1998 FORD RANGER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
744
Owner Complaints
11
Recalls
72
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 1998 FORD RANGER
The 1998 FORD RANGER has received a total of 744 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 11 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. 72 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Tires (83 complaints), Vehicle Speed Control (51 complaints), and Tirestreadbelt (47 complaints).
Recalls for the 1998 FORD RANGER
NHTSA has recorded 11 recalls for the 1998 FORD RANGER, potentially affecting up to 32,091,959 vehicles.
Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 42,540 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
View full details →Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 16,270 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
View full details →Recall 07V336000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 3,600,000 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON...
View full details →Recall 06E056000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
| 58,640 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
View full details →Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 61,944 vehicles affected
Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
View full details →Recall 01X001000 — TIRES:TREAD/BELT
| 13,000,000 vehicles affected
Defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: FORD IS REPLACING ALL FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT 15, 16, AND 17 INCH TIRES MOUNTED ON FORD TRUCKS AND SUVS. FORD REPORTS TREAD SEPARATION CAN OCCUR DUE TO A COMBINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF THE TIRE...
Consequence: SHOULD THE TREAD SEPARATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON MARCH 31, 2002. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-877-917-3673 OR GO ON-LINE TO WWW.FORD.COM FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
View full details →Recall 00T005000 — TIRES:TREAD/BELT
| 14,400,000 vehicles affected
Defect: TIRE DESCRIPTION: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS AT, SIZE P235/75R15, PRODUCED AT THE DECATUR, ILLINOIS TIRE PLANT AND ALL FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX AND RADIAL ATX II TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. OPERATION OF THESE TIRES AT LOW INFLATION PRESSURES, HIGH SPEED, AND IN HOT WEATHER, CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SEPARATION OF THE TIRE TREAD.
Consequence: IF THE TREAD SEPARATES FROM THE TIRE, THE DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH CAUSING INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: THE REPLACEMENT/REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON AUGUST 29, 2001. HOWEVER, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-465-1904 FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
View full details →Recall 99V204000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 326 vehicles affected
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.
View full details →Recall 99V062001 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 898,739 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L,...
Consequence: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
View full details →Recall 98V021000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
| 11,500 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH OFF-ROAD OPTION. THE TIRE AND RIM IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION IS INCORRECT ON THESE VEHICLES. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence: THE 16" TIRES COULD NOT BE INFLATED ON THE SPECIFIED 15X7.0J RIM.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A SAFETY CERTIFICAITON LABEL PARTIAL OVERLAY WHICH WILL CONTAIN THE CORRECT RIM SIZE, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THIS LABEL TO THE VEHICLE. IF AN OWNER SO DESIRES, THEIR FORD DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM.
View full details →Recall 97V186001 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 2,000 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES. THE FLEXIBLE SECTION OF THE CHASSIS MOUNTED FUEL LINE THAT CONNECTS TO THE ENGINE WAS ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE LINE COULD CONTACT THE MANIFOLD.
Consequence: THIS COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSE A FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL CLIP TO HOLD THE FUEL LINE IN THE INTENDED DESIGN POSITION.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 1998 FORD RANGER
744 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 FORD RANGER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW, I HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BUT NOW MY FRAME IS IN BAD, BAD, BAD RUSTING CONDITION AND MY MECHANIC SAID IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 82,000 MILES ON IT!!! TOYOTA STOOD BEHIND THEIR FRAMES WHY ISN'T FORD?
THE REAR OF THE FRAME RUSTED CAUSING THE BUMPER TO HANG OFF. IT WILL FALL OFF IF NOT ADDRESSED
THE REAR OF THE FRAME RUSTED CAUSING THE BUMPER TO HANG OFF. IT WILL FALL OFF IF NOT ADDRESSED
REAR FRAME EXCESSIVE RUSTING. SPARE TIRE CARRIER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING. ONE SIDE OF BUMPER FELL OFF. NOTICED WHEN I STEPPED ON IT
FRAME IS ROTTED OUT
Safety Rating for the 1998 FORD RANGER
NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 FORD RANGER in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 FORD RANGER
Ford Motor Company has issued 72 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 FORD RANGER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
17254 — STEERING
CLICKING/POPPING NOISE FROM UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING. 2004 E SERIES AND EXPLORER SPORT TRAC ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
02221 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE-GEAR DRIVEN SYNCHRONIZERS-INCORRECT INSTALLATION-CAMSHAFT POSITION SYNCHRONIZER (CMP) INSTALLATION TOOL CORRECT APPLICATION. *MJ
02192 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
DRIVESHAFT-THUMP/CLUNK HEARD ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP.
15226 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.0L OHV ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE NOISE THAT MAY BE PERCEIVED BY THE CUSTOMER A S ADIESEL TYPE NOISE AND IS KNOWN AS MARBLE NOISE. *TT
15227 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
SOME EV VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A/C INOPEATIVE OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES RELATED TO A/C SYSTEM. *TT
15147 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BRAKE PEDAL VIBRATION AND/OR STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT,NOISE,OR BRAKE GRAB/LOCKUP . *ET
01118 — EQUIPMENT
SUBJECT REGARDING NEW VERSION 3.0 DIAGNOSTIC SOPTWARE AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN E.V. VEHICLES. *TT
011111 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SOME 4X4 SUPER CAB VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LOW FREQUENCY DRIVESHAFT THUMP TYPE NOISE / VIBRATION ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP, AND / OR WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING. *TT
14547 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SURGE, HESITATION OR ROUGH IDLE OR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON W/ DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171, P0172, P0174, AND P0175. *JB
14366 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT SPARK KNOCK (PING) UNDER ACCELERATION. *JB
Showing 10 of 72 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 FORD RANGER
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the FORD RANGER
- 1993 FORD RANGER — 272 complaints
- 1994 FORD RANGER — 531 complaints
- 1995 FORD RANGER — 451 complaints
- 1996 FORD RANGER — 533 complaints
- 1997 FORD RANGER — 536 complaints
- 1998 FORD RANGER (current)
- 1999 FORD RANGER — 966 complaints
- 2000 FORD RANGER — 849 complaints
- 2001 FORD RANGER — 684 complaints
- 2002 FORD RANGER — 449 complaints
- 2003 FORD RANGER — 310 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD EXPLORER — 42,140 total complaints
- FORD ESCAPE — 34,654 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD TAURUS — 23,867 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints