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 16 |
| 1996 | 16 |
| 1997 | 47 |
| 1998 | 20 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 41 |
| 2001 | 44 |
| 2002 | 34 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 4 |
| 2008 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I CURRENTLY HAVE A 1998 FORD F150 4.2L ENGINE THAT HAS 65000 MILES AND AM EXPERIENCING HEAD GASKET FAILURE. FORD MOCO STATS THERE IS NO TSP'S OR RECALLS REGUARDING THIS. I PULLED THE OWNERS NOTIFICATION 98B33 OFF YOUR WEB SITE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021219
Also filed under TIRES and EQUIPMENT
4 of 20 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
4 of 20 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
3 of 20 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing control module.
3 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
ACCELERATOR STICKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED IN COLD WEATHER. FORD WAS CONTACTED AND IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981230
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Ford F Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (4 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1998 Ford F Series reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Ford F Series?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Ford F Series have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.